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16
Report of the Medical Officer of Health on the prevalence
of Diarrhcea.
This disease is included in the seven principal Zymotic
diseases, and as a rule causes a greater mortality than any other.
It is not infectious in the ordinary sense of the term, and
therefore not notifiable.
The Death-rate is said to decrease in districts where the
water supplies and drainage are improved, so that it can in a great
measure be controlled by an efficient sanitary administration. In
this district a hot, dry summer, with a continuous high temperature,
seems to me to be the most potent cause; this, together with
improper feeding and maternal neglect, is accountable for the high
mortality.
Diarrhcea generally commences in June, increases during July
and August, again falling rapidly throughout September and
October, and the increase or decrease fluctuates in different years
according to the temperatures. Thus the summer of 1893 was
characterised by early, long-continued heat, and that of 1894 was
an exceptionally cold and uncongenial one. The heat of the
summer of 1897, until after the first week of August, was abnormal,
and was the immediate cause of the excessive diarrhceal mortality
which prevailed throughout August.
In 1893 there were 36 cases during July, August, and
September.
In 1894 there were 19 cases during July, August, and
September, out of a population of 45,500.
In 1897 there were 63 cases during July, August, and
September, out of a population of 60,000.