London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
East Ham 1904
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Ham]
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The following table shows the case mortality for the past nine years:—
| Year. | Population. | Cases. | Deaths. | Case Mortality. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1894 | 45.500 | 40 | 7 | 17.50 per cent. |
| 1895 | 50,000 | 39 | 7 | 17.94 „ |
| 1896 | 55.000 | 56 | 8 | 14.28 „ |
| 1897 | 60,000 | 50 | 8 | 16.00 ,, |
| 1898 | 70,000 | 79 | 10 | 12.65 „ |
| 1899 | 88,000 | 92 | 16 | 17.39 „ |
| 1900 | 92,000 | 156 | 20 | 12.82 „ |
| 1901 | 96,000 | 159 | 17 | 10.69 „ |
| 1902 | 104,000 | 157 | 22 | 14.01 „ |
| 1903 | 110,451 | 66 | 15 | 22.72 „ |
| 1904 | 116,902 | 59 | 14 | 23.72 „ |
Only five cases occurred in North Woolwich Ward during
the year. In the other three Wards the disease was about equally
divided, and, with the exception of the autumn months, was
distributed generally over the whole year.
In several cases the disease was traced to have originated
outside the Borough, and in one case the patient had been bathing
in the Thames near the Northern Sewer Outfall Works and
had swallowed a quantity of water.
In every case that has occurred the strictest investigation of
the drainage of the houses has been carried out by the Sanitary
Inspectors.
Drains and sanitary appliances were tested, and where defects
were discovered means taken to remedy them.
I have visited the houses in addition to the Inspectors with a
view to ascertain the origin of the disease.
37 cases were removed to the Borough Hospital, resulting in
six deaths, or a case mortality of 16 per cent.
22 cases were treated at home, resulting in eight deaths,
being equal to a case mortality of 36 per cent.
The following Table shows the number of cases for five years,
1900-4, and Ward comparisons:—