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45
WHOOPING COUGH.
This affection was far more prevalent than during the
previous year, and was the cause of 32 deaths, as compared
with 7 during 1908. The whole of the 32 deaths occurred
in children under the age of five years. In connection with
both this disease and Measles, a printed form is sent to the
address of every known case, pointing out the serious nature
of these affections, and urging the necessity for isolation and
careful nursing. The majority of mothers appear to consider
these diseases to be of quite a trivial nature, and children
suffering from them are rarely confined to bed or even to the
room, but are allowed to run about the house, exposed to cold,
with the result that some Respiratory complication generally
d ivelopes, such as Pneumonia or Bronchitis, which in young
children often proves fatal.
A glance at the diagram on page 16 shows how much
more frequently Measles and Whooping Cough figure as
causes of death than diseases such as Scarlet Fever and
Diphtheria, which are always treated as serious affections and
receive much more care and attention.
MUMPS.
This affection was exceedingly prevalent, especially during
the latter part of the year, and practically all parts of the
Borough were affected. 316 cases were reported from the
Council's Schools, although this by no means represents the
total number of cases which must have occurred. Although
very infectious and difficult to control, the disease is practically
never fatal and during the past year no deaths were reported
from this cause.