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43
Measles.
As in former years no reliable data can be obtained for making
any accurate estimate as to the number of cases of this disease
that occurred during 1908. In the future, owing to the systematic
inspection of the children attending the public schools having at
last been undertaken, it may reasonably be hoped that not only
will more definite information be obtained as to the number of
cases arising, but practical benefit will result in much reducing
the total by detecting and isolating children found to be suffering
from the disease.
There is good reason to think that Measles was not so prevalent
during the year as during 1907. No definite outbreak was
recorded and no special precautions had at any time to be adopted.
The number of deaths registered as being caused by the disease
was four compared with seven in the previous year, a satisfactory
decrease in the mortality from a disease that always causes far
more deaths that necessary.
Whooping.cough.
Unfortunately, Whooping.cough caused an exceptionally heavy
mortality during the year. 16 deaths were due to this disease,
all being young children aged less than five years. Seven of those
who died from it were aged less than 12 months. Beyond excluding
children from school when they are found to be suffering
from this disease, practically nothing can be done to deal with it
by sanitary administration. The heavy mortality is probably due
to proper medical skill not having been obtained soon enough.
Scarlet Fever.
98 cases of Scarlet Fever were notified during the year, the
majority of the patients being children under 15 years of age.
This number is greater by 18 than the total last year, but the
increase can almost entirely be accounted for by an outbreak that
occurred in Gordon House, an industrial school situated in 1sle.
worth but under the administrative and sanitary control of the
London County Council.