London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Tottenham 1902

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Tottenham District]

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Table 1a(contd.):— 1902.

Jan.Feb.Mar.AprilMayJuneJulyAug.Sept.
Cases404411581129391572
Deaths359122411300

This makes a total of 525 cases of Small Pox that have occurred
from the 28th August, 1901, to the present time. The total number of
deaths during the same period was 74, giving a percentage mortality
of 14.009. the greatest number of deaths occurring in May, and no
deaths at all in August or September.

Cases and Deaths from Small Pox at Different Ages during Table 1b. Tottenham Epidemic.

Under 1.1 to 5.5 to 10.10 to 30.30 and upwards.
Cases245862227154
Deaths613132022

It will be seen from the above that the mortality from
Small Pox in Tottenham, though rather h gh, has not been excessive,
and, indeed, compares favourably with that of one epidemic of which
I have had previous personal experience (Gloucester 1895—6), in which
the death rate was nearly 25 per cent., though not so favourably with
that of another in which I also took a practical part (the London
Epidemic cf 1892—3), when the death rate did not amount to 10
per cent.
******
With regard to the important question of the spread of infection
from the Small Pox Hospital to neighbouring houses, I am pleased to
be able to inform you that in only one instance was their question of
any such air borne infection from the Down Lane Hospital, and I have
satisfied myself by careful personal enquiries that the infection reached
the house in question not from the Local Small Pox Hospital, but
through the contact of one of its inmates with a fellow-workman in the
City.
******
The Cost of the Epidemic.
The approximate cost of the epidemic was £10,071, of which the
patients at South Mimms cost about £1000, and the building, tents,
etc., £6,000, leaving a balance of rather more than £3000 spent on themaintenance
of the Small Pox Hospital and the salaries of its staff.