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English Cholera (20 occurring in infants under five years of age, and one in a person of
65 years of age) and one from Puerperal Fever.
A few remarks are necessary upon some of the above diseases.
Measles was little prevalent throughout the year, except towards the close,
when an outbreak occurred in the Common District, which necessitated the closing of
the Schools in that district.
Scarlet Fever was somewhat prevalent during the month of October, the
cases not being confined to any particular part, but scattered over the whole district.
Ten cases were being treated at the Cottage Hospital during this month; the
desirability for the removal of each was thoroughly enquired into, the houses subsequently
fumigated and disinfected; and no further spread of the disease occurred.
Whooping Cough was the cause of 8 deaths, all of children under 5 years of
age. These all occurred during the first half year, the majority having some secondary
complication, such as Pulmonary Disease or Convulsions, which was the immediate
cause of death.
Enteric Fever was the cause of two deaths, although 11 cases of this disease
were notified under the act. Four cases were removed to Hospital; the water supply
was in each case examined and disinfection carried out wherever necessary.
In addition to the above diseases, there were 21 deaths certified as being due to
Diarrhoea, or Choleraic Diarrhoea. All occurred towards the end of July and the beginning
of A ugust, and were of children under 5 years of age. At this season the weather
was very hot and dry. The question why Diarrhoea is so prevalent and fatal, especially in
infants, in hot summers, has long been under the consideration of medical authorities.
It is the general assumption that it is due to the existence of a germ, which develops into
activity when a certain temperature is attained, and finding admission into the system
through the stomach or lungs multiplies there, generating a poison which is the immediate
cause of the disease. The mucous membrane of the intestinal canal seems peculiarly
to bear the stress of all accidental putridities which enter the system, whether they have
been breathed, drunk, or eaten. Among other causes that very often occasion Diarrhoea,
though not always fatal Diarrhoea, are temporary faults of diet, habitual improper food
(especially as regards infants and very young children). Various other personal
influences also contribute to the total number of cases of Diarrhoea.
Inquests.—Thirteen Inquests have been held during the year, the verdicts
returned as to the cause of death being:—
9 Accidental:
1 Asphyxia, from flexure of neck during unconsciousness.