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10
This year's return shews an increase in comparison with
the previous year of 36 cases.
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 1909. 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 may 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 1908. 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 the disease
that always causes far more deaths than necessary.
Whooping Cough.
Whooping Cough accounted for six deaths, all of which
were under 5 years of age, and each case was attended by
complications such as broncho-pneumonia or convulsions.
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.
Scarlet Fever.
One hundred and two cases were recorded during the
year as compared with 72 for the preceding year; of these 27
took place in the South Ward, 23 in the East Ward, 43 in the
West Ward, and 9 in the Central Ward. Out of 102 cases
notified, 17 were removed from the South Ward to the Isolation
Hospital, 20 from the East Ward, and 7 from the Central
Ward, and 1 to a London Hospital.
The number of cases notified was 30 in excess of last year.
Diphtheria.
The number of cases notified amounted to 30 as compared
with 16 in the preceding year. Five cases terminated fatally,