View report page

10
This year's returns shews a decrease in comparison with
the previous year of 27 cases.
Measles.
The number of deaths under this heading were four.
Owing to its great infectivity at the earliest period, before any
characteristic symptoms are present, isolation is impossible.
It is one of the diseases from which practically everyone
suffers, and the earlier it is contracted the milder its course,
as a rule.
Whooping Cough
Whooping cough accounted for four deaths, all of which
were under 5 years of age, three of which were 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. .
Sixty-five cases were recorded during the year, as compared
with 102 for the preceding year; of these 29 took place
in the South Ward, 16 in the East Ward, 46 in the West
Ward, and 18 in the Central Ward. Out of 65 cases notified,
18 were removed from the South Ward to the Isolation
Hospital, 8 from the East Ward, and 7 from the Central
Ward, and 26 from the West Ward.
The number of cases notified was 37 less than last year.
Diphtheria.
The number of cases notified amounted to 31 as compared
with 30 in the preceding year. Three cases terminated fatally.
Otherwise the method of dealing with the disease was exactly
similar to previous years, viz., the examination gratis of swabs
taken from the affected part and free distribution of AntiDiptheric
Serum to persons considered unable to pay for it.
The use thereof undoubtedly had the effect of deterring the
spread of the disease and effecting cures.
Arrangements are now being made for the reception of a
limited number of diphtheria cases at the Isolation Hospital;
this is referred to more fully under the section relating to the
Isolation Hospital.
Inquests.
During the past year 22 inquests have been held. The
findings of the juries were as follows :—