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42
SMALL POX.
No case of this disease has occurred since 1904.
SCARLATINA OR SCARLET FEVER.
Six hundred and thirty-five cases of this disease were notified during
the year, compared with 815 in 1907, 809 in 1906, 756 in 1905, and
527 in 1904.
Compared with 1907, there was a considerable diminution in numbers,
with a marked decline in death-rate.
The disease was pretty equally distributed over all the Wards, and
the incidence rate varied but slightly for the different months.
The attack rate for the District was under 5 per 1,000: the highest
rate for any Ward was 7 in the Northern, and the lowest was 8.2 for the
High Street.
The increased rate for the Northern Ward was due to a slight outbreak
towards the end of the year at the Selwyn Avenue Schools, and
is dealt with under Elementary Schools.
The number of cases notified from each Ward and the number
removed to Hospital are given on the preceding page.
The deaths resulting from Scarlet Fever were 11, and the death-rate
was 08 per 1,000 of the population.
The number of deaths compared with the numbers attacked was 1 in
58, or 1.7 per cent. of the whole.
The proportion of deaths to attacks is considerably greater in those
under than over five years of age, and as years go by a complete
immunity for most people seems to ensue.
The necessity and importance of safe-guarding young children from
Scarlatina is not only evident from the death-rate, but may be seen from
the Sanatorium Report of dr. Gallatly, where she records a formidable
list of complications arising out of Scarlet Fever.
It would be well if parents could but realise that mild cases of
Scarlet Fever are responsible for many damaged hearts and kidneys
and permanent deafness, as well as for the maintenance and spreading
of the disease.