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—diseases more controllable, and less fatal in their results—and yet
hesitate to spend a few hundreds yearly in checking the ravages of
Measles and Whooping Cough. We accept cheerfully the larger
burden through fear or pressure, and we fail to grapple with a greater
danger, because the public has become so familiar with these diseases
that they have come to be regarded as inevitable, and of little moment.
Nothing is further from the truth.
These diseases are peculiarly those of childhood. Of the 76 deaths
recorded, 30 were of children under one year, and 43 between one and
five years of age. These deaths are the known result, but how much
serious permanent injury has been inflicted on those who have recovered
it is impossible to say. Certainly it is very great, judging by the history
usually given by mothers of those children found physically or mentally
defective. "My child has never been the same since it has had the
Measles or Whooping Cough," is the commonly told story.
Deaths from these diseases occur principally among the children of
the poor, owing to want of early treatment and a correct appreciation
on the part of the parents of the seriousness of the diseases.
During the year 716 visits have been paid to homes attacked, and
while it is to be hoped that these visits were productive of much good,
one cannot but feel that the work was too limited for a district with
25,000 school children.
Were first cases immediately dealt with, and home visits to our
poorer people kept up with advice as to appropriate treatment, many
deaths could be obviated.
A trained nurse as Health Visitor, devoting the whole of her time to
this and kindred work, would be a good Public Health investment as
well as an asset to the Education Authority.
The death-rate from Measles was .22, and that for Whooping Cough
.33 per 1,000 of the population.
The death-rate from Measles was one-half; that of Whooping Cough
slightly in excess of the corresponding rate for the "76 Large Towns."
The fatality from Measles was greatest in the first two quarters of
the year, and from Whooping Cough in the two last.