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5
The proportion amongst adults is again very small giving
further confirmation to the statement that Scarlet Fever is not
a disease of adult life, and every additional year to a child's
life diminishing its probability of falling a victim, this should
encourage all to persevere in their efforts to check the spread
of the disease by isolation and other means.
In September and October an increase in the number of
patients whose removal was necessary occured, making the
number of patients in the hospital very near the maximum
accommodation provided. One of the hospital tents was prepared
for use if necessary, but a decrease taking place, happily
the provision was not needed.
In several instances desquamation had commenced before
medical aid was procured.
In all cases of infectious disease of children attending
school the Head Master or Mistress is notified, and all children
from the same house prohibited from attendance until some
time after the rooms, clothing, etc., has been disinfected.
Sixty cases were notified during the year, and seven deaths
registered, against forty-one last year, and six deaths. Several
of the cases were imported from other districts, and four cases
were notified from Atkinson Morley's Hospital, to which
institution they had been sent from St. George's Hospital,
London. The cases and deaths were divided among the age
periods as follows:—0 to 5 years, nineteen cases and four
deaths; 5 to 15 years, thirty-one cases and three deaths; 15
to 25 years, four cases no deaths; 25 to 35 years, four cases
no deaths; 35 to 45 years, two cases no deaths. The great
increase of Diphtheria in its prevalence and fatality is a matter
of serious importance. An increase has taken place in the
Metropolis and Suburbs generally, but not quite to the same
extent as in Wimbledon. Undoubtedly the absence of hospital
Diphtheria.