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28
In spite of the relatively enormous increase in the number
of cases of Diphtheria notified, there was only one death. The
case mortality for the district is, therefore, only 1-3 per cent.
1 attribute part of the increase in the notifications of Diphtheria
to local circumstances which have resulted in the notification of
more cases than formerly on bacteriological grounds alone, and
also to an increasing desire to obtain for cases of non-specific
but infective sore throat the advantage of hospital treatment.
One member of the Hospital Staff contracted Erysipelas in
performance of her duties, and it is this case which is tabulated
as "removed to Hospital."
In Table IV. the cause of deaths during 1901 are set
forth with the ages at which death occurred.
It will be noticed that no deaths occurred from Measles,
and only one from Whooping Cough. Fifteen fatal cases of
Diarrhoea in infants are recorded, as against 5 in 1900, but there
is reason to believe that this is due to increased accuracy of
certification and classification. "Zymotic enteritis" is now more
generally recognized as an entity than was the case a few
years ago.
Nineteen deaths were recorded as due to Phthisis. This
number is twice as great as in 1900, and considerably greater
than the average number of the last 6 years.
This, alone (and there are corroborative facts), seems to
shew that the disease is increasing, rather than diminishing,
locally. It is interesting, therefore, to remember that my
predecessor, Dr. Adams, was in the habit of pointing out how
the Phthisis mortality of Barnes fell as the ground water sank;
and that, in the opinion of Mr. Tomes, the Surveyor, the level of
the ground water has lately risen appreciably.