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117
INFECTIOUS DISEASES.
During the year the incidence of Infectious Diseases was lower
than it has been for several years, Whooping Cough being the exception.
Measles, Whooping Cough, Diarrhoea, and Diphtheria still remain
the chief "killing" diseases of young life. Mortality from Diphtheria
can now be wiped out entirely, as and when the people desire it, by
the simple method of immunisation. The prevention of Measles, and
to a somewhat less degree of certainty, of Whooping Cough, is now
being practised. Whilst it cannot be said that these two diseases can
be prevented to the same degree as Diphtheria, the serious complications
which cause death can be, and have been, in a very large number of
cases, prevented.
Deaths from Diarrhoea have shown a slight decrease from 39 in
1934, to 25 in 1935. One will expect to find a still greater decrease,
as and when the home conditions of the people are bettered.
SMALLPOX.
During the year under review no cases were notified. The number of
cases notified during the last five years is as follows:—
1931 31 1934 22
1932 161 1935 —
1933 63
SCARLET FEVER.
Five hundred and thirteen cases of this disease were notified during
the year. The annual death-rate per 1,000 population for England and
Wales was 0.01; for London, 0.01; and for Southwark, 0.01.