[Report 1897] / Medical Officer of Health, Peterborough City & Borough.

  • Peterborough (England). City & Borough Council.
Date:
1897
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1897] / Medical Officer of Health, Peterborough City & Borough. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    Medical Officer’s Annual Report, 1897. Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen, 734 births and 470 deaths were registered in 1897 ; 45 deaths, those of strangers, must be deducted from the above total to ascertain the true death rate per 1000 living. Estimating the population of Peterborough at 28088, the following returns are obtained ;— General Birth Rate.26 ‘13 ,, Death Rate .15-13 As regards my estimate of the population for 1897, I am of an opinion that the usual method of mathematical calculation, based upon the average between 1881 and 1891, gives too small a result. Owing to the rapid extension of the Brick Industry, a very large influx of people has taken place ; the number of houses recently erected or now in process of construction is truly astonishing. As a rough guess I should say 30,000 would more accurately represent the present Census of Peterborough. Taking that fact into consideration, the death rate 15'13 is not by any means a high one, when we find that the corresponding rate for the whole of England and Wales is 17‘4 For purpose of comparison the following returns are given:— North Ward. East Ward. South Wi Area in acres . 1030 ... 510 ... 278 Population (calcu- lated to middle of 1897) . 15376 ... 9596 ... 3116 Births (total). 873 ... 267 85 Deaths ,, . 202 ... 149 34 General Birth Rate 24-31 ... 27-82 ... 27-27 ,, Death Rate 1313 ... 15-52 ... 10-90 Deaths from Zymo- tic Diseases(total) 27 23 1 Zymotic Death Rate 1-75 ... 2-39 ... *35 ZYMOTIC DISEASES. Although there has been a very considerable diminution in the number of Infectious Diseases notified 191) against 571 in 1896), yet the total number of Deaths registered under this heading was much higher, viz. 51; Measles and Whooping Cough being chiefly responsible for this increase. The North and East Wards were the suffer¬ ers, only one fatality from Zymotic Diseases having oc- eurred in the South Ward. Small Pox. We still continue to enjoy a complete immunity from this loathsome scourge ; whilst Epidemics •till break out in different towns, it behoves us to be fully prepared for any similar visitation. I therefore make periodical Inspections of the Small Pox Hospital to ensure that everything is in working order. Typhoid Fever. Eight cases with three deaths were registered. In every instance a strict investigation into the whole surroundings was made, and any sanitary defects that existed were at once promptly remedied. One patient most certainly contracted Typhoid at Lynn. Some old premises in Boongate, where the disease had several times broken out, have at last been pulled down, to be replaced by more modern buildings. Diphtheria. Some decrease in this class of Zymotic Disease has occurred, 34 notifications with only 2 deaths. The reduced mortality is particularly striking, as both deaths took place in the same house, where the sanitary conditions were simply deplorable, the inmates being com¬ pelled to drink well water distinctly contaminated with Sewage. Action was at once taken to have the necessary improvements carried out, and a complete supply of Brace- borough Water laid on. Scarlet Fever. The epidemic of this disease is slowly dying out; 108 cases in 1897 against 498 in 1896, and only one death. Most notifications are now reported from the North Ward, and as the commencement was in the south part of the town, I can only hope the termination will be in the opposite direction. It has not been found necessary to close any Schools during the past year. Two very serious epidemics of Typhoid Fever have taken place, one at Kings’ Lynn and the other at Maidstone, in each case the fans el origo being contaminated water. A slight feeling of doubt having been expressed by a few nervous citizens, as to the purity of our own supply, it was deemed advisable to have the Braceborough water thoro¬ ughly Analysed by the Borough Analyst. The satis¬ factory result of his investigations at once dispelled all anxiety on the subject, and I think the Corporation may be congratulated upon possessing one of the finest springs of water in England, and one moreover that is never liable to be contaminated by surface drainage. The Bye-Law regulating the supply of water to every house in the Borough having received the confirmation of the Local Government Board, its regulations should be speedily carried into force, every dwelling would then have a plentiful supply of wholesome water, both for drinking purposes and for domestic use. The consumption of water from surface wells is always attended with danger, the water being liable to contamination at every rainfall. I think that it is highly desirable that the milk supply of the Borough should receive prompt attention. Such an invaluable article of diet to all classes of the community, especially the young and the invalids may be seriously affected by unwholesome surroundings. The Registration and Periodical Inspection of all places where milk is publicly offered for sale would I think be an initial step in the right direction. The final approval of the plans for the proposed Hospital for Infectious Diseases by the Local Government Board, is now the only impediment; that having been obtained, no doubt the erection of that much needed Institution will be at once proceeded with. In conclusion I am of opinion that the present sanitary condition of the town is excellent. Sanitary Science though is constantly making such startling discoveries, that im¬ proved regulations are necessary to keep up to date. I have the honor to he, Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen, Your obedient Servant, R. W. JOLLY, Medical Officer of Health.