M 144
In infants, the term "gastro-enteritis" is regarded by the Royal College of Physicians as unsatisfactory, and "Infective Diarrhoea" or "Infantile enteritis" are preferable.
The figures for 1928 were:-
(1) Enteritis (over 1 year of age)
Chinese Non-Chinese 809 Nil.(2) Infantile Enteritis (under 1 year)
Chinese Non-Chinese 395 5There is a small increase of 28 deaths over last year (1176).
Although these diseases are ill-defined in the returns, they indicate a high mortality both among infants and adults, and suggest that the preparation and distribution of food in the Colony, as well as Infant Care, need more careful attention.
The deaths definitely stated to be due to Dysentery, in 1928, were:
Amoebic Bacillary Undefined Totals Chinese 4 286 290 Non-Chinese 1 1 Totals 4 1 286 291It is to be regretted that so few certifying doctors state the type of Dysentery causing death. It would appear to be an increasing endemic complaint but is not notifiable. Only 202 deaths occurred in 1927.
(5) Other Infantile Diseases.
Apart from Enteritis and Respiratory diseases, already mentioned, four other infantile conditions require special note as accounting for a large proportion of the deaths under one or two years of age.
(a) Nutritional diseases of infancy.
Under this heading, have been grouped the numerous but somewhat vague death returns including such causes as Marasmus; Atrophy; Malnutrition and Debility (under 1 year of age).
These give death figures for 1928 as under :-
Chinese Non-Chinese Total 397 4 411