ENG-1951 — Page 87

(d) Diphtheria:

The incidence of this disease showed a 10% increase but the mortality rate decreased markedly.

There have been 574 cases with 121 deaths, giving a mortality rate of 21.1% as against 524 cases with 135 deaths giving a mortality rate of 25.7% in 1950.

year of The disease affects mainly toddlers in the second and third life (60%), but the mortality rate is distressingly high among infants below I year of age.

The immunization of infants and children proceeds slowly, despite efforts at the various centres. There still remains a great belief in the herbalists, and the high mortality rate is frequently caused by children being brought to hospital too late for operative measures. however, are saved by immediate operation.

(e) Cerebrospinal Meningitis:

Many,

There have been 26 cases with 13 deaths, a case fatality of 50%, as against 49 cases with 26 deaths, 53%, in 1950.

The disease affects Chinese children almost exclusively and the incidence has fallen markedly compared with previous years. (f) Measles:

There have been 528 cases with 39 deaths, a mortality rate of 7.4%.

The cause of deaths was invariably complications of the broncho- pneumonia type among children of poor and ignorant families.

About 11% of the cases were non-Chinese and these all recovered. (g) Pertussis:

It is believed with sufficient circumstantial evidence that the marked increase in incidence of this disease during the last 2 years was largely due to better notifications. The incidence was greatest during

the summer months.

There have been 747 cases with 20 deaths, a mortality rate of 2.6%, as against 306 cases with 16 deaths, 5.2%, in 1950.

(h) Puerperal Fever:

In 1951 there were 7 cases without deaths.

(i) Tuberculosis:

Incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis showed an increase of 50% as compared with the preceding year. Increased services may be the

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