One of the contributory causes of epi demic diarrhoea, in London at least, is the scandalously inefficient scavenging of the streets. The attention of municipal authorities of all cities might profitably be directed with the view of instituting a systematic inquiry upon a scientific basis into the relation between the foul ing of the air and soil and the prevalence of epidemic diarrhom, especially in in fancy. Editorial (Brit. Med. Jour., July 2S, 1900).
AGE.—An investigation of the age of children thus attacked reveals the fact that the great majority are under 2 years. Holt has given statistics of 3000 cases of diarrhoea treated in family and sary practice, classified according to age.
He finds that, of the total number, in fants under 6 months form 14 per cent.; infants from 6 to 12 months, 29 per cent.; infants from 12 to 18 months, 24 per cent.; infants from 18 to 24 months, 17 per cent.; and children over 2 years, 16 per cent. In France, Lesage places the age of special liability as under 18 months and regards the first 3 months, and the period between the eighth and ninth months, when weaning is ally commenced, as specially dangerous.
The age at which diarrhceal diseases are most prevalent has been investigated by the writer. In 3000 cases occurring in New York City the ages are shown in the following table:— Diarrhoea appears to be most frequent among children under one year of age. In England and Wales in 1SO4 the deaths of children from diarrhoea under five years old amounted to 9005. Of these, 7360 were infants under one year; 1332 occurred during the second year; while, in the third, fourth, and fifth years combined, there were only 313. Again, in London, 72 per cent. of all fatal diarrhceas occur in the first year of life. Langford Symes (Dublin Jour. Med. Sci., May, '97).
A recent report of the Health Board of New York City shows that there was for one year 2789 deaths from diarrhceal affections, and of these deaths 02 per cent. occurred in children less than 2 years of age. Gilbert (Amer. Pract. and News, Oct. 16, '97).