CHAPTER II.
THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS IN WHICH DESTRUCTIVE DISEASE IN JAILS SHOWS ITSELF.
In the jails of Bengal Proper typhus is unknown, as far as is shown in the history of
these 15 years. In the spring of 1860, when gangs were
removed from the jails of the Upper Provinces where this fever
was in progress, for transportation to the Andamans, the disease
was introduced into the Alipore jail, and 28 deaths resulted. Beyond this there is no record of
typhus in the province. Looking at the statistics of fever-deaths the fact is apparent. Out
of a body steadily averaging from 18,000 to 19,000, the largest number of fever-deaths in
any year has been 99; the minimum has been 54, and the average 77, taken over the period of
18 years. Out of 23,394 deaths, 1,379 only were attributed to fever. Taking the figures
over all these years, I find, with the exception above noticed, that one jail only has ever shown
above 10 fever-deaths in any annual return; and this showed 12. On five occasions, 10 deaths
from fever have been returned; but the general fever mortality is made up of units from every
jail of the Province.
The limited fluctuation in the number of deaths from fever in Bengal Proper is shown by
these actuals; the maximum of 99 deaths in 1860 includes the 28 deaths in Alipore jail due to
the importation of contagious fever.
Number of Fever-Deaths in the Jails of Bengal Proper, 1859—76.
1873
5 4
1867
7 1
1865
89
1876
55
1863
75
1875
92
1868
56
1872
76
1862
93
1871
58
1861
81
1859
95
1 8 7 0
5 9
1 8 6 9 8 1
1 8 6 6
9 5
1864
62
1874
88
1860
99
If the endemic of Lower Bengal, so destructive in its effects throughout so many years of
this period and now happily in abeyance, has increased the jail mortality, it is not in the shape
of deadly fever that its effects have appeared.
Epidemic contagious diseases have contributed little to the general death-rate of this
province; hence the extreme fluctuation in the death-ratio when
taken over the series of years, observed in the jails of the
Northern Provinces, is not found in Lower Bengal. The
general mortality is high, and in many years far above the average. But when the ratio
becomes excessive, the cause is to be sought either in the general condition of the prisoners or
in the unhealthiness of special localities; or it may be found associated with the influences of
special seasons, in which the epidemics to which the province is subject, or famine, prevail.
Whether the cachexies resulting from these varying causes may spread through prison
communities is a subject to be considered further on.
JAILS OF BENGAL PROPER, 1859—76.
Death-rate from all causes excluding cholera, to show that the ratios do not fluctuate on account of
the presence of contagious epidemic disease.
1859—67
1864. 1865.
1867. 1862. 1863. 1861.
1866. 1859.
1860.
Died per 1,000
50
50
51
68
75
77
77
89
102
1868—76
1870
1871. 1873. 1869. 1875. 1868. 1872.
1876. 1874.
Died per 1,000
36
37
41
43
45
46
46
46
48
The reduction of the provincial death-rate from 71 to 44, the rates shown in the first
and second halves of the 18-year period, indicates great
advance even in this tract, which can never be expected to give
the minimum of the better situated provinces. The reduction
is sufficiently striking; but an illustration from the history of
an individual jail, the jail at Monghyr (Table XXVII), will show the contrast in a still more
impressive aspect. The illustration may stand as a model of what can be done to place a jail
community beyond the reach of evil endemic and epidemic influences.
No record of contagious fevers in
the jails of Bengal Proper. This is
evident from the fever statistics.
Epidemic contagious diseases have
contributed little to the general
death-rates of this province.
Illustration of what has been
effected towards improving the
health of prisoners in Lower Bengal
: M o u g h y r j a i l a s t y p i c a l .