London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Chislehurst 1951
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Chislehurst]
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The following is a summary of the work carried out during the year:—
| Local Authority Premises | Dwelling Houses | Agricultural Property | Business Property and others | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspection— | ||||
| As a result of notification | 12 | 217 | 4 | 31 |
| As a result of other evidence | 5 | 203 | 1 | 24 |
| No. of major infestations found | — | — | — | — |
| No. of minor infestations found | 17 | 473 | 5 | 55 |
| No. of premises at which serious infestation by mice found | — | — | — | — |
It was not necessary to serve any formal notices.
A whole time rodent operative has been engaged since 1941.
In addition to work carried out at owner's or occupier's
expense in dealing with rodents on private property, he has also
undertaken similar duties on the properties in possession of the
Council, including sewers. During the year he has made four
thousand, four hundred and twenty-seven visits in connection
with the work of eradicating rodents.
One "1 in 10" test was made of sewer manholes. Of the
three hundred tested, two hundred and sixty-two were found
"no takes."
Two maintenance treatments were carried out and out of a
total of two hundred and fifty-seven manholes baited, there were
one hundred and eighty-six " no takes." These results show the
sewers to be comparatively free from rat infestation.
Verminous Conditions and Uncleanliness.
One of the indications of improved social conditions is the
great reduction in the incidence of verminous conditions and bed
bugs and personal uncleanliness. The exception to this is, of
course, where the aged infirm or aged sick have reached the
unhappy state of being unable to care for themselves.
Bed Bugs.
During the year twenty-four complaints were received of
infestation of premises by bed bugs. This shows a continued low
number of complaints and it appears that bed bug infestation is
well under control. There were nine houses and/or their
contents found to be infested (including four in the Council's
possession). In suitable cases, and on the request of tenant and
owner, the disinfestation of the premises and contents were
simultaneously carried out by the Department. In all other
cases the premises were disinfested by the owners and the