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enquiries were made at each house where a fatal case
occurred, and an increasing number of persons now avail
themselves, of the opportunity of having rooms and bedding
disinfected. Disinfection was carried out after 13 cases,
out of a total of 27 deaths in the District, due to this disease,
A somewhat unusual case requiring disinfection
occurred. A complaint was received from the owner of a
block of high-class flats, that one of them, was infested with
" lice," which were discovered upon the furniture, floors and
walls. Upon investigation, it was found, that these insects
were not pediculi or true lice, but belonged to the family
of insects called Psocidae, and were a form of " book
lice," which are a totally different insect. A thorough disinfection
of the premises was carried out, the floors and
skirtings being sprayed with a special vermin killing solution,
and the walls with formalin. As these insects harbour in
damp books, the occupiers were recommended to expose all
books to the air and to thoroughly dry them.
Where upon enquiry, in an infected house, we find
books borrowed from the Public Library, steps are at once
taken to have them disinfected. The books are then
returned to the Public Library. The Librarian was also
notified by telephone of every house at which a case of
infectious disease occurred. During the coming year, however,
notifications to the Library will be sent on a printed
form.