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other areas. The incidence of pediculosis—viz., 0.86 per 1,000, mainly
confined to the 0-15 age group—is also comparatively low.
It is gratifying to note that almost all the cases of these infestations
were of a minor nature and readily yielded to the routine treatment
provided at the special cleansing unit. The treatment given for
scabies consisted of a hot bath, followed by the application of an
emulsion of 25 per cent. Benzyl Benzoate. In only a very few cases was
it necessary to repeat the treatment more than once.

DISINFECTION.
The disinfection of houses has been undertaken by the Council
during the year and the Wandle Valley Hospital Board have continued
to co-operate in the disinfection of bedding, etc.
Disinfection which is not absolutely essential in the interests of
the public health is also undertaken upon a payment of 10s. per load
for bedding, etc., and 5s. for the first room and 2s. 6d. for each additional
room as applied to house disinfection.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
The Council is the responsible authority for this important section
of public health work. From the beginning of the year attendances at
all centres and clinics were recovering progressively from the setbacks
of the previous year. Following the cessation of hostilities and the
subsequent return to more normal conditions, pressure on the staif of
this section of the department became so heavy that the Medical
Officer of Health felt it necessary to advise the Council that an increase
in the permanent establishment of Health Visitors was a matter for
early consideration if the Maternity and Child Welfare Services were
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