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189
31st, 1905, Dr. Kerr, the Medical Officer for Education under the
London County Council, reports that 119,702 children were
examined, of which 67,387 (or 56 per cent.) were clean, and 44,010
(or 37 per cent.) were "verminous." The nurse examines every
child, noting those which have verminous heads. The parents are
notified by a white card, on which is printed directions for
cleansing. At the end of a week, if the child is not cleansed, a red
card is served on the parents; and if, after another week, the child
is not cleansed, the parents are prosecuted for sending the child in
an unfit state to school. In the period above mentioned, 16,174
white cards were issued, 4,989 red cards, and 78 cases were
prosecuted.
The examination of children's heads has led to the discovery
that their clothes and bodies may also be infested. Effort has
been made to secure remedy in this event also under the Cleansing
of Persons Act, 1897, and the General Powers (London County
Council) Act, 1904. Under the former, verminous persons may be
cleansed where facilities are provided (see p. 193). Under the
latter, the Medical Officer of Education has notified the Borough
Medical Officer of the occurrence of general verminous conditions,
making it probable that the houses are infested, and in such event
we have at once investigated the matter and carried out systematic
disinfection as after the occurrence of an infectious disease.
During 1905 I received from Dr. Kerr such notification respecting
22 homes, as follows:
58, St. Paul's Buildings.® 1, Mitre Court.®
81, Chapel Street.® 9, Thomas Street.
12, Risinghill Street. 86, Bartholomew's Buildings.
5, St. John's Place. 99, Bartholomew's Buildings.
14, Hall Street.® 8, Berkley Court.®
1, Spring Street. 2, Alpha Buildings.®
10, Thomas Place.® 1, Alpha Buildings.®
10, Hatfield Street.® 13, Seabrook Place.®
2, Lizard Street. 4, West Place.
13, Henry Street Buildings.® 43, Warren Street.
5, Peter's Lane. 12, James Street.