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Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
49
Rat Destruction.
From October to the end of the year, 209 premises stated to be
rat infested were inspected and advice given to the occupiers as
to the most efficient means of destroying the rats. 11 pounds of
rat poison were distributed with only fair results.
The Council has, during the current year, appointed a rat
catcher, who has been attached to the Public Health Department
and who will devote his whole time to the inspection of infested
premises and carry out any necessary work when requested by
occupiers.
Schools.
The sanitary condition and water supply of the schools in this
Borough are satisfactory. In the majority of the schools separate
waterclosets are used, but there are still a few in which trough
closets exist. They were all inspected during the year and found
in a satisfactory condition.
The water in all the schools is derived from the public supply.
There is close co-operation between this Department and the
London County Council with regard to the prevention of infectious
disease at the public elementary schools. In certain cases during
the year where it was observed that the number of cases of infectious
diseases was excessive, the attention of the London County Council
was at once called to the matter, and the school was inspected by
the officials of that Authority and the result of the inspection
reported. In schools which are not under the London County
Council, if any cases occur the school is visited and the proprietors
are advised as to the proper steps to be taken to prevent the spread
of the disease. Disinfection has been carried out during the year
for various infectious diseases in eight public elementary schools
and in four private schools.