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10
It is likely that even better results could be obtained from
insecticides if they were used at the time of bug hibernation; this
applies to old property in particular. The old saying that a dog is
allowed his first bite would appear to apply to bugs also, as rarely
are steps taken by the afflicted until the bugs are really active. If
only those concerned would consult the Public Health Department
as soon as they are aware that they have bugs, it would enable
treatments to be spread over much of the year instead of the
summer months, as they are at the moment.
This year there were 39 treatments for cockroaches and 34
treatments for fleas; both figures very slightly up on 1959.
In January a staphylococcal infection was persistent in one
ward of a local hospital, and it was decided to close the ward
while disinfection was carried out. All mattresses, pillows and
blankets were steam sterilised at the disinfecting station; other
articles were laundered by the hospital. There were 11 requests
for formaldehyde disinfection from this hospital at other times.
Following requests made to the Health Department, disinfection
was carried out in 12 instances following a death. Also, 9
rooms were sprayed subsequent to tuberculosis.
Articles of clothing continue to be sent abroad to relatives by
persons living in the Borough. During the year 22 Certificates of
Disinfection were issued in respect of 486 items of clothing.
260 mattresses were sterilised which had been used by persons
sleeping on premises during show business. For the third year in
succession the number of sterilisations of verminous bedding for
private residents has increased; this year's figure of 872 articles
was 484 higher than last year.
As usual, the Town Hall carpets had their annual anti-moth
treatment.
There was a substantial decrease in the number of treatments
made for head and body lice. There were 135 treatments for head
lice as against 827 in 1959. This decrease is almost entirely due
to the fact that the London County Council has now made other
arrangements for the treatment of school-children.

This is also partly due to the fact that school-children are now
treated elsewhere.