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17
The number of complaints of infestation by rats or mice received
during the year was 668 compared with 804 during 1945.
Two poisoning operations for the eradication of sewer rats were carried
out resulting in a total estimated kill (vide Ministry of Food formula) of
3,650 rats.
Water Supply.
Tho supply provided by the Metropolitan Water Board has been
satisfactory both in quality and in quantity.
Disinfection.
" D.D.T." which was so successfully used as an insecticide in H.M.
Forces during the war, is now available for home use. Experiments have
been carried out with various preparations containing D.D.T. and at
present we are using a proprietary liquid insecticide, containing 5 per
cent. D.D.T. and 3 per cent. Lethane in Kerosene. This preparation is
sprayed over all affected surfaces, the Kerosene evaporates and leaves a
fine deposit of D.D.T. crystals which remain as a lethal film.
This insecticide has been used with success in dealing with complaints
of bugs, cockroaches, flies, silverfish and crickets. In cases where powder
is more suitable for use than a Kerosene spray, " Gammexane " is
employed.
The following is a record of the work carried out by the Disinfecting
Staff during 1946 :—
Number of houses or parts of houses and contents disinfected
880
,, verminous rooms disinfested 202
Cleansing and Disinfection of Verminous Persons and their
Belongings.
The following cleansings and medicinal baths were carried out at
the Bathing Station, which forms part of the Public Health Station,
during the year: —
During 1946, 129 adults and 39 children received treatment at the
Cleansing Station. In addition 67 Hampstead school children received
treatment at Cleansing Stations outside the Borough under the L.C.C.
Scheme.
During the year, 202 verminous rooms in 172 houses were cleansed
and freed from vermin.
One hundred and ninety-seven cases of Scabies were notified during the
year. These were investigated by the Health Visitors, and, where
necessary, treatment arranged at the Public Health Station. Close
contacts of patients are followed up and instructed to attend a special