London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Holborn 1929
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Holborn Borough]
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87
Chicken-pox.
During the year information of 29 cases was received from school teachers and
others. Cases of chicken-pox are visited when advisable.
Mumps.
Information was received from school teachers and others of 23 cases
of mumps.
Bacteriological Work.
The following table gives details of the examinations made during the year:—
| Diphtheria | Pulmonary Tuberculosis | Enteric Fever | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number Submitted | Result of Examination | Number Submitted | Result of Examination | Number Submitted | Result of Examination |
| Bacilli not found 314 | |||||
| 382 | Diphtheria bacilli found 68 | 95 | Bacilli not found 73 | 2 | Negative 2 |
| Vincents organisms found — | Bacilli found 22 | Positive 0 | |||
Disinfections.
During the year 772 rooms and 5,721 articles of bedding, clothing, etc., were
disinfected after various infectious diseases, inclusive of tuberculosis.
Thirty rooms and 298 articles of bedding, clothing, etc., were disinfected after
tuberculosis.
Special attention is devoted to toys and more particularly to any toy put in
the mouth. One hundred and thirty-two books and 74 toys were disinfected; also
two perambulators, two cradles, a violin case, and an attache case.
The disinfections also included 10 lockers, five hospital wards, and three
workshops.
Cleansing of Persons Act.
During the year 135 persons (122 men and 13 women) infested with vermin
had their bodies and 1,637 articles of clothing disinfested, free of charge, at our
cleansing station (Goldsmith Street).
Shelter during Disinfection.
For some years past the arrangement has been in operation with the Council
of the Metropolitan Borough of Finsbury for accommodation to be provided at
their Reception House, Northampton Road, for residents of this Borough during
the disinfection of their homes after infectious disease. In the year 1929 the
accommodation was used by 11 Holborn families comprising 18 adults and 13
children. Nine families were smallpox contacts; two were admitted on account
of verminous home conditions. Ten families remained at the shelter one night each
and one for two nights.