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61
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 1932 the
accommodation was used by two Holborn families comprising nine persons.
Verminous Conditions and Scabies.
In connection with our co-operation with the London County Council School
Medical Service, for some years past information has been received from the
Medical Officer of Health of the London County Council respecting Holborn
children attending elementary schools found to be verminous or suffering from
scabies. During 1932 information was received of five children suffering from
scabies. Two homes were affected. Tn the case of one home it was found that
the family had removed from the Borough; in the other the family was visited
and kept under observation, disinfection of bedding, clothing and rooms being
carried out on recovery of the patients. Seven children in three homes were
notified as verminous (head lice). These children were treated at a London
County Council cleansing station, and together with other children in the homes
concerned were kept under observation by the Health Visitors. In one case the
bedding and clothing was found to be dirty and cleansing by boiling or otherwise
washing was carried out.
Extermination of Vermin.
With a view to encouraging active steps for the extermination of vermin,
arrangements were continued for a supply of a vermin-killing solution to be stocked
in the Health Department and to be available at cost price for occupiers of
infested homes and tenements.
The solution has been found effective for the destruction of bugs, cockroaches,
fleas and other small insect pests, and the convenience of being able to obtain
a small quantity has been appreciated by a number of occupiers of small tenements.
During the year 3½ gallons of the solution in small quantities were sold to 19
purchasers.
One hundred and thirty-four verminous rooms were disinfested by the
Council's staff.
When fumigating verminous rooms we endeavour, whenever practicable, to
repeat the fumigation at the end of a week, by which time it is expected that any
eggs of bugs will have hatched out; a single fumigation of any severely infested
room cannot be regarded as satisfactory. In 112 cases last year this second fumigation
was carried out. Where this course for any reason was impracticable the
occupiers were encouraged to use the solution referred to above or take other
effective steps to prevent any recurrence of the nuisance.