London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
View report page
Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Islington 1944
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
This page requires JavaScript
SCABIES AND VERMIN:
Treatment
Treatment for scabies and vermin was carried out at the Public Health Department, Seven Sisters Road (Cleansing Station), as under:-
| Scabies | Vermin | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Children under 5 years | Number treated | 513 | 276 |
| " of baths given | 1,309 | — | |
| " of treatments | — | 298 | |
| L.C.C. Children | Number treated | 1,095 | 3,081 |
| " of baths given | 4,304 | - | |
| Adults | Number treated | 1,804 | 429 H |
| " of baths given | 3,961 | - | |
| " of treatments | - | 485 |
H 1 of this number was given baths for body lice.
[???]92 Contacts were given baths.
Home visiting.
Follow-up home visiting for cases of scabies and vermin was carried out by the Assistant Nurses of the Cleansing Station as under:-
| Families visited | Re-visits | Ineffective visits | Treated at home | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scabies | 3,088 | 530 | 1,800 | - | 5,418 |
| Vermin | 2,021 | 168 | 914 | 106 | 3,209 |
The prevalence of Scabies and the increase in the number of verminous
persons, (in part at least attributable to the increase in Shelter life again
during this year), made it necessary to appoint an additional Assistant Nurse at
the Cleansing Station to carry out the requirements under the Scabies Order.
DISINFECTION AND PIS INFESTATION:
During the year 647 disinfections were carried out after cases of
infectious or other diseases.
In addition, 262 rooms and 104 shelters were disinfested for vermin.
At the disinfecting station 51,685 articles of bedding, etc., were treated
for infection or infestation,
HYDROGEN-CYANIDE FUMIGATION:
No. of times Large Chamber used.
Furniture and effects of families rehoused
including those of Homeless Persons 21
Private persons - furniture and effects Nil
No. of times Small Chamber used.
Miscellaneous (mattresses, divans, etc.) 5
TOTAL 26
Thanks are due to the Cleansing Department for their assistance in
working the boiler plant at Ashburton Grove Depot.
9