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
Islington 1947
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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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 | 247 | 135 |
| Number of baths given | 654 | — | |
| Number of treatments | — | 167 | |
| L.C.C. Children | Number treated | *304 | 2,363 |
| Number of baths given | 1,336 | — | |
| Number of treatments | — | 2,388 | |
| Adults... | Number treated | 985 | 297 |
| Number of baths given | 2,558 | — | |
| Number of treatments | — | 368 | |
* 89 Contacts were given baths.
Scabies Clinic.—A consultant dermatologist is in attendance.
Number of Clinics held 53
Number of cases attended 501
Adults 294
Children under 5 years 129
School children 78
Diagnosis of cases— 501
Scabies 271
Other conditions 230
Home Visiting,
Follow-up home visiting for cases of scabies and vermin was carried out by the Home Visitors of the Cleansing Station, as under:—
| Families Visited | Revisits | Ineffective Visits | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scabies | 1,231 | 60 | 921 | 2,212 |
| Vermin | 2,397 | 186 | 1,892 | 4,475 |
Disinfection and Disinfestation.
During the year, D.D.T. (dichlor-diphenyl-trichlorethane) continued to be the
method of choice for the disinfestation of premises from bugs or other insect vermin.
The standard solution used is 3 per cent. D.D.T. in white kerosene, or alternatively
a dusting powder, consisting of 10 per cent. D.D.T. in Kaolin. This insecticide has
superseded all other methods of disinfestation in the Borough, and there was a
considerable increase in the number of rooms treated. Free treatment of rooms and
furniture in recommended cases was continued and in this connection no charge was
made in 117 cases.
A total of 911 rooms were disinfested for vermin.
During the year 1,049 disinfections were carried out after cases of infectious or
other diseases.
At the Disinfecting Station 309,532 articles of bedding etc., were treated for
infection or infestation (287,285 of these being for clothing contractors). In addition
58 tons 9 cwts. of material were disinfected on behalf of clothing contractors.
In the case of families removing to new Council properties, the furniture and
premises are sprayed with D.D.T. solution before removal, as a routine. The new
premises are also sprayed soon after occupation in order to ensure that both furniture
and premises remain free from infestation for at least a month. During the year
the effects of 127 families were so treated.