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17
In all the above outbreaks investigations were carried out by the officers of the
Department. Food samples were taken for analysis where possible, and pathological
specimens were sent for examination ; enquiries were made in conjunction with the
London County Council staff in respect of the school meals service outbreaks.
Food infection of another type also occurred in connection with meat prepared by
an Islington firm. Information was received of cases of food poisoning from the City
of London, Finsbury and Bournemouth, and the reports indicated that the food
responsible was the meat processed by this firm. Extensive enquiries were made in
conjunction with the staff of the Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale, and
every assistance was given by the firm concerned, which is of good standing with
up-to-date equipment and where all reasonable precautions are taken. It was
eventually ascertained that the chef and his assistant, responsible for the preparation
of the meat, were both carriers of the same type of germ (coagulase positive staphyloccocci),
as that reported to have caused the outbreaks, and also as found on meat
samples taken at the factory. The employees concerned were taken off food
processing until found free of the causative organisms, but it is obvious that even
where conditions of food preparation are good there still remains a small risk of
contamination whenever there is large scale food processing, and that there can never
be any laxity in the hygienic precautions which have to be taken if dangerous
outbreaks of food poisoning are to be minimised.
It is not always realised that foods, such as meat or meat dishes which have
become slightly infected by the usual handling for example, if left overnight at
room temperature to be consumed the following day, may give rise to symptoms of
food poisoning owing to rapid multiplication of germs within 24 hours. It is therefore
essential, so far as restaurants and canteens are concerned, that foods which are not
immediately consumed should be put back without delay in refrigerator storage until
they arc next served.
Scabies and Vermin.
Benzyl benzoate continues to be the treatment of choice for Scabie3 and
proprietory 2 per cent. D.D.T. emulsion for the treatment of verminous heads. Both
of these preparations have given extremely satisfactory results for their respective
purposes.
Complicated cases of Scabies and special cases referred by the general practitioners
continue to be seen by the Council's consulting dermatologist, Dr. Marre, at the
Scabies Clinic, which is held weekly.
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 93 84
Number of baths given 229 —
Number of treatments — 112
L.C.C. Children Number treated *112 1,608
Number of baths given 435 —
Number of treatments — 1,612
Adults Number treated 337 180
Number of baths given 819 —
Number of treatments — 233
* 63 Contacts were given baths.