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 1954
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]
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19
Anthrax
A case of anthrax was notified, being the first notification received over a period
of many years. The person concerned was employed in handling hides and skins at
the Metropolitan Cattle Market. Liaison was immediately effected with the medical
practitioner concerned, the Chief Inspector of Factories, Ministry of Labour and
National Service, and also the Public Health Laboratory Service in regard to bacteriological
confirmation of diagnosis. The Market Authorities were communicated
with, as well as the London County Council in respect of the responsibility of the
Public Control Department under the Diseases of Animals Order. Fortunately the
diagnosis was not finally confirmed.
Scabies and Vermin
The number of cases of scabies treated continues to decrease. Benzyl benzoate
continues to be the treatment of choice for scabies 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.
The Deputy Medical Officer of Health is available at the Public Health Department,
Seven Sisters Road, for the examination of complicated cases of scabies or
special cases referred by General Practitioners.
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 | |||
| — | |||
| — | |||
| L.C.C. Children | |||
| — | |||
| — | |||
| — | |||
| — | |||
*Baths were also given to 17 Scabies Contacts and 151 Special Cleansing Cases.
| - | ||
| Families Visited | Revisits | Ineffective Visits | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|