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14
There has again been a noticeable fall in the number of cases of
scabies notified, 68, compared with 125 in 1948, 310 in 1947, 758
in 1946 and 851 in 1945. More settled conditions of life and modern
treatments have both conduced to this end.
The demand for treatment for scabies and head lice is lessening
steadily and like fleas and bed bugs, these parasites are becoming
almost rare.
National Assistance Act, 1948
Section 47. Removal to suitable premises of persons in need of care
and attention.
An aged woman suffering from chronic varicose ulceration of the
legs was a nuisance to other tenants of the house in which she
lived and gave cause to local shopkeepers for complaint. She
refused to see a doctor or to take steps to keep herself clean and
inoffensive. An order for her detention in Lambeth Hospital was
obtained and she was discharged cured after nine weeks. She is
now quite well, living happily in her house where she keeps herself
clean.
Section 50. Burial or Cremation of the Dead.
Arrangements were made during the year for the burial of 56
cases, of whom 36 were males, 16 were females and 4 were still
born.
37 were Lambeth cases and 19 were strangers. It is surprising
how much is entailed in straightening the affairs of these people.
Tracing relatives, applying for insurance moneys and disposing of
effects are some of the more obvious duties each of which may
and often does mean a good deal of correspondence. The net cost
to the Council was £412.
Rat Infestation
During the year 1949, 910 complaints have been investigated.
Of these, 651 were found to be brown (common) rats, 20 black
ship) rats, 110 mice, and 129 were found to be not justified ; 1,065
baitings were carried out, and in 88 cases defective or disused
drains were found to be the cause of infestations and were dealt
with by the Borough Engineer and the Sanitary Inspectors. No
major infestations have come to light during the year. There has
been a further reduction in the number of black rat infestations,
- and in no case has the infestation been of a serious character. This