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Pests and Verminous Conditions
Although there was a slight drop in the number of rat complaints, there was a sharp
increase in the number of inspections for mice infestation. This is felt to be due to
carelessness in many cases in the proper storage of food. It was possible to carry out
seven block control schemes involving 323 premises during 1968 compared with 2
schemes and 48 properties in 1967. Last year a rise in verminous cases and treatment
for scabies was reported. It was hoped that this was only temporary and would
improve with better housing conditions. This has however not been the case. During
1968 555 verminous children and 644 adults were treated compared with 512 and 439
respectively in 1967. 682 children and 403 adults were treated for scabies compared
with 517 and 360 in 1967. The number of rooms treated increased from 965 to 1,296
but there was a drop of nearly 5,000 in the articles required to be disinfected. It is
hoped that the figures for 1969 will show a downward trend.
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