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It is not the custom to have articles in all cases of infectious disease, except in cases of smallpox,
removed for disinfection by steam. Thus, in cases where the patient is removed to hospital early
in the complaint, the room with all its contents is fumigated, and this is generally considered sufficient.
When the case has been treated at home disinfection by steam would be resorted to. In the former
class of cases householders are also directed to soak their linen in a disinfectant provided by the
authority.
During 1896 the cost for disinfection amounted to £118 11s. 6d.
„ 1897 „ „ „ £80 19s. l0d.
No charge is made to householders for disinfection.
All the disinfection in the district is carried out by the sanitary authority.
Temporary shelter for use of persons during the disinfection of their rooms.—This has not been
provided.
Strand.
(a) Articles of clothing, &c.—The sanitary authority have provided a Washington Lyon steam
disinfecting apparatus. It is situated in a well-arranged building where the chamber for receiving the
infected articles is approached by an entrance in a different thoroughfare to that leading to the
chamber where disinfected articles are removed from the apparatus. Each of these chambers has its
walls lined with tiles. There is a bathroom in connection with this building for the use of the men
engaged in the work of disinfection. The articles are brought to and removed from the disinfecting
station in separate hand trucks. and the men working the disinfecting apparatus wear overalls which
are disinfected after each operation.
(b) Rooms.—Fumigation by sulphur is practised. Occasionally formic aldehyde has been used.
The work is done by men employed by the authority. In all cases, when it is possible, the rooms are
re-papered, limewhited. and thoroughly washed out.
No charge is made for disinfection.
Practically all the disinfection in the district is carried out by the sanitary authority.
Temporary shelter.—The board have provided a temporary shelter at 3, Little Chapel-street,
Soho. The house is in charge of a resident caretaker (female). Two rooms on the top floor are
furnished as bedrooms, one room on first floor, with scullery attached, as a living room. In the
scullery there is a stand for lavatory uses, the necessary utensils being provided. Food is supplied by
the sanitary authority and is cooked by the caretaker, who furnishes plates, &c.
Holborn.
(a) Articles of clothing, &c.—At the present time disinfection of articles is carried out by
contract with a private firm. It is stipulated in the agreement that the disinfection shall be by
means of steam. The articles are fetched from and returned to premises by the contractor, the same
van being used for these purposes, but the articles are enclosed in canvas bags, which are disinfected
with the other articles.
A new contract has been entered into with the Vestry of Clerkenwell, dated from June 24th,
1898, for the disinfection to be done in the disinfecting apparatus of the latter authority.
(b) Rooms.—These are disinfected by fumigation by means of burning sulphur. The work is
done by an officer of the sanitary authority. Notices to strip walls and limewhite ceilings are served
if rooms are dirty, and if not complied with, the sanitary authority do the work, and for this purpose they
have a contract with a builder. Very few such cases have so far occurred.
No charge is made for disinfection under any circumstances.
Householders practically always avail themselves of the means of disinfection afforded by the
sanitary authority.
Temporary shelter.—The board of works have a contract with the Vestry of Clerkenwell,
enabling them to make use of the shelter provided by the latter authority when necessary.
Clerkenwell.
(a.) Articles of clothing, &c.—The vestry have recently provided a disinfecting apparatus in which
articles are disinfected by steam. The apparatus is one supplied by Messrs. Goddard, Massey and
Warner. It is situated in a building erected on land adjoining the mortuary and coroner's court.
This building contains two rooms into each of which the apparatus has an opening, so that infected
articles are put into it in one chamber and removed from the other. Disinfection occupies about one
hour, though a shorter time will suffice.
For fetching articles from and returning to premises two horse-vans are being provided. At
present a single van, borrowed for the purpose, is being used for both journeys, the van being
fumigated after carrying infected articles.
(b) Rooms.—Fumigation by means of burning sulphur is done by an officer of the vestry, and
if it is considered necessary the walls are stripped in order that the householder shall repaper and
limewash. During the fumigation the room is kept closed for at least five hours, but if it has not been
possible to close the room till late in the afternoon, it is left closed over night.
No charge is made for disinfection unless the householder desires it to be done during hours
when officers are not on duty. In such cases a fee would be charged, but so far this has not occurred.
All the disinfection in the district practically is done by the sanitary authority. About three
cases occurred during last year where householders preferred to make their own arrangements, and in
these a certificate from a medical practitioner was required.
Temporary shelter.—One of a row of houses adioining the entrance to the coroner's court and
mortuary is used for this purpose. It contains six rooms, furnished as bedrooms and sitting rooms,
for the use of persons. The necessary cooking and other utensils are provided. There is a caretaker
(female) in charge, who lives in the next house. There is no bath-room. Lavatory accommodation is
provided in the washhouse.