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During the year approximately 93 premises were measured
in consequence of requests for the "permitted number" from
owners of premises.
6. Infectious Disease.
232 visits of enquiry were made to notified cases of infectious
disease, mainly cases of diphtheria and scarlet fever.
On the removal of a case to the Isolation Hospital, the
release from quarantine (home cases) or in other necessary
cases, disinfection was immediately carried out by spraying
rooms and their contents with formalin, and the clothing
and bedding was steam disinfected at the disinfecting station.
Public Library books found in any premises in which infectious
or contagious disease occurred were also disinfected by formalin
vapour in a special metal chamber. Certain articles have also
been destroved bv fire.

7. Vermin
(i) Bed Bugs.
During the year 25 complaints were received of infestation
of premises by bed bugs.
The number of houses and/or their contents found to be
infested was 32 (including 6 in the Council's possession). In
suitable cases, and on the request of tenant and. owner, the
disinfestation of the premises and contents were simultaneously
carried out by the Department. In all other cases the premises
were disinfested by the owners, and the contents by the tenants.
In all necessary cases bedding was steam disinfested by the
Department.
The usual method of disinfestation insisted upon is to strip
as much woodwork from walls, etc., as possible, seal the
premises and use a sulphurous gas or spray with contact fluid.
Close supervision was made of premises which had been disinfested,
and tenants were given suitable advice and instruction
on methods of prevention and destruction of vermin.
(ii) Rats and Mice.
169 visits were made to premises in connection with rat
infestation. 46 complaints were received and at 36 premises
infestation was remedied.