London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Chislehurst 1942

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Chislehurst]

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20
During the year approximately 61 premises were measured
in consequence of requests for the ''permitted number" from
owners of premises.
6. Infectious Disease.
974 visits were made to notified cases of infectious disease
(diphtheria, scarlet fever, tuberculosis, etc.).
On the removal of a case to the Isolation Hospital, the
release from quarantine (home eases) 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 destroyed by fire.

The disinfections carried out during the year were as follows:—

Sprayed.Fumigated.Steam Disinfected.1Destroyed.
Booms23268
Mattresses1569403
Pillows198-1,2901
Bedclothes, Batches of154-273-
Clothing, Batches of100-1771
Library Books13929-
Cushions7-14-
Carpets19397
Blankets17274
Air Raid Shelters1-
C.D. premises3

7. Vermin.
(i) Bed Bugs.
During the year 46 complaints were received of infestation
of premises by bed bugs.
The number of houses and/or their contents found to be
infested was 60 (including 4 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 disinfected 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.