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5. Infectious Disease.
862 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 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.

6. Vermin.
(i) Bed Bugs.
During the year 56 complaints were received of infestation
of premises by bed bugs.
The number of houses and/or their contents found to be
infested was 61 (including 10 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.
(ii) Rats and Mice.
1,298 visits were made to premises in connection with rat
infestation. 219 complaints were received, and at 358
premises infestation was remedied.
A whole-time rat-catcher has been engaged since 1941.
In addition to work carried out at owner's or occupier's
expense in dealing with rodents on private property, he has
also undertaken similar duties on the properties in the
possession of the Council.