London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Stepney 1957
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Stepney]
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Disinfection.
Promises disinfected because of infectious disease numbered 69,
which included 12 for pulmonary tuberculosis.
12,208 articles of clothing and bedding were steam disinfected,
including 1,984 articles for export, for which 32 certificates were
issued.
Formaldehyde disinfection of 339,405 articles of clothing and
210 tons of waste-paper for export was also carried out during the year,
for which 176 certificates were issued.
•
The charges for export and other disinfections carried out amounted
to £99.
Disinfestation (bed bucs and other insect pests).
The following is a summary of work carried out by the specialist Inspector engaged on disinfestation duties:-
| General inspection for vermin | 1,143 |
| Attempted visits | 193 |
| No. of premises found verminous | 359 |
| 11 re-visits | 460 |
| " miscellaneous | 880 |
| " premises sprayed | 543 |
| " rooms sprayed | 1,282 |
As a precautionary measure, the furniture and effects of all families
transferred to Borough Council dwellings are treated prior to removal with
hydrogen cyanide at the Council's Disinfestation Station, 42, Harrow Street,
E.14. The furniture and effects of 400 such families were treated during
the year.
In addition, disinfestation by steam and formaldehyde was carried out
on 22 occasions during the year, of the furniture and effects of families
rehoused by the London County Council.
Many treatments were also carried out for infestations of cockroaches,
beetles, ants, silverfish, and the like.
Verminous Persons.
The number of lice-infested persons bathed, and
| Males | Females | Children | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 244 | 33 | 21 | 298 |
The number of baths and treatments given amounted to 322.
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