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42
DISINFECTION AND DISINFESTATION (C 3 (viii).
Two hundred and fifty-five visits were made in connection
with infectious disease inquiries. The results of
the investigations were passed to the Medical Officer of
Health. The number of houses disinfected varies from
year to year according to the prevalence of infectious
disease. During 1938, one hundred and eighty-three rooms
in one hundred and fifty-one houses were sprayed and
fumigated with formalin in the case of ordinary infectious
disease, but in the case of verminous premises special action
as set out below was taken.
Eradication of Bed Bugs.
(1) During the year 1938, fifty-two houses were
found to be infested with bed bugs, twenty-five of such
houses being situate on the Council's Housing Estate. All
the infested houses were specially treated by methods set
out in paragraph 2.
(2) The woodwork and mouldings of infested rooms
and premises were removed. A blow lamp was applied to
the exposed surfaces which were subsequently thoroughly
sprayed with Zaldecide. The rooms were sealed and fumigated.
The fumigant used was produced by Lawes' block
disinfestators. Bedsteads and furniture in occupied rooms
was sprayed with Zaldecide, the bedding itself being subjected
to steam treatment.
(3) Special attention was given to rooms and contents
occupied by prospective tenants of Corporation
houses. By arrangement between the Housing and Public
Health Committees, similar treatment as set out in paragraph
2 above, was applied to these premises. Where
possible disinfestation work was carried out at the time of
removal so that furniture and bedding might be delivered
to the new dwelling house after treatment.
(4) The whole work is carried out by the Local
Authority.
(5) Advice is given to occupiers of houses in the
detection of vermin, and upon suitable methods of eradication.
Disinfested houses are re-visited from time to time
with a view to checking re-infestation.