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of 10 per cent. of all the manholes on the foul sewers in the borough
was undertaken. This showed that the Mortlake and East Sheen
sections were lightly infested, whilst the sewers in the Barnes section
were found to be almost free. Arrangements have been made for
regular testing and maintenance treatments to be carried out at
six-monthly intervals.
Rodent infestations on private property were investigated and
appropriate action taken. The existing law relating to Rodent
Control is due for alteration, when the present arrangements will
no doubt be revised.
WATER SUPPLY.
The water supply of the area has been satisfactory both in quality
and in quantity. Samples are taken regularly and frequently by the
Metropolitan Water Board. There has been no evidence of either
plumbo-solvency or of any form of contamination. The whole of
the dwellings in the borough are supplied from public water mains
direct to house.
PREVALENCE OF, AND CONTROL OVER INFECTIOUS
DISEASES.
The incidence of infectious diseases in the Borough during the
year was, in general, low, although measles was epidemic during
the first eight months of the year. It is pleasing to be able to say
that although there were 437 cases of this disease notified, no death
occurred. During August and September four sporadic cases of
poliomyelitis and one case of polioencephalitis occurred. In addition
to the five cases notified, one death from poliomyelitis was assigned
to the Borough. This was a child of five years who had died in
November in a London general hospital, diagnosis being made after
death as the result of a Coroner's post mortem examination. Of the
four cases of poliomyelitis, three were admitted to hospital and one
was nursed at home. In two instances paralysis resulted, in one case
extensive, and the other slight.
The number of new cases of pulmonary tuberculosis notified
during 1947 was the highest since 1914. Of some note is the fact
that 10 per cent. of these were over 65 years of age, which, so far
as this Borough is concerned, is an unusual incidence for that age
group.
DIPHTHERIA IMMUNISATION.
The routine propaganda to encourage parents to have their
children immunised against Diphtheria continued throughout the
year. The percentage of children in the Borough under five years
of age who have been immunised at the Borough Immunisation
Clinic by the 31st December, 1947, is 48 per cent., 1,403 of the
estimated population of 2,930. To these numbers should be added