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
Richmond upon Thames 1956
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Richmond]
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23
The complaints received have been classified as follows:—
Disrepair or unsatisfactory conditions of premises:—
Dampness 30
Drainage 89
General Defects 320
Nuisance from Animals 6
Nuisance from Refuse 13
Nuisance from Smoke, fumes 25
Nuisance from Vermin 39
Rodent infestations 275
Unsound food 31
Miscellaneous Nuisances 14
842
Prompt investigation was made and suitable action taken to remedy
the complaints.
DISINFECTION AND DISINFESTATION OF PREMISES.
| Reason. | Houses. | Rooms. | Bedding, etc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infectious Fevers | 22 | 22 | 68 |
| Tuberculosis | 9 | 9 | 48 |
| Vermin | 11 | 24 | 19 |
| Other Diseases | 5 | 6 | 429 |
Costs recovered throughout the year: £14 6s. 0d.
Evidence of bed-bug infestation in dwelling houses continues to
diminish; spraying with a 5% D.D.T. solution in Kerosene remains
the most economic and effective treatment, and no instance has been
recorded in Richmond of Cimex Lectularius being resistant to D.D.T.
An alternative treatment employing a 5% B.H.C. spray is also available
in cases where D.D.T. is considered undesirable.
The policy of spraying School Kitchens, operating under the
School Meals Service, has been continued and involves one treatment
annually of 5% D.D.T. solution which leaves a residual film of
insecticide on the walls as a deterrent to flies.
The quantity of clothing fumigated before being sent abroad has
increased in recent years; this service is carried out on behalf of
members of the public to satisfy Post Office regulations, and a small
charge is made for the treatment.