View report page

Report of the Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector,
E.R.H.Hodge, M.R.S.H., M.P.H.I.A.
Rodent Control, Disinfection & Dlsinfestation Section
The work of the Rodent Control Section has shown much the same pattern as in past
years. Surface infestations have been treated by poisoning off, and suspected defective
drainage systems have been reported to the Public Health Inspectors, who in turn have
caused the defective systems to be remedied.
There is no doubt that the use of Warfarin is most effective and in most cases
ensures a complete kill. The numbers of drain tests (795) gives some indication of the
large number of drains suspected by the operatives to be defective and referred by them to
the Public Health Inspectors for investigation. As a result of these tests, 194 notices
were served under Section 24 of the Public Health Act, 1936, (for repair/relaying of sewers)
and 286 under Section 41 of the West Ham Corporation Act, 1893 (for the repalr/relaying of
private drains). The rats were thus contained within the drainage systems, there to be
dealt with during the bi-annual treatment of sewers by the Borough Engineer's Department.
There is, of course, the possibility of the rats breaking out at some other defective point.
In due course the defect would be found by further rat infestation and the drain repaired.
It is hoped that by this means the majority of defective drains will have been discovered
and repaired during the next five years.
Whilst the number of premises infested by rats shows a satisfying decline, the
number of properties infested by mice remains more or less static, and on enquiring from
the Ministry, neighbouring authorities and private firms, it is found that this picture
prevails practically throughout the country.
An outbreak of dermatitis occurred in January, when three of the operatives found
that their faces became affected after using certain insecticides and disinfectants.
Complaints had been made in the weeks previous, and protective masks and hoods
were ordered immediately. There was, however, a delay of some weeks before the articles
were received, by which time the dermatitis had become more pronounced. Following the use
of the protective masks etc., the inflammation was markedly reduced.
Tests were carried out at the London Hospital, the results of which were given
to the Medical Officer of Health and a report was made to the Committee.
In two cases at least it is thought that the dermatitis resulted from either
prolonged and extensive exposure to disinfectant during three days of spraying or the
inadvertent use of disinfectant in a higher concentration than usual.
It is satisfactory to note, however, that since the condition cleared up, none
of the operatives have complained of or have shown any further symptoms, and are now
using all the insecticides etc., as before. As a precautionary measure, however, the
use of protective clothing and masks is insisted upon.
39