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
Carshalton 1953
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Carshalton]
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As mentioned in the last report, the incidence of verminous conditions,
including scabies, has diminished markedly since the war.
The ease with which scabies can be transmitted through individuals
in the close association of domestic life was exemplified by an outbreak
during the year in an old persons' home, when 13 persons out of a total
of 23 were found to be infested.
Premises
During the year, three lots of verminous bedding were stoved and two lots were destroyed and fifty-two premises were treated for the destruction of vermin and insect pests as follows:
| Infestation | Property Treated by C.U.D.C. | Property Treated | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C.U.D.C. Property | S.C.C. Property | Privately Owned Property | By L.C.C. | By Owners | ||
| Ants | 4 | 1 | – | 1 | 6 | |
| Bugs | 2 | – | 2 | 2 | 1 | 7 |
| Fleas | – | – | 1 | – | – | 1 |
| Flies | – | 10 | 2 | – | – | 12 |
| Mites | – | – | 1 | – | – | 1 |
| Moths | – | 1 | – | – | 1 | 2 |
| Silverfish | – | – | 1 | – | – | 1 |
| Wasps | 2 | 1 | 19 | – | – | 22 |
| 4 | 16 | 27 | 2 | 3 | 52 | |
Incoming tenants of Council houses as well as vacated Council
premises are visited by the Sanitary Inspectors before letting is effected
to ensure that verminous families are not admitted to clean houses
and vice versa.
Smoke Abatement
Twenty-four complaints were received and dealt with during the
year.
The Council's attention was drawn to an increasing quantity of
smoke and grit being discharged into the atmosphere in the industrial
part of the district. Three deposit gauges were installed at selected
points at the end of the year and investigation will be undertaken in
conjunction with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research,
the National Smoke Abatement Society and the London and Home
Counties' Smoke Advisory Council.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949
Rodent destruction was carried out during the year in conformity
with the scheme agreed with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
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