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
Beddington and Wallington 1944
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Beddington and Wallington]
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other areas. The incidence of pediculosis—viz., 2.3 per 1,000, mainly
confined to the 0-15 age group—is also comparatively low.
In view of the several unfavourable conditions referred to, an
increase of both scabies and pediculosis had been anticipated, but it is
gratifying to note that almost all the cases of these infestations were
of a minor nature and readily yielded to the routine treatment provided
at the special cleansing unit. The treatment given for scabies consisted
of a hot bath, followed by the application of an emulsion of
25 per cent. Benzyl Benzoate. In only a very few cases was it
necessary to repeat the treatment more than once.
Pediculosis, which, as the following table indicates, was confined mainly to children, was successfully treated with Lethane Oil or "Ascabiol": —
| Condition | New Cases | 0-5 years. | School children 5-15 years | Adults | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attendances for Treatment. | |||||||||
| 1st. | Re. | 1st. | Re. | 1st. | Re. | 1st. | Re. | ||
| Scabies | 105 | 28 | 14 | 39 | 31 | 38 | 23 | 105 | 68 |
| Pediculosis | 62 | 11 | — | 36 | 5 | 15 | 3 | 62 | 8 |
| Total | 167 | 53 | 111 | 79 | 243 | ||||
DISINFECTION.
The disinfection of houses has been undertaken by the Council
during the year and the Wandle Valley Hospital Board have continued
to co-operate in the disinfection of bedding, etc.
Disinfection which is not absolutely essential in the interests of
the public health is also undertaken upon a payment of 10s. per
load for bedding, etc., and 5s. for the first room and 2s. 6d. for each
additional room as applied to house disinfection.
MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
The Council is the responsible authority for this important section
of public health work. During the early months of 1944 the Council's
Schemes for Maternity and Child Welfare continued to operate with
growing popularity, as was evidenced by steadily increasing attendances
at all centres and clinics. Particularly heavy attendances at
Child Welfare Centres led to the institution of a Toddlers' Clinic early
in the year, which was popular from its inception.
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