USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1941 > Part 3
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Auto vs. Tree.
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Report of the City Forester
To His Honor, the Mayor, and Municipal Council;
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my annual support for the year ending December 31, 1941.
The roadsides were sprayed during the caterpillar season. The elm trees were also sprayed wherever they could be reached from the spray pump and the results were satisfactory.
Roadside brush was cut as much as possible with the small amount of labor obtainable.
The dead wood was removed from the shade trees.
Very truly yours, Wm. E. S. Smith, City Forester
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Auto vs. Signpost.
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Auto vs. Pedestrian
Auto vs. Bridge
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ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Health Department
To His Honor, the Mayor and Municipal Council:
The annual report of the Health Department is herewith submitted.
It gives me great pleasure to report another year of excellent work by this department. This has been a very busy period for we have very many new items on our program.
There have, fortunately, been no serious epidemics.
Many nuisances have been abated and many aggravating situations have arisen in the work of our Plumbing Inspector who conducted the cases in a very satisfactory manner. There has been quite an increase in the number of plumb- ing permits.
The loss of our health nurse was greatly felt. We hope to have an appoint- ment to fill the position in the near future.
In regard to our clinics, we really feel that the beneficial results sought from the Dental Clinic are beginning to show for there is a gratifying improvement in the school children whom I have examined.
The Diphtheria Clinic was splendidly conducted this year with a larger number of inoculations than usual. I may say-though not boastfully-that another year has passed without a single case of diphtheria being reported in the city.
The usual routine examinations of the children at the Parochial School have been carried out.
The Health Camp for girls was a great success under the charge of Mrs. Lois Wilmarth and her able associates, and highly beneficial to those children fortunate enough to be among the group.
It has been decided to enforce the law regarding the pasteurization of milk. Ample time has been given to all dealers to comply with the law.
We are making routine tests to show whether milk has been pasteurized or not.
We are forwarding the list of births to the State Department of Health regularly so that each mother may receive the pamphlets issued by the State Department.
Raw milk being brought into the plants for pasteurization is also being examined.
Testing is being done for Bangs' disease and mastitis.
Bacteriological examination of glasses in restaurants, soda dispensing places and bars is being carried out.
Over 100 pounds of meat, also over 100 pounds of fowl were condemned. One eating place was closed. One swimming pond condemned. Five milk licenses were revoked, two prosecutions, both of whom were found guilty.
A survey of the water shed was made. A streptococci infection at one of the dairy farms was discovered and abated.
38
ANNUAL REPORT
We are now working on our Health Defense program and on our committee are, Rev. Frank L. Briggs, Mr. John Stenberg, Mr. William Blackburn and Mrs. F. C. Rounseville. It takes some time to get our ideas on this defense formulated, but we feel that at least we have made a start.
The report of our Inspector and Bacteriologist, Health Camp Director, Dental Clinic, Diphtheria Clinic, Inspector of Animals and Slaughter, and Inspector of Plumbing follows:
I wish to thank His Honor, the Mayor, for his many kindnesses through this year. I also wish to express my thanks to the Municipal Council and my Health Committee.
To Mr. Perriello, Mrs. Shaw, Dr. Briggs, Dr. Turner, Miss Greene, Dr. F. L. Briggs, Mr. Bullock, Mr. Forrest, Mrs. Wilmarth and Mrs. Blackburn my most sincere thanks for their excellent support and cooperation.
Owing to the condition of affairs in the country, I am making no recommenda- tions.
Very respectfully yours,
Ralph P. Kent, Health Officer.
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR, BACTERIOLOGIST AND AUTHORIZED AGENT
To Dr. Ralph P. Kent, Health Officer:
December 31, 1941
I hereby present my annual report as milk inspector, bacteriologist, and authorized agent for the year ending December 31, 1941.
The essential work done by me, this year, as in the past, may be placed in the following divisions:
1. Milk and water sanitation
2. Sanitary inspection
3. Laboratory
1. Milk and Water Control
There were 501 samples of milk collected and examined chemically-of these 66 were found to be below legal standard.
There were 422 samples of milk collected and examined bacteriologically- of which 76 did not conform to legal standard.
There were 49 samples of Grade A milk collected, seven samples did not con- form to the legal standard bacteriologically.
There were 283 samples collected of raw milk intended to be pasteurized. Twenty-two samples did not conform to the legal standard chemically and bac- teriologically.
There were 410 samples of raw milk examined microscopically-36 samples showed signs of mastitis.
There were 300 samples of pasteurized milk tested chemically and bacterio- logically. 21 samples did not conform to the legal bacteriological standard of 40,000 colonies per c.c. of milk. The lowest count was 25 colonies per c. c. of milk and the highest count was over 1,000,000 colonies per c. c. of milk.
39
ANNUAL REPORT
There were 221 samples of market raw milk taken. 44 samples did not con- form to legal standards bacteriologically and 13 did not conform to standards chemically.
There were 47 samples of cream collected and tested. 17 samples did not conform to legal standards bacteriologically. All samples tested chemically conformed to the legal standard.
Plant Inspections
There were 32 pasteurizing plants inspected, 313 inspections being made. There were many sanitary adjustments made. All plants, starting January 1, 1940 had to equip their coolers with sanitary covers. The Health Department feels that this sanitary improvement allows less chance of contamination of the milk after pasteurization.
There were 24 raw milk plants inspected, 310 inspections being made. There has been a decrease of raw milk dealers in Attleboro over last year. There was also a similar decrease in 1940 over 1939. The raw milk in Attleboro has been rigidly inspected and tested, however. because of the continued high bac- teria counts during 1940 and 1941 the raw milk was of poorer quality than the average pasteurized milk.
There were 260 notices, milk violations letters and warnings sent out by this department to farmers and milk dealers in 1941.
Phosphatase Test
During the past year the health department continued the use of the phos- phatase test as a routine laboratory procedure. One hundred samples of cream and milk were subjected to this test which determines pasteurizing efficiency. A few cases of gross violation of pasteurizing technique was found. Inaccuracy in the thermometers used in pasteurizing milk caused incomplete pasteurization in two plants.
Ice Cream
There were 18 samples of ice cream analyzed. One sample did not conform to the legal standard bacteriologically. Two samples of ice cream mix were analyzed chemically and bacteriologically. There were 31 inspections of the ice cream plants in Attleboro.
Water
The city water was tested periodically and was found safe bacteriologically. There were 51 water samples collected and tested. Seven samples were con- demned because of the bacteriological tests showed bacteria characteristic of pollution.
Examination of water from bathing places: There were 81 samples of swimming pool water collected and tested. During the bathing season the Health Department collected these samples of water from bathing pools and ponds. Many necessary ajustments were made. Water at one pond was condemned by the department. Both chemical and bacteriological tests were made. Swimming pool water was also tested for the proper chlorine concentration.
Country Inspections
There were 710 farm inspections made. Many adjustments were made. The average farm supplying Attleboro with milk is in fair sanitary condition.
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ANNUAL REPORT
II-Sanitary Inspections
There were 258 Nuisances investigated. There were 100 letters sent out by this department ordering the abatement of nuisances.
There were 151 inspections of food markets made.
Food condemned: Beef 100 lbs.
Chicken 50 lbs.
Fish
20 1bs.
Lettuce.
20 heads
Frankfurters
40 lbs.
Hamburg
50 lbs.
Vegetables
50 lbs.
There were 32 restaurants and eating establishments inspected with 182 inspections made. One establishment was closed by order of the Health Depart- ment. Many establishments received warnings from the department because of unsanitary establishments, improperly washed glasses and exposure of food. 1942 will mark a year of forced adjustments because this department has been dis- satisfied with the sterilization of drinking utensils and in some cases the sanitation of the establishment. In 1940 this department started a program of checking bacteriologically, drinking utensils. We found in 1940 that only about 25% of the establishments were sterilizing their drinking utensils properly. Much time has been spent and many adjustments have been made, however, 1941 showed a little better than 35% sterilizing properly. With a little care and more coopera- tion this improper condition can be rectified.
There were 12 public bars inspected, 40 inspections being made.
There were 45 ice cream stores and soda fountains inspected, 120 inspections being made.
There were 13 inspections of bakeries made, and 8 inspections of bakery wagons.
There were 30 over-night cabins inspected, 35 inspections being made. There were 8 inspections of a trailer camp made.
During July of this year, in conjunction with the Public Works Department, an inspection at Union Street was made of all trade waste and sewer connections to determine the source of sewage flowing into the new Union Street storm drain system. The source of pollution was found and adjustments were made.
During the past year a sanitary survey of our drinking water shed was made.
There was also a sanitary survey made in conjunction with the Public Works Department, the State Health Department, and the Attleboro Health Depart- ment to determine the best protection for our water supply during this war-time period. Our problem for this period will be for the protection of our water supply, proper sanitary refuse disposal, a sanitary system of emergency sewerage, a work- ing system of emergency water supplies, a working plan of emergency health services under the direction of Dr. R. P. Kent, Health Officer, and the super- vision of our milk supply.
TABLE 1 Inspections and Investigations
Farms (121) 710
Dealers and producer dealers (56) . 513
Ice Cream plants (4) 31 Bottling Plant (1). 4
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ANNUAL REPORT
Restaurants (32)
182
Liquor Bars (12)
40
Ice Cream stores and fountains (45)
120
Bakeries (4)
13
Markets (50)
151
Overnight cabins (5)
35
Trailer Camp.
5
Bakery wagons (6)
8
Ice Cream wagons (2).
2
Milk wagons (15)
15
Swimming pools (3)
20
Nuisances :
Dumps.
20
Rubbish bins overflowing.
31
Unsanitary yards.
40
Unsanitary toilets
9
Cesspools.
33
Swine.
35
Odor
8
Hens
15
Rats
10
Smoke.
2
Unsanitary home.
10
Miscellaneous
10
Sewage
15
Out houses
20
TABLE 2 Daily Milk Supply, December 31, 1941
Number of milk licenses
159
Number of licensed dealers
56
Number of licensed stores and restaurants.
103
Number of pasteurizing plants supplying milk in Attleboro.
32
Number of farms supplying milk in Attleboro including those inspected by state inspectors . 223
Number of producer-dealers supplying milk in Attleboro . 30
Number of quarts of milk consumed in Attleboro per day 8186
Number of quarts of pasteurized milk consumed in Attleboro per day .6766
Number of quarts of raw milk consumed in Attleboro per day 1420
Percentage of pasteurized milk consumed. 82.4%
Percentage of raw milk consumed 17.6%
TABLE 3 Licenses and Permits Issued
Milk licenses
159
Dealers
56
Restaurants and stores. 103
Oleomargarine
14
Pasteurizing plants
10
Carbonated Beverages
1
Ice cream plants
4
Overnight camps
5
Trailer caNp
1
Methyl alcohol
41
Funeral Directors
8
Massage .
2
Plumbing
17
-
TABLE 4 Statistical Report
Laboratory
Total number of milk specimens collected
671
Chemical analysis . 501
Bacteriological analysis 422
Number of specimens above standard. 860
Number of specimens above 12% solids 400
Number of specimens below 12% solids. 26
Number of specimens above bacteriological standards 366
Number of specimens below bacteriological standards. 76
Number of specimens above 3.35% butter fat.
410
Number of specimens below 3.35% butter fat.
46
Total number of water samples collected
51
Chemical analysis . Bacteriological analysis 51
20
Total number of food samples collected
15
Bacteriological analysis . 15
Chemical analysis . 0
Total number of ice cream samples collected.
18
Chemical analysis . 18
Bacteriological analysis 18
Total number of swimming-pool water samples taken
80
Chemical analysis. 80
Bacteriological. 11
Total number of Bang's Disease tests.
25
Total number Microscopic tests.
410
Total number of Phosphatase tests
100
Total number Mastitis tests 210
Total number Bacteriological analysis of glassware
210
TABLE 5 *Bacteriological Examination of Water Private Samples
Date
Ph.
Bact, Count
per cc.
Water
.001 cc.
.01 cc.
0. 1 cc.
1.0 cc.
10 cc.
Pos.
10 cc.
Neg.
Endo
Brilliant
V. P.
Citrate
Gram Stain
Jan. 2
6.5
10
0
4
1
Jan. 3
6.2
150
0'
1+
5
0
Jan. 29.
200
0
5
Feb. 10
7.1
50
0
5
Feb. 18
6.4
5
0
0
0
5
March 19
7.2
100
0
0
3
2
March 24
62
21
0
5
0
April 11
15
0
0
5
May 2
300
0
0
0
0
5
May 23
6.8
150
0
1
4
+
++ Green
1
++
1
ANNUAL REPORT
42
Coli-Aerogenes
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ANNUAL REPORT
May 23
7.1
110
0
0
5
May 23
6.9
10
0
1-1
1
4
+
+
June 3.
70
0
0
2
3
+
-
June 3.
20
0
0
0
5
June 10
120
0)
0
0
5
June 26
6.7
500
0
0
5
June 26
0
1
4
June 30
6.3
50
0
0
0
5
Sept. 8.
140
0
0
2+
4
1
+
+ 1
+
Sept. 15.
7.1
0
0
0
5
Oct. 14
6.8
90
+
+
Oct. 11
6.5
20
0
3+
5
0
+
+
+
Oct. 11
5
0
0
5
Nov. 18
6.6
20
0
0
5
*City Water tested periodically and found safe.
TABLE 6
Summary of Bacteriological Examination of Drinking Utensils
Average Bacteria
Taverns and Bars
Fountains
Restaurants
Under 10.
0
0
1
10-50
2
1
1
50-100
0
8
1
100-500
1
8
5
500-1000
1
4
8
0
3
4
3
12
10
5
3
2
Over 20,000
Total Establishments
12
39
32
One important announcement made by the Health Department in 1941 was that after June 1, 1942, all milk sold in Attleboro must be pasteurized or certified. Unpasteurized milk is a potential vehicle of infection, causing a greater number of communicable diseases than any other foodstuff. We have instituted this effective date to avoid any possible epidemic of typhoid fever, the dysenteries, undulant fever, diphtheria, septic sore throat, scarlet fever, and infantile paralysis which may be transmitted by raw milk.
In 1941 the Health Department published health literature to be sent to the people of Attleboro.
In 1941 the Health Department has instituted the system of follow-up work of live births.
The milk supply from a number of scarlet fever cases reported to the Health Department was traced to one raw milk dealer. The Health Department became suspicious and investigated. The department found that the raw milk dealer had one man processing the milk who had an infected ear. This ear infection was caused by pathogenic hemolytic streptococci which presumably may have caused the spread of the scarlet fever. The ear was cleared up and no other new cases were reported which involved this particular dealer.
Because the rat, which is aptly called "the travelling agent of death," and because they are also an economic burden in any community the health depart- ment conducted a poison campaign against the rats at the city dump. Much more should and can be done in the future in regard to this question. Recommendations:
+
1-
0
5
1000-5000
5000-20,000
Soda
count per utensil
44
ANNUAL REPORT
1. A survey of the toilet, handwashing and drinking facilities of the public schools.
2. Rubbish collection for the city.
3. Approximately 50% of the public in the City of Attleboro depend upon septic tanks and cesspools for sewage disposal. We would recommend that the city sanitary sewage system be extended to all congested parts of the city. The reason for this recommendation is that the unsanitary conditions, which now exist at many locations not having a public sewer, are unabatable because of soil conditions, water absorption, size of property and expense to the owner of the individual system.
I would like to thank the Welfare Department and also the Department of Public Works for their cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
R. C. Perriello, B. S.
Milk Inspector, Bacteriologist and Authorized Agent.
REPORT OF THE DENTAL CLINIC
January 6, 1942
We herewith submit the report of the Dentists and Dental Hygienist for the school year of 1941.
The clinic operated this year only nine months of the school year. As in the past, a dentist was on duty each morning at the Bliss School. The Dental Hygienist was on duty the full school day. The work of the Dentist is limited to the pupils of grades 1 through 3 and to all emergencies. This limitation is necessary since we have but one clinic.
The work which is done in these grades is educational and preventive as well as corrective. Since we are limited in the amount of work we can accomplish, dental authorities agree that this is the age group in which we should concentrate our efforts. This work is for both the public and parochial schools.
In addition to regular dental work done in the clinic, many special cases are given attention by local dentists. These include replacements, X-rays and extensive repair work. These cases are paid for out of the Attleboro Foundation fund.
The Dentist and Dental Hygienist assisted at the pre-school examination held in the spring. This examination is successful in that it gives us an opportunity for parent education. This phase of the work is followed through the grades by notices and material sent home.
The educational program conducted by the Hygienist goes through all the grades below high school. It consists of prophylactic treatments, inspections and talks to groups and individuals. Movies are used as a means of visual education. The professional angles of the work can be explained more clearly in this way. In general, health education seems most likely to induce improve- ment when instruction at school is combined with other subjects and means of stimulating an interest in good health. Therefore, the Hygienist has visual and factual material which is given to teachers for use in correlation with other subjects. Project, puppet shows, health plays are all means of teaching dental health which are used by the various teachers. Health is one of the goals of education and dental health is an important aspect of the general health educa- tion program. Statistics show that 97% of the school population is affected with dental disease. One cannot deny that it is definitely a major problem. Although the establishing of oral health will not raise the intelligence level, it does improve
45
ANNUAL REPORT
school attendance and surely a well child free from pain is free to learn and progress in school work.
We wish to thank the dentists for their cooperation in sending dental cer- tificates to us. Also we wish to express our gratitude to you and all who have helped us to make this year a success.
Very truly yours,
Dr. Anderson S. Briggs Dr. W. E. Turner
STATISTICAL REPORT OF DENTAL CLINIC FOR YEAR 1941
Number of clinic days
137
Number of sittings
914
Number of new patients 306
Number of old patients . 608
Number of patients completed by clinic. 211
Number of patients completed by family dentist .
227
Number of temporary teeth fillings.
644
Number of permanent teeth fillings
820
Number of temporary teeth extracted.
147
Number of permanent teeth extracted
21
Number of emergencies 101
Report of Dental Hygienist
Number of inspections.
1609
Number of school visits
193
Number of classroom visits. 330
Number of home visits
9
Number of movies.
21
Number of conferences
5
Number of cleanings
194
Number of pupils visiting family dentists
712
ATTLEBORO HEALTH CAMP
I herewith submit the report of the Attleboro Health Camp for the season of 1941.
The nineteenth year of Camp opened July 5th for a period of six weeks. Thirty-seven girls from 7-14 years of age were enrolled as campers. The average age was 10 years.
Camp activities consisted of swimming, dramatics, folk-dancing, bead- weaving, metalcraft, papercraft, and many parties and campfires.
Care was exercised that slowly accruing benefits of rest and balanced meals were not lost in too strenuous activities. To keep the balance on the side of normal growth the children were weighed each week. Activity was slowed if weight gains were not average. The net gain was 166 3-4 pounds, and the average gain was 4 pounds 6 ounces.
Corrective posture was taught daily to improve body mechanics and to correlate gain in weight.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The usual periods of rest were closely adhered to because of their great importance to health improvement. There was 1-2 hour of rest before dinner and supper and 2 hours of rest after the noon meal. Campers were taught to relax at these periods and were expected to sleep during the 2 hours rest period.
It was interesting to note that there were 187 persons in the immediate families of the 37 campers. It is hoped that camp practices and health measures might have been carried into these homes representing this number of persons.
Four counsellors and one assistant guided the children in all their activities The efficiency, loyalty and cooperation of the personnel was high commendable.
The Lions' Club continued their interest and generous support to Camp this year. Necessary repairs to buildings were made and new equipment fur- nished at their expense. A new two way sink in the kitchen added greatly to camp sanitation and kitchen efficiency.
Donations of ice cream, candy, and entertainment furnished by the Lions' Club members and friends of camp were greatly appreciated by all.
Respectfully submitted,
Lois E. Wilmarth, R. N. Supervisor.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE
Number of pulmonary tuberculosis cases reported 1941 (Attleboro residents) 10
Number of tuberculosis, other forms (Attleboro residents) 2 Number of deaths from tuberculosis (Attleboro residents) 6 Scarlet fever, total number 36
January . 5
February
1
March.
7
April
6
May 9
June 3
September
1
November
3
December
1
The total number of cases of scarlet fever this year showed an average prevalence.
Diphtheria Prevention clinic was held on the four Saturdays in October and the first two Saturdays in November. There were no cases of diphtheria reported in 1941. In the last four years we have had no cases of diphtheria reported which proves the effectiveness of immunization.
DIPHTHERIA PREVENTION CLINIC
1941
New Schicks
1
Re-schicks
0
Negative.
1
Positive.
0
Not read.
0
47
ANNUAL REPORT
Total number of treatments .
172
Total number immunized with toxoid.
53
Under 1 year immunized. .
14
Number of cases 1-2 years immunized.
15
New cases 5-6 years
3
New cases 4-5 years
4
New cases 2-4 years .
12
New cases 6 years.
48
New cases under 2 years
29
Under 1 year
14
1-2 years
15
2-3 years
6
3-4 years
6
4-5 years
4
5-6 years.
3
6-10 years
4
10-14 years
1
Over 14 years.
0
Percent under 6 years.
90.6%
An analysis of the communicable disease incidence during 1941 reveals the following facts:
1. Diphtheria Cases 0 Deaths. 0
There have been no cases in Attleboro for the past four years. The last case was reported in 1937 and this case was a child, not previously protected, who had just moved into Attleboro from another state.
2. Mumps Cases 3 Deaths. 0
This disease showed a decline from the previous year and for the past few years this city has been relatively free of this disease.
3. Measles Cases 45 Deaths
There was a notable decrease over the previous year.
0
4. Lobar Pneumonia Cases . 12 Deaths 3
The case fatality rate of the reported cases of this disease shows a marked decline which is due probably to modern methods of treatment, for example, the use of salfanilamide and its derivatives and the practice of specific serum therapy.
5. Poliomyelitis Cases . 2 Deaths. 0
(Infantile Paralysis)
Although last year, 1940, was one of absolute freedom from this disease we have had two cases reported this year of moderate severity. The cases were reported in September.
6. Scarlet fever Cases 36 Deaths 1
There has been a low incidence of this disease from the previous year, how- ever, including this year we have been having fairly prevalent outbreaks of this disease. The one death occurred out of the state.
7. Whooping cough Cases 71 Deaths. 0 There has been a decided increase of this disease from the previous year, however there were no deaths caused by this disease.
8. Pulmonary tuberculosis Cases 10 Deaths 6
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