USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1942 > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17
There has been an increase in reported cases of pulmonary tuberculosis from the previous year. This increase is also state-wide. Early treat- ment of this disease is imperative.
9. Smallpox Cases 0 Deaths 0 This is the tenth year that Massachusetts has had no reported case of this disease. This outstanding record speaks for itself. Compulsory vac- cination is the answer.
10. Trichinosis Cases 0 Deaths 0 Last year, 1941 we had six cases of this disease, with no cases reported this year. This disease can be prevented 100 per cent by cooking pork and pork products thoroughly.
11. Tetanus
Cases 0 Deaths 0 Last year we had one case reported and one death resulting from this disease. All deep wounds should be promptly taken care of by your doctor. Proper care can prevent this disease.
12. German Measles Cases 17 Deaths 0
There has been a slight decrease in this disease from last year.
13. Chicken Pox Cases 25 Deaths 0 There has been a decrease in this disease from the previous year. Last year we had thirty-five reported cases. Proper isolation of the patient is an effective check for this disease.
Our garbage collection has been very satisfactorily taken care of this year in spite of the difficulties in obtaining labor. It has been necessary to ask for de-
39
ANNUAL REPORT
ferment from draft for some of the men working in this department, but the de- partment feels that this is one phase that is absolutely essential and we know that it is impossible for the contract holder to procure any new labor. In these times, we believe we have been very fortunate to have any garbage collection.
The report of the Bacteriologist and Inspector, the Health Nurse, Dental Clinic, Diphtheria Clinic, Inspector of Animals amd Slaughtering and Inspector of Plumbing follow.
I wish to thank His Honor, the Mayor for his cooperation and many kind- nesses during the last year.
I also wish to express my thanks to the Municipal Council and my Health Committee.
For their faithful and helpful services, I am grateful to Mr. Perriello, Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. Wilmarth, Dr. Anderson Briggs, Dr. Turner, Dr. F. L. Briggs, Mr. Bullock, Mr. Forrest and Mrs. Blackburn.
We are also grateful to the Sturdy Hospital for the use of the Clinic Room.
Very respectfully submitted,
Ralph P. Kent, Health Officer January 8. 1943
REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR, BACTERIOLOGIST AND AUTHORIZED AGENT
January 8. 1943,
To Dr. Ralph P. Kent, Health Officer,
Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Dr. Kent:
I hereby present my annual report as Milk Inspector, Bacteriologist, and Authorized Agent for the year ending December 31, 1942.
The work done this year, as in the past, may be placed in the following di- visions:
1. Milk, food and water sanitation
2. General sanitation
3. Laboratory
1. Milk, Food and Water Sanitation
MILK: The prevention of the spread of infection through milk is the pri- mary and principal purpose in the field of milk sanitation which includes the strict supervision of pasteurizing plants, dairy farms, milk houses and equipment, and laboratory checks of the farm milk and the pasteurized market milk.
There were 351 samples of milk collected and examined chemically, of these 37 were found to be below legal standard.
There were 411 samples of pasteurized milk collected and examined bacteri- ologically, of these, 43 did not conform to standards.
Grade A Milk
There were 74 samples of Grade A milk collected, two of which did not con- form to standards bacteriologically. Chemically. all samples proved to be above the standards.
There were 202 samples of raw milk, intended to be pasteurized, which were tested, of which 50 did not conform to the legal standards bacteriologically. Five did not conform to the legal standards chemically
There were 109 samples of market raw milk (from Jan. 1. 1942 to June 1, 1942) collected and examined. Twenty-three of these samples did not conform to legal standards bacteriologically, and ten did not conform to the chemical standards.
40
ANNUAL REPORT
Cream
There were 68 samples of cream collected and tested. Five samples did not conform to the legal standards bacteriologically and one sample did not conform to the chemical standards.
Plant Inspections
There were 31 pasteurizing plants inspected, 271 inspections being made. In 1942 there were four new pasteurizing plants established in Attleboro. In the past year, the program of sanitary control of pasteurization plants has been ex- tended and has become more rigid.
From January to June, 23 raw milk plants were inspected, 135 inspections being made.
There were 405 notices, milk violation letters and warnings sent out by this department to persons involved in the dairy industry.
Phosphatase Test
This department has continued to use the phosphatase test as a routine lab- oratory procedure. Two hundred and two samples of cream and milk were sub- jected to this test which determines pasteurizing efficiency.
Ice Cream
There were 15 samples of ice cream analyzed, both chemically and bacterio- logically. All samples conformed to the legal standard bacteriologically and chemically. There were 27 inspections of ice cream plants made.
Water
Water control includes the laboratory checks of both private and public water. The problem of holding a high standard of water quality is a complicated and a comprehensive job. The problems of water sanitation include: the source of water, the sanitary condition of the watershed, methods of water purincation and distribution and color and odor control. About 4500 families are serviced with city water in Attleboro. Our source of water supply is from filtered surface water and dug wells. The water treatment includes filtration, corrosive correction with lime, aeration to reduce the CO2 content and chlorination which eliminates all pathogenic bacteria in the water and prevents water-borne diseases.
The city water was tested periodically, and chemical and bacteriological tests were made. The water was found to be safe bacteriologically. There were 97 private water samples collected and tested. Eleven samples were condemned because of pollution. In conjunction with the Massachusetts and the Attleboro Civilian Defense and Public Safety, the Health Department collected and tested private supplies of water to be used in an emergency. We wish to thank the manufac- turers of Attleboro for their fine cooperation in this matter.
Swimming Pool Sanitation
Public Health authorities believe, at this time, that disease can be transmitted in swimming pools. An improperly cared for swimming pool is a potential danger in any community. A favorable trend in the right direction is the increased use of chlorinating swimming pool water, and this department is pleased to note that the pools in Attleboro are using chlorine. The control work necessary in this part- ticular field of sanitation is the inspection of equipment, bath house sanitation and the methods and efficiency of operation. Chlorine used as a method of water purification must be applied by responsible persons. Too little chlorine is worth- less and too much chlorine may cause serious ear, eye, and nose irritations.
There were 32 samples of pool water tested bacteriologically and chemically.
41
ANNUAL REPORT
Country Inspections
There were 612 farm inspections made. Milk supplies for Attleboro cover the following territories: Attleboro, Seekonk, Adamsdale, Mansfield, Rehoboth, Norton, North Attleboro, Franklin, Plainville, Taunton, Raynham, Berkley, Easton, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
2. Sanitary Inspections
NUISANCES: Nuisances of all types require a great amount of attention. When the complaint is justified the cause is eliminated by educational measures if possible; otherwise by court procedure. Nuisances most frequently investigated include overflowing cesspools, septic tanks, and drainage systems, improper dis- posal of garbage and rubbish, odors, animal pens and unsanitary property. There were 265 nuisances and investigations made by this department.
FOOD SANITATION: includes the inspection and check-up of the sanitary conditions of restaurants, drinking establishments, meat and fish markets, bak- eries, grocery stores, candy shops, and ice cream stores and fountains. The sani- tary control of these establishments includes a check on water supply, toilet facil- ities, food storage, lighting, ventilation, disposal of refuse, utensil washing and general sanitary conditions of each establishment and laboratory checks of the food and the utensils. There were 124 inspections of food markets made.
There were 32 restaurants and eating establishments inspected, 180 inspec- tions being made. One establishment was closed by order of the Health Depart- ment.
During 1942, the program of bacteriologically checking drinking and eating utensils has been continued.
There were 13 public bars inspected, 43 inspections being made.
There were 45 ice cream stores and soda fountains inspected, 100 inspections being made. There were 6 inspections of bakeries made and 9 inspections of bakery wagons.
There were 30 overnight cabin inspections and there were 2 inspections of a trailer camp made.
TABLE I Inspections and Investigations
Farms (130)
612
Dealers and ProducerDealers.
406
Ice Cream plants (4)
27
Bottling plant (1)
2
Restaurants (33)
180
Liquor Bars (12)
37
Ice Cream stores and fountains (45)
160
Bakeries (3)
6
Markets (50).
127
Overnight Cabins (30)
30
Trailer Camp
2
Bakery Wagons (10)
10
Ice Cream Wagons (2)
2
Milk Wagons (20)
74
Swimming Pools (3)
13
Nuisances and Investigations :
Dumps
31
Rubbish
15
Garbage
2
42
ANNUAL REPORT
Overflowing Cesspools
40
Drainage Systems.
2
Toilets
14
Odors
6
Hens
10
Homes
1
Sewage
3
Outhouses
3
Unsanitary Property .
38
Swine .
30
Smoke
3
Rats
2
Cellars
10
Stairways
2
Plumbing (septic tanks and cesspools)
33
Miscellaneous
20
Food Condemned:
Meats approximately . 55 lbs.
Fish approximately 15 lbs.
Fruits and vegetables approximately 13 lbs.
20 lbs.
TABLE 2 Daily Milk Supply December 31, 1942
Number of milk licenses . 150
Number of licensed dealers. 48
102
Number of pasteurizing plants supplying milk in Attleboro
31
Number of farms supplying milk to dealers selling milk in Attleboro, in- cluding those inspected by the State .
931
Number of pasteurizing plants in Attleboro
13
Number of producer-dealers supplying milk in Attleboro
23
Number of quarts of pasteurized milk consumed in Attleboro per day 8000
100%
Percentage of pasteurized milk consumed
TABLE 3 Licenses and Permits Issued
Milk licenses 150
Dealers . 48
Restaurants and Stores. 102
Oleomargarine
19
Pasteurizing plants
13
Carbonated Beverages
1
Ice Cream plants .
3
Overnight camps
5
Trailer camp .
1
Methyl alcohol .
36
Funeral Directors
7
Massage
1
Plumbing
10
TABLE 4 Statistical Report
LABORATORY:
Total number of milk specimens collected 613
Chemical analysis . .451
Bacteriological analysis . 610
Miscellaneous approximately
Number of licensed stores and restaurants.
43
ANNUAL REPORT
Number of specimens above standard 878
Number of specimens above 12 % solids . 354
Number of specimens below 12 % solids 46
Number of specimens above bacteriological standards 544
Number of specimens below bacteriological standards.
66
Number of specimens above 3.35 % butter fat 350 Number of specimens below 3.35 % butterfat 51
Total number of Grade A milk specimens collected and tested. 74
*Total number of water samples collected
97
Chemical analysis . 18
Bacteriological analysis 97
*City water also tested periodically
Total number of food samples collected Chemical analysis .
12
Bacteriological analysis . 15
Total number of ice cream samples collected . 10
Chemical analysis . 10
Bacteriological analysis 10
32
Total number of swimming pool water samples taken. Chemical analysis . . Bacteriological analysis . 10
30
Total number of Bang's disease tests 17
Total number of Microscopic tests 411
Total number of Phosphatase tests 202
Total number of Mastitis tests 193
Total number of Bacteriological analysis of public glassware. 190
In 1942 the City of Attleboro passed a milestone of modern public health achievement when the community was assured a safe water and a safe milk supply, The pasteurization of milk and the chlorination of the public water supply are two credible records of advancement in the realm of preventive medicine.
In 1942, in conjunction with the Massachusetts State Department of Health and the U. S. Army, a survey was made by this Department of the health services and enforcement in the area surrounding the nearby army camp.
This survey included information and data dealing with the following items:
A. General. Character of community, leading industries, population and number of families.
B. Water Supply.
1. Public Water Supply. Source, character of raw water, pollution of water shed, emergency supply, plans for expansion, treatment, opera- tion, laboratory control, adequacy of supply, distribution, daily con- sumption, population accessible to supply and cross connections.
2. Private Water Supplies. Number of wells, number of families using wells, number of springs, industrial supplies, and history of water- borne diseases.
C. Sewage disposal.
1. Public. Population accessible, sewage treatment, efficiency of treatment, sewage disposal and history of nuisances.
2. Private sewage systems. Number, types, total persons using same, distribution over community, and laboratory control.
D. Industrial wastes. Types, amounts, disposal and treatment.
E. Stream polluton.
F. Food Control. Ordinances, inspections, enforcements, laboratory con- trol and history of food-borne epidemics.
G. Milk Supply. Milk shed, sources, dairy farms, pasteurization, average output of plants, capacity of plants, distribution, consumption, labora- tory control, quality, supervision and history of milk-borne epidemics.
17
44
ANNUAL REPORT
H. Garbage and refuse collection and disposal. Collection, frequency, dis- posal, ordinance, families receiving same and facilities.
I. Housing. Needs, capacity, number of dwelling units, zoning, building regulations, construction, plumbing sanitation and overcrowding.
J. Health Department Organization. Disease control, medical care, labora- tory, inspection, services, clinics, sanitation, program and personnel.
K. Other Health Agencies. Private agencies, visiting nurse association, voluntary health agencies and welfare organizations.
In 1942 the Health Department laboratory was equipped with material for the chemical and bacteriological analysis of food, water, war gases and chemicals necessary in time of emergency. This work would include the detection and de- contamination of areas, food and water during bombings and gas warfare.
In 1942 the second edition of "Our Health" was published and mailed to the people of Attleboro. This book dealt with communicable diseases, disease pre- vention, nutrition, war-time sanitation, immunization and milk supply. We have had many requests for the free literature mentioned in the bulletin and feel that, in the future, more people will take advantage of this service.
In 1942, in conjunction with the Attleboro Civilian Defense, private water supplies were tested for future emergency use. This water is to be used if the city water supply system is destroyed by enemy bombs.
In 1942 there were four convictions pertaining to violations of the health laws A few of the future problems in the field of sanitation which must be met are as follows:
Mosquito control, industrial hygiene, reclaiming of rat and mosquito infested swampy land, 100% elimination of cross connections between private and public water supplies, housing, and extension of the sewage system, rubbish collection, the use of single service sanitary paper cups in food and drink establishments, and the physical examinations of persons serving food and drink to the public.
I wish to thank the Department of Public Works for its fine cooperation with the Health Department.
Respectfully submitted, R. C. Perriello, B. S. Milk Inspector, Bacteriologist and Authorized Agent.
REPORT OF THE HEALTH NURSE
Dr. R. P. Kent, Health Officer,
January 8, 1943 Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Dr. Kent:
The work of the health nurse is concerned primarily with the prevention of infectious diseases dangerous to public health. Instructions in the carrying out of necessary quarantine is given to patients or those caring for patients with in- fectious diseases. The need of immunization of young children against smallpox and diphtheria is stressed to parents.
Because tuberculosis is an infectious disease of chronic nature, follow-up of persons known to have had tuberculosis and also those known to have been in con- tact with this disease is a necessary part of the nurse's work, for protection of these people and of the public health.
Appointments are made and transportation furnished to and from the Bristol County Tuberculosis Hospital where patients, contacts, or anyone with suspicious symptoms of tuberculosis may receive chest x-ray, consultation and treatment when needed.
45
ANNUAL REPORT
Attleboro is indeed fortunate to have so close at hand this invaluable service for the prevention and treatment of this disease.
Other duties of the nurse are: school nursing at St. Joseph's Parochial School, assisting at the free Health Department clinics, at Sturdy Hospital, for immuni- zation against smallpox and diphtheria, checking and replenishing of biological sup- plies which are furnished by the State Department of Health and kept at the Sturdy Hospital for use by the physicians of the City.
The School Department in the spring prepared a list of children whom they considered would be benefited by attendance at the Attleboro Health Camp. The health nurse visited many of these children and their parents in the process of the selection of thirty-seven which is the capacity of the camp. Arrangements were made for the correction of defects deemed necessary before admission. Tonsil and adenoid operations were arranged for three. Twelve children received dental treatment at the Dental Clinic. While camp was in session the nurse made many visits to camp for the purpose of health supervision of the campers.
I wish to thank Dr. Kent for the kindly direction given me, a new employee of this Department, also Mr. Perriello and Mrs. Shaw for their splendid coopera- tion.
The work of the Nurse has been aided by Dr. Smith and his staff at Bristol County Hospital, the District Nurses, School Nurse, Family Welfare Association, Public Welfare Department, Dental Clinic, and the Sturdy Hospital.
The following is a statistical report of visits to and in behalf of persons coming in contact with the nurse in her work. Included as visits is work on records, re- lief at the Health Department office, check on biological supplies, clinics, meetings attended and other duties pertaining to public health.
Number of visits to and in behalf of tuberculosis cases 300
Number of visits to and in behalf of tuberculosis contacts . 419
Number of visits to and in behalf of suspicious tuberculosis cases 60
Number of visits to Bristol County Hospital for X-ray, admission or treatment. 114
Number of cases of pulmonary tuberculosis reported this year 12
Number of cases of tuberculosis, other forms . 2
Number of deaths from tuberculosis .
5
Number of visits to and in behalf of other infectious diseases
207
Number of visits in behalf of immunization.
413
Number of visits in behalf of health camp 241
Number of school nursing visits . 122
Number of visits to boarding homes.
5
Assistance at diphtheria prevention clinics
8
Assistance at smallpox vaccination clinic
1
Miscellaneous visits (Social, persons not found, meetings attended, biological check etc.) 787
The total of these visits. 2677
Respectfully submitted,
Lois E. Wilmarth, R. N. Health Nurse
DIPHTHERIA PREVENTION CLINIC
1942
New Schicks
0
Re-Schicks.
0
Total Number of treatments . 433
Total number immunized with toxoid . 142
Under 1 year immunized. 29
a
46
ANNUAL REPORT
Number of cases 1-2 years immunized
38
New cases 5-6 years .
12
New cases 4-5 years
15
New cases 2-4 years
37
New cases under 6 years
131
New cases under 2 years
67
1-2 years
38
2-3 years .
20
3-4 years .
17
4-5 years
15
5-6 years
12
6-10 years
11
10-14 years
0
Over 14 years
0
Percent under 6 years immunized
92.3 %
REPORT OF THE DENTAL CLINIC FOR THE YEAR 1942
We herewith submit the report of the Dentists and Dental Assistant for the year 1942.
As usual, a dentist was on duty each morning at the Clinic at the Bliss School. The work done by the dentists, as in the past, has been limited to the first three grades. Children in the first grade have more dental defects than any other age group, and the work done in the first months of the school year is chiefly for them. As the work progresses to the second and third grades, fewer defects are noted because of the dental attention these children have received in the past, and more children can be taken care of at the Clinic.
Dr. Anderson Briggs has been on leave of absence since October to serve with the Dental Corps of the United States Navy.
The Dental Hygienist, Miss Barbara Greene has also been given a leave of absence to serve in an Army Hospital. Since that time there has been no trained hygienist on duty, and therefore the educational program has not been carried out. It is hoped that this feature of the Clinic may be resumed after the war. The hygienist, through lectures and pictures and individual contact, can do much to improve the dental health of the children of Attleboro.
We wish to thank the dentists of Attleboro for their cooperation in sending Dental certificates to us. And we also wish to express our gratitude to all of you who have helped to make this year a successful one.
(Signed) W. E. Turner, D. D. S. Dr. Anderson Briggs
STATISTICAL REPORT OF THE DENTAL CLINIC FOR YEAR 1942
147
Number of clinic days
Number of sittings 773
Number of new patients 246
Number of old patients 527
Number of completed cases 174
678
Number of temporary teeth fillings
429
Number of permanent teeth fillings
148
Number of temporary teeth extracted
Number of permanent teeth extracted 15
Number of emergency treatments . 34
47
ANNUAL REPORT
DEATHS BY MONTHS
Stillbirths
Deaths
January
1
32
February
1
20
March
1
26
April
34
May
3
21
June
1
24
July
2
21
August
1
25
September
2
25
October
3
29
November
19
December
2
31
Totals
17
307
CAUSES OF DEATHS
January
-February
March
April
May
June
July
August
- September
19October
November
December
Accident-auto
Accident-drowning
1
Accident-fall .
1
1
1
Accident-struck by bar
1
1
Angina pectoris .
1
1
Apoplexy
3144531
2 3
3
2
2
33 1
Brain abscess
1
1
Cancer .
6
3
5
2
6
2
2
1
3
1
1
32
Cerebral hemorrhage
2
2
6
3
2
3
4
6
6
34
Cirrhosis of liver
1
1
2
Congenital debility
1
1
Congenital heart disease
1
1
Coronary thrombosis
3
2
3 2 2
1
3
4
2
2
24
Diabetes
1
1
2
Duodenal ulcer
1
1
1
Embolism
2
2
Encephalitis .
1
1
Endocarditis-chronic .
1
1
2
Gangrene
Gastric ulcer
1
1
Gastro enteritis .
1
1
2
Hemorrhage new born.
1
1
Heart Disease
3327 4
2
2 4 3 4 7
41
Homocid
1
1
Intestinal obstruction
1
1
2
Malnutrition.
1
1
Myocarditis-chronic .
4
1
1
1
3
1
2
2
1
2
18
Nephritis-acute.
1
1
2
Nephritis-chronic.
2
1
1
1
1
1
7
Padget's disease.
1
1
1 1 -HHTotal
Accident-gas poisoning.
1
1
Anaemia .
1
1
Arterio sclerosis .
Asphyxia neonatorum
1
Bronchial asthma
1
1
Choleocystitis-acute .
1
1
2
1
Eclampsia .
1
1
1
1
Hydronephroma
6
.
48
ANNUAL REPORT
January
February
March
April
May
June
-July
August
September
October
November
December
Totals
Peptic ulcer
Placenta Praevia
1
Peritonitis
2
3
Pneumonia-broncho
1
2
1
1
1
2
8
Pneumonia-hypostatic
1
1
2
4
Pneumonia-lobar
1
1
1
1
Pneumonia-type 3
2
2
1
1
1
1
8
Prostatic obstruction
1
1
1
1
1
5
Stillborn .
1 1
1
3
1
2
1
2
3
2
17
Suicide .
1
1
2
Tuberculosis-miliary
1
1
Tuberculosis-pulmonary
4
3 21223
2 1
1
22
Uraemia
1
3 2
1
1
1
9
TOTALS
33 21 27 34 24 25 23 26 27 32 19 33 324
DEATHS UNDER ONE YEAR
Totals
Male
Female
Under 1 day
1-2 days
2-3 days
3 days-1 week
1 2 weeks
2-3 weeks
3-4 weeks
1-2 months
2-3 months
3-6 months
6-9 months
9.12 months
January
1
1
1
March
4
2
2
3
1
April
2
2
1
1
May
2
2
1
1
June
2
2
1
1
July
August
1
1
1
September
3
2
1
1
1
1
October
1
1
1
November
December
2
2
1
1
TOTALS
18 11 7 5 1 3 2 4
1 11
Asphyxia Neonatorum .
1
1
1
Congenital Debility
1
1
1
Congenital Heart Disease
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Placenta Praevia
1
1
1
Pneumonia-broncho
3
1
2
2
1
Pneumonia-type 3
1
1
1
Prematurity
8
4
42131
1
TOTALS
18 11
5132
4 1
1 1
1
Prematurity
1
1
Pulmonary embolism.
Pulmonary oedema
1
1
Streptococcus
2
2
1
1
Surgical shock.
1
1
.
1
1
4
1
February
Haemorrhage of new born Malnutrition
DEATHS BY AGES
Totals
Female
Male
Under 1 year
1-2 years
2-3 years
3-4 years
4-5 years
5-10 years
10-15 years
15-20 years
20-30 years
30-40 years
40-50 years
50-60 years
60-70 years
70-80 years
Over 80 years
January .
32
11 21
2
2
2
5
6 10
5
February .
20
00 12
1
1
1
1
1
4
2
6
00
March .
26
10
16
3
1
1
2
3
3
9
4
April.
34
18
16
2
1
1
4
6
Cr 6
5
May .
24
00
16
2
1
3
5
2
N
4
.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.