The Public Health (Infectious Diseases) Regulations 1988

Regulation 9(1)

SCHEDULE 3TYPHUS AND RELAPSING FEVER

Measures by local authority

1.  The proper officer shall, if he thinks it necessary, report any case of typhus or relapsing fever in his district to the local authority who may, by notice in writing, require—

(a)that such measures as may be specified in the notice shall be immediately taken to the satisfaction of the proper officer to obtain the complete destruction of lice on the person and clothing of every occupant of the building of which the patient is an inmate, and to secure the destruction of lice or their products in the building; and

(b)the temporary segregation, for a period to be specified in the notice, of other inmates of the building or of other persons recently in contact with the patient until their persons and clothing have been completely freed from lice.

Addressing of notices

2.  The notice may be addressed to the head of the family to which the patient belongs, to any person in charge of or in attendance on the patient, to any other person in the building of which the patient is an inmate, or to the occupier of the building, and also to any person with whom the patient has recently been in contact.

Authorisation of proper officer

3.—(1) A local authority may authorise the proper officer generally to issue any notice on their behalf under this Schedule in relation to any particular case if in his opinion it is immediately and urgently necessary for him to do so for the purpose of preventing the spread of infection.

(2) The proper officer shall at the earliest opportunity report any case dealt with under such an authorisation, and the action taken by him, to the local authority.