SCARLET FEVER

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14290, 28 February 1912, Page 4

SCARLET FEVER

Scarlet fever is an infectious disease. A previous case is always the source of infection, either by direct contact or indirectly through toys, furniture, etc. The onset is usually sudden, with vomiting, headache, aching pains in the back and limbs, and very frequently shivering attacks. The glands are swollen and tender in the region of the ear. On the second day a rosy-red rash appears, first on the neck and chest, and spreads downwards over the body. This rash does not appear on the face. All tho symptoms gradually become worse as the rash appears, and disappears on the fourth to the sixth day; the other symptoms also decline. Peeling of the skin next commences on the chest and other parts of the body, lastly on the hands and feet. This usually takes from six to eight weeks. Treatment— Immediate separation of tho patient from other individuals. The sick-room should be well heated and ventilated. An aperient should be given on the first diay of illness. For a mild case very little treatment is needed—light milkdiet, warm sponging daily, and an aperient every few days. Lemon-water barley-water is very nice for quenching the thirst, which is usually very great. Hot poultices may be applied to the neck if tender. If the throat is very painful it can be relieved by steaming. This is very easily done by putting boiling water .into & jug -with a narrow top. Surround it with a towel, leaving a small opening for the steam t<o be inhaled. All utensils used in tho sick-room should be kept separate, and a sheet kept damp with some disinfectant such as sanitas should be nailed up on the outside- of the door. All books and toys should be burnt, as they aro a great source of infection. The room and its contents should bo fumigated at the end of the illness; this is usually done by the sanitary inspectors.