SCARLET FEVER

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24335, 14 August 1944, Page 6

SCARLET FEVER

DEPARTMENTAL APATHY DENIED INSTRUCTIONS TO PUBLIC REITERATED “It is incorrect to say that the Department of Health has done nothing to instruct the public on scarlet fever. Information on the recognition of symptoms and on protective measures generally have been discussed very fully in statements and interviews published in the newspapers, in display advertisements and ■ in radio talks, said Dr. J. H. Blakelock, District Medical Officer of Health, in commenting on the letter of a correspondent to “The Press.” , The writer, N. Wilson, expressed “her own and many other mothers growing indignation over the apathy shown by the Health Department toward the scarlet fever epidemic. The letter continued: “Since the outbreak we, have received no instructions on how to safeguard our children against what can be a very serious illness. The culmination, in my opinion, is the present press and radio campaign imploring children to attend the Industries Fair—free fun, free competitions, and free scarlet fever.” Dr. Blakelock said that while attendance at school was obligatory, parents had in their own hands the control of attendance at places ox amusement and other assemblies. At school the children were under the close supervision of medical officers, the Department's District Health nurses and teachers who had received special instructions relating to the epidemic. , ... ~ “If there are others who, like the correspondent, consider themselves uninstructed, I cgn only suggest that ‘The Press’ republish, for their benefit. extracts from the departmental bulletin published on May 3 and the double-column display advertisement which appeared on May 10.” said Dr. Blakelock. The bulletin, which warned parents and teachers of the ease with which the infection might be contracted, and which drew attention to ifs increasing severity, continued; — “Proper care will'minimise the spread of scarlet fever, which is chiefly a disease of childhood —from after the first year to the tenth year. The most infectious period is in the early stages. When the temperature of the patient falls the chances of infection of others diminishes and by the third or fourth week the risk of infection from the sufferer to a healthy subject is not another source of infection—a grave source—is from convalescents who are not properly well, those who still exhibit inflammatory symptoms. Children who suddenly develop a sore throat, headache, temperature, and feeling of nausea should be suspected at once of having scarlet fever, especially if there are cases m the neighbourhood. Isolate them and call the doctor. If it is scarlet fever the tell-tale scarlet flush of the skin, with small intense red spots, will show up 24 hours after the preliminary signs. “You have that 24 hours’ warning. Act promptly. Keep the child away from others and so help to check any spread."