MEASLES EPIDEMIC

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 35, 4 November 1933, Page 17

MEASLES EPIDEMIC

Department of Health’s Advice ATTENTION NECESSARY Measles, which is a widely distributed, highly communicable disease to which human beings are almost universally susceptible, is at present prevalent in several districts of the Dominion. Few escape this disease in the long run, and although it is often mild and transient, it may be exceedingly dangerous owing to complications developing. It tends to be more severe in children under six years of age, but even if not so serious of itself in the case of older children, it lowers the resistance of the patient and opens the gate for the introßuction of germs of other diseases. Tn view of an epidemic at the present time, tlie medical officer of health, Wellington, considers it opportune to repeat the advice to parents that has already been given in the past. Symptoms of the Disease. “During an epidemic of measles, expect that a child may be sickening when it seems to be suffering from a bad cold,” he states. "Symptoms develop commonly about 11 days after exposure to infection. The characteristic onset is as follows: There is running at the eyes and nose, slight hoarseness, and a hard cough, with increasing feverishness. Then about the fourth day spots begin to appear on the forehead and face, and soon spread down over the entire body. The spots collect in large red blotches and itch. Remaining at its height for a day or two, the disease, as a rule, abates gradually, and at the end of a fortnight, or it may bo sooner, the child is practically well. Peeling is represented by a powdery condition of the skin, hardly, however, noticeable. “The course may be less favourable, the disease assuming a virulent form almost from the onset. It may give rise to complications, especially bronchitis and bronchial pneumonia, and often prepares the way for tuberculosis. Other complications are disease of the middle ear, leading to ear discharge, and this may be associated with inflammatory conditions of the eyelids, and a tendency to serious weakness of the eyes, which, unless due care is taken, may” become permanent. Care and Treatment. “As soon as a child shows the first signs of measles, if he sneezes, coughs, and his eyes are watery, keep him out of school —indoors^—and away from other children. Put him in bed at once in a separate room if possible. Let there be no glaring light, either by day or night. Keep the room comfortably warm and well ventilated. See that the diet is light in character and the bowels kept well open. It is advisable to call in the doctor at once, as neglect of treatment may result in serious consequences. Be sure to keep the child’s eyes, ears, mouth and nostrils perfectly clean. The discharge from the nose, throat and ears should be carefully gathered in clean rags and burned. “Measles can easily be caught through the disease germs the sick person spreads by talking and coughing. For this reason only the doctor and the person who is nursing the patient' should enter the sick room. When the skin begins to peel, oil the body or bathe the patient in warm water. Keep the child in bed for at least four days after the rash has subsided and the temperature normal. Do not let him strain his, eyes in poring over finely-printed books. Be careful as to exposure to cold until the health is completely re-established. If possible, after an attack of measles, a good holiday in the country or at the seaside is advisable. Do not let the child spread the infection to others. Remember that measles is considered to be most infectious from the onset of the catarrhal symptoms to the disappearance of the eruption. The period of exclusion from association with others must be continued until at least two weeks after the appearance of the rash, and until convalescence is completely established. “Bear in mind that measles is an acute infection. It is a serious diseaQ in children of tender years. A grave responsibility rests with a parent or guardian who treats it lightly in a child and through indifference or neglect exposes other children of the household or community to infection. Children suffering from this disease should bo strictly Isolated and carefully nursed, and every precaution taken to prevent its spread to others. Medical advice should be immediately obtained and followed. “There, is no more unsound popular belief than that this disease is the natural heritage of every child,” concludes the medical officer of health. “The majority of the children who contract this disease are under six years of age. If they get it later, risk of severe illness is less. It is necessary, however, that care should be taken, even when the illness is apparently slight, in character.”