MEASLES IN BRITAIN

Greymouth Evening Star, 19 March 1934, Page 12

MEASLES IN BRITAIN

FEWER DEATHS RESULT.

In view of the general increase of measles at the present season of the year and the occurrence of various local epidemics, it is comforting to reflect that, in common with scarlet fever, there has been a marked reduction in its severity, (wrote the Medical Correspondent of the London “Daily Telegraph” on February 6 last). The mortality among children under 15 has been reduced by nearly twothirds since the beginning of the preepnt ppnturv There is little doubt that the principal factors in this reduction have been: A general increase in the standard of living; better domestic conditions; A more instructed attitude in care and nursing; and improved hospital facilities.

Indeed, among the more prosperous sections of the community, measles is very rarely fatal or even serious. It Is chiefly among children living in over-crowded and less sanitary conditions that the fatalities occur. Nevertheless, measles is a complaint that should not be regarded too lightly. During 1932 more than 3,000 deaths were attributed to the disease. Parents should remember that a child may be infected before the rash appears. Children should therefore be watched carefully during a known epidemic in the neighbourhood, or if they have been exposed to infection. They should be watched especially towards the end of the possible incubation: period, which is usually from eight or nine to eleven days. If they show signs of being unwell they should be isolated and put to bed for a day or two as a precautionary measure. Care should be taken, if the disease manifests itself, to avoid a too early release from the sick-room and consequent exposure to chills and the subsequent complications that are measles’ chief danger.

With regard to prevention, the cause of measles, probably a virus, has not been established. Preventive innoculation, in the strict sense, has not yet become practicable. It has been found, however, that a temporary passive immunity can be conferred by the injection of blood-serum from convalescent patients. For delicate or sick children and young patients in hospital wards this may be an advantage of great value.