SCARLET FEVER.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 2 March 1912, Page 7

SCARLET FEVER.

Scarlet fever is an infect inns disease. A previous case is always • the srniree infection, either l>y direct contact or indirectly through toys, furniture etc. he The onset is usually siuiden. with vomitiii". lieadnciie. aching pains in the back and limbs, and very frequently shivering attacks. The glands are swollen and' tender in the region of the ear. Un the second day a rosy-red rash appeals, first 011 the neck and chest, and spreads ..downwards over.the body. Llns laslt >does not appear 011 the face. . tllc 'symptoms become wovssc as .the Vash appears. and disappears 011 the 'fourth to the sixth day ; the other-symp-toms also decline.. Feeling of the s&ni -'next commences 011 the chest'and other -parts of the body, lastly on the hands j and' feet. This usually takes from six to ei"ht weeks. Treatment —Immediate .separation of tlie patient from other 'individuals. Thr sickroom should '• •; well - liea ted and ventilated. An aperient .should be given '">11 the first day of illness. For a mild case yerv little treatment is nee,ded —light milk difet,' warm sponging daily, and an aperient every few flays. ' and barleywater is very nice for qnenchiug the j'thirst. which is usually very great. Hot /poultices may be applied to the neck if tender. If the throat is yery h it can be relieved by steaming. 'i I's is very easily done by putting boiling water into a jug with a narrow top. Surround it with a towel, 'leaving a small opening for the steam to be fiihaled. AH utensils, used in the . h : :qk-; room should be kept separate, and-" a sheet kept damp with some disinfectant Such as sanitas should be nailed 11]) on the outside of the door. All books and toys should he burnt, as they are a great source of infection. . The' ifuni and its contents should be fumigated at the end nf the illness; this is usually done by the sanitary inspectors.