TYPES OF MEASLES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21396, 20 October 1934, Page 7 (Supplement)

TYPES OF MEASLES

There are two types of measles, each quite distinct from the other. In ordinary measles, the symptoms are more acute and the complications more severe than in the form known as German measles. In this latter condition there is no inflammation of the eyes—or, if there is, it is very slight—no running from the nose, and no bronchitis. The rash is much the same in appearance, perhaps not so dark in colour and not so much of it. German measles are mild and not at all dangerous, but 'it is wise to keep the patient in bed while the temperature remains above normal. The illness is infectious, just as ordinary measles. It takes about two weeks to develop after infection, and it is no longer " catching " a week after the rash has disappeared. If you are nursing a case of measles at home you should, for safety's sake, keep the child in .bed for at least a week after the fever has gone. The great danger in measles is bronchopneumonia. A mild form of bronchitis is usually present, therefore the risk of chills is to be avoided. Should the attack be mild, there is no danger in allowing the little patient to go out of doors a week after he is out of bed. In severer cases, it is best to remain in bed for a fortnight. The cough which accompanies this infectious illness should not be treated lightly. Your doctor will be able to suggest a good cough mixture, if it is required, but the sooner the child is put on to daily doses of cold liver oil the better. This oil contains vitamin A, which protects the lungs.