Health Notes for the Farm

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 63, Issue 3, 15 September 1941, Page 257

Health Notes for the Farm

Infectious Diseases Are Enemies of the Young

Contributed by the DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

r I THE detection and early exclusion THE detection and early exclusion X from contact with others of children suffering from infectious diseases is. very necessary for the preservation of a high standard of health among the child community. The future of our race largely depends upon defence against such enemies of youth as well as success in the struggle against Nazi autocracy abroad. The , importance of parents and teachers knowing the early signs, and symptoms of such epidemic ailments is therefore obvious. The following is a brief survey of the early signs to be looked for. They are, of course, of special significance during an < epidemic of . the particular disease, and the provisional exclusion from school of any even mildly suspicious case is a wise precaution. The incubation period is not necessarily always the same, > and therefore the periods shown must only be taken as the average. Most infectious diseases begin with a rise in temperature. Although the feverishness, may be slight, the child should be put to bed and isolated from the rest of the family, especially from other children, until it is decided from what the child is suffering. The diet should be light. Any infectious disease in a child can be ushered in by headache, fever, and vomiting. Running at, the nose and eyes, and signs of a cold in the head, are also the alarm symptoms of the various infectious troubles. During an epidemic, therefore, any child exhibiting such should be excluded immediately and kept separate until a definite diagnosis is made. A wise mother will rely on the skill of a qualified nurse whenever she has the slightest doubt as to the nature and proper treatment of her child’s ill health. She will not risk his immediate future health by experimenting with quackery remedies. When in doubt send for your doctor. Infectious diseases must always be treated with great care and attention in order to guard against after-effects, which may prove more serious than the disease itself. The period of exclusion from school of children suffering, from any infectious disease or in contact with such

a disease was published in the November, 1940, issue of the “Journal.” . Common Diseases . The most common of these diseases are:— \ ■ ' Chickenpox.— lncubation period (that is, the time between exposure to infection and first appearance of symptoms) about 21 days. Sudden onset. Fever, but this may be entirely absent in mild cases. The rash appears on the second day, and may be the only symptom present. The spots are scattered, at first red, and then clear blebs form. Measles, This disease is a nuisance. It seriously interferes with school life, and causes much trouble in the family.

It is important that children are protected from all chances of infection. This done, the amount of unhappy consequences from measles will be greatly avoided. There are two types: German Measles. — Incubation period about 21 days. Slight fever, which may be entirely absent; enlarged , and tender glands of both sides of the neck; the rash appears suddenly, and may be the first and only symptom. — lncubation period about 14 days. Onset with symptoms resembling cold in the head, running nose, inflamed eyes, sneezing, and coughing. The rash appears on the third day, dull red, slightly raised spots occurring in groups, first behind the -ears and on the forehead and face, and then spreading over the body. The most infectious period of the disease is in the early stages of nasal discharge, etc. — 'lncubation period about seven days. Sudden onset, with slight fever. Pain and swelling in front of and below the ear, often one-sided, 'but the infection may spread later to the other side. Whooping Cough. lncubation period about seven days. Rather gradual onset of symptoms, suggesting, a cold in

the head. A persistent, short, sharp cough develops. The characteristic cough, with whoop and vomiting, may appear at any stage, but it is often delayed. Scarlet Fever.— lncubation period about five days. Sudden onset, with sore throat, headache, and fever; glands are enlarged. The rash appears within 24 hours, first on the neck and upper part of chest; it is a fine pinpoint, bright red rash. The Common Cold. — A most prevalent source of , infection is 'the common '.cold. During summer months this affliction is less in evidence, but as winter approaches, through living in stuffy, overheated rooms without adequate ventilation, the so-called “cold” begins to be common indeed. The familiar symptoms of sneezing, running noses, tickling sensation in the throat, with later some cough, are set up by a > number of causative agents. Colds should be taken seriously,' first, because many of the serious diseases, especially of childhood, are ushered in by what appearsto be a common cold; second, because: they are' at times very infectious and frequently sweep through a household, a schoolroom, and in their course some of the cases develop into serious conditions; and, third, because they directly and indirectly cause great discomfort and even suffering and economic loss. . Diphtheria.— lncubation period from two to five days, occasionally longer. Onset may be gradual or rapid. The child feels and looks ill. Has a sore throat with greyish patches on the surface of the throat, palate, and tonsils; these patches may be absent and the sore throat the only, symptom present. Prevention .\ of Diphtheria.—Diphtheria is a serious disease. Even mild attacks . of this disease may result in serious complications and permanent damage to one’s health. Immunity An individual who, in spite. of frequent exposures to ’an infectious disease, does not contract the disease, is said to have a natural immunity to that particular disease. An' immunity or protection from an infectious disease may be acquired; ■ such an acquired immunity is possible by giving the individual injections of a specially-pre-pared substance, and after such treatment the body is protected from that particular disease. It has been proved that diphtheria, one of the most serious diseases of children, can be prevented by . such injections. The Department of Health is now offering these injections to preschool and school children of the Dominion. Further information can be obtained from the Medical Officer of Health or School Medical Officer for the district.- .