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Chronicle (Levin), 29 August 1947, Page 8

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CHICICENPOX. (By the Department of Health.) Chickenpox is oue of those liuisance diseases which, like mumps, is seldom scrious in its consequcnces and rarely dangerous to life. it has a persistent habit oi" attaeking the members of a family, one after another. Normaily, chickenpox takes 11 to 21 days to develop, Ihe general average t being about 14 or more days. Tlic disease usually shows itself lirst by ihe appearance of small spots on the chest, back and inner sides of the thighs, the rash quiekly spreading to the faee; sealp and arms.

With children, the onset is not generally aecompanied by symptoms of general disturbance, but in adults the rash is often preceded by loss of appetite, headache and vomiting, similar to the symptoms of a disease like influenza. Serious or distressing symptoms seldom occur, but when they do it is is necessary to call a doctor. Tho disease may occur as a dual infection, associated with some other complaint, the * commonest being shingles.

Chickenpox is an mtectious uisease or, more strictlj7 speaking, a contagious one. It pan be passed on to others at any stage of the illness from the onset of the earliest symptoms until all the scabs have disappeared. It is therefore necessary to take every possible precaution to' isolate children suffering from — or suspected to be suffering from chickenpox.