SCARLET FEVER CASES.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 27 November 1901, Page 4

SCARLET FEVER CASES.

The most recent pamphlet issued by the Public Health Department relates t-o tho treatment of cases of scarlet fever; The disease) it is noted is spread by means of infected particles or germs which cannot be seeil with the nakdd rye. These germ* are given off from a person suffering from scarlet fever during the whole period of his illness, in the first usages chiefly by the breadth, skin, and discharges, but later by the particles of dry skin, which are shed in peeling. It is said that the throat will give oil' the infection in very late stages of the disease, These germs do not die when they leave the body, but remain .etive for many years. They are csyecially liable to remain in the room which has been occupied by a person sick of the disease; hence the importance of careful disinfection. The germs may also contaminate food—especially milk, which is a very favorable vehicle for the poison; Ic is of great importance that notification should be made at onco to the authorities, so that they may not only adopt measures to prevent the spread of the disease, but give material assistance to the parents of the children attacked, and by undertaking subsequently tho process of disinfection. The chief safeguards, against the spread of scarlet fever are— (1) Prompt isolation of the patient; (2) thorough disinfection. Children must not attend school from an infected house. They should remain away for at least six weeks after the recovery of tho patient, During an epidemic of scarlet fever all cases of "sore'' throat should be looked upon with suspicion and treated accordingly.