HEALTH NOTES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5166, 17 August 1927, Page 4

HEALTH NOTES.

MEASLES. ADVICE TO PATIENTS. RISK IN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS. (Contributed by the Department of Health.) Measles have been epidemic in mild form generally throughout most portions of the Dominion for the last two months. It is not a disease which is notifiable to the Department of Health, but this information is gleaned from medical practitioners, who report that in general the cases are mild.

Measles is a widely distributed, highly communicable disease to which human beings are almost universally susceptible. During the last six years there have been in New Zealand 240 deaths from this causie. Few escape the disease in the long run, and since one attack almost always confers lasting immunity people think that a child may as well get it over. Though this; disease, howiever, is often mild apd transient, it may be exceedingly dangerous owing to complications developing. It tends to be more severe in children under six years of age. In older children measles is not so deadly of itself, but it lowers the resistance of the patient and opens the gate for the introduction of germs of other diseases. It i*. therefore, necessary th,at care should be taken even when the illness is apparently slight in character. SYMPTOMS. During an epidemic of measles expect that a child may be sickening when it seems to be suffering from a bad cold. Symptoms develop commonly about eleven days after exposure to infection. The characteristic onset is as follows : There is running at the eyes and nose, slight hoarseness, and a hard cough with increasing feverishness, and then about the fourth day spots begin to appear on ! the forehead and face, and soon spread over the entire body. The spots collect in large red blotches apd itch. Remaining at, its height for a day or two, the disease, as a rule, abates gradually, and at the end of a fortnight, or it may be sooner, the child is, practically well. Peeling is represented by a powdery condition of the skin, hardly, however, noticeable. The course, however, may be less favourable, the disease assuming a virulent form almost from the onset. It may give rise to complications, especially bronchitis and bronchial pneumonia, and often prepares the way for tuberculosis. Other complications arc disease o the middle of the ear, leading to ear discharge, and this may be associated with inflammatory conditions of the eyelids and a tendency to serious weakness of the eyes which, unless due care is taken, may become permanent. CARE AND TREATMENT. As soon as your child shows tlie first signs of measles, if he sneezes, coughs, and his eyes arc watery, keep him out of school —indoors—and away from other children. Put him in bed at once in a separate room if possible. Let there be no glaring light, either by day or night. Keep the room comfortably warm and well ventilated. See that the diet is light in character and the bowels kept well open. It is advisable to call in the doctor at once, as neglect of treatment may result in serious consequences. Be sure to keep the child’s eyes, ears, mouth, and nostrils perfectly clean. The discharge from the nose, throat, and oars should be carefully gathered >» clean rags and burned. Measles can easily be caught through the disease germs the sick person spreads by talking and coughing. For this reason only the doctor and the person who is nursing the patient should enter the sick room. When the skin begins to peel, oil the body or bathe the patient in warm wafer. Keep the child in bed for at least four days after the rash has subsided and the temperature is normal. Do not let him strain his eyes in poring over fineprinted books. Be careful as to exposure to cold until the health is completely re-established. If possible, after an attack of meases a good holiday in the country or at the seasideis, advisable. Do not let the child spread the infection to others. Remember that measles is considered to be most infectious from the onset of the catarrhal symptoms- to the disappearance of the eruption. The period of exclusion from association with others must be continued until at least two weeks after' the appearance of the rash, and until convalescence is completely established.

RISK IN RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS. In boarding schools and similar institutions for children there is always the super added risk that the- disease, or one of its complications, particularly pneumonia, may assume a virulent character. The 'medical attendants of such institutions usually keep a close watch for virulence, and when there is any sign of this it is highly necessary that prompt steps be taken not only to isolate the cases, but also to provide ample space and ventilation for all the inmates, even should such provision entail the closing of such an institution for a limited period. The superintendents of such institutions should call in a. medical practitioner for all cases of. measles, in view of the special risk borne by children’s boarding schoools. BEAR IN MIND. Measles is an acute infection. Measles is a serious disease in children of tender years. A grave responsibility rests with a parent or guardian who treats it lightly in a child, and through indifference or neglect exposes other children of the housiehold or community to infection.

Children suffering from this dis>ease should be strictly isolated awd carefully nursed, and every precaution taken to prevent its spread to

others. Medical advice should be immediately obtained and followed.