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157
CONTROL OF MEASLES.
In view of the biennial epidemic of measles which was expected to
occur during the winter of 1929-30, the Maternity and Child Welfare
Committee considered a report of the Medical Officer of Health consequent
upon a letter from the Metropolitan Branch of the Society of Medical
Officers of Health, and a report of the London County Council on the
measles epidemic of 1927-1928.
The Medical Officer of Health reminded the Committee that measles
causes more deaths and greater ill-health than any of the other common
infectious diseases; and whilst from the nature of its method of spread
it is impossible at present by any administrative measures to limit the
spread of the disease, yet by ensuring that the patients receive medical
attention and efficient nursing sufficiently early, much may be done to
lessen the loss of life and reduce the amount of permanent injury done to
those who recover. With this object in view, the Medical Officer of
Health submitted the following suggestions for the Committee's
consideration
(1) To ensure the early receipt of information of cases of measles,
arrangements will be made with the Education Authority for the
School Nurses to deliver at the Public Health Office all known or
suspected cases of measles at 12.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. each day.
(2) These cases will be immediately visited by Health Visitors
who, in addition to obtaining full particulars and advising immediate
medical attention, will give advice regarding the care and nursing of
such children.
(3) Where cases are retained at home, the Health Visitors will
also endeavour to get medical attention and make arrangements for
the nursing of the cases by the District Nurses.
(4) Where the home conditions are very bad, and where
complications are likely to arise or have arisen, efforts will be made
to have such cases removed to hospital.
(5) When Health Visitors discover cases of measles (either at
Clinics or when visiting) which have not been reported by the School
Authorities, particulars must be immediately telephoned to the