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MEASLES:- Measles became epidomic during March, April and
May, and declined slowly during the Summer months to a state of
quiescence in October and November, but a secondary rise in
incidence occurred during December. Eight hundred and ninetyfour
cases were notified, compared with two hundred and twentysix
cases in 1947. Eighty-six cases were from an institution.
Thirty-nine cases were admitted to hospital. Twenty-one were
complicated by Pneumonia, Bronchitis or other infections. There
was no death. The case rate was 10,98 per 1000 of population,
comparod with 9,34 per 1000 of population for England and Wales,

Measles tends to become epidemic in alternate years, the
intensity of the epidemic depending on the number of susceptible
children, the density of tho population, and the opportunities for
contact at home and in school.
Measles is a serious illness which lowers the vitality of
the body and renders the patient vulnerable to secondary infections,
and consequent complications by Pneumonia, Bronchitis, and middle
ear disease, Tho danger from these complications has been reduced
by the use of Sulphonamide drugs and Penicillin, but the debilitating
effects of the illness still demand careful nursing and careful
convalescence. Timely medical advice should be sought before
complications have become established, and it is to be hoped that
the facilities for medical advice provided by the National Health
Service will be used by mothers for the protection of their children.
Prevention of infection depends on the early isolation of
suspected cases, and this can only be achieved by the recognition
of the early catarrhal signs. The slight primary catarrh of the
nose, throat and eyes, together with the child becoming miserable
and disinclined for food and play, should be signals for
precautions. Mothers should try to interpret the possible
significance of minor signs of ill health in their children, and
should recognise the social duty to protect others from infection
both within the family and outside. Mild cases of Measles or of
any other infection should be restrained from contact with other
children.
Information of notifications of children under five years
of age is sent to Health Visitors in order that advice and help
may be given where necessary. A leaflet of advice is sent to the
homo of every notified case.
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