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11
The mode in which the infection of Measles is contracted is,
in nearly all cases, personal intercourse, the infection being perhaps
greatest during the early stages, when there is Catarrh of the
mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, etc. These symptoms are
often mistaken by the parents for an ordinary cold, the child being
allowed to go to school and mix with other children, therefore, it
is not surprising to find that when 2 or 3 cases of Measles occur
in a district, they are generally only the fore-runners of a gradually
increasing number of cases. The incubation period is usually
about 10 days, but it may be shortened considerably in cases of
children exposed to infection who are not in a satisfactory state of
health.
If the first 2 or 3 cases in a district could be isolated, it is
possible that an epidemic might be prevented. It is an open question
whether Infants' schools should not immediately be closed
when even a few cases occur amongst the children, not only because
the schools may be assumed to contain a large proportion of
children at a susceptible age, but also on account of the mortality
in the early ages of life being much higher than in older children.
Even when very prevalent, Measles is not now considered a very
fatal complaint, providing the patients are well looked after during
convalescence. This is shown by the fact that in families of the
well-to-do, a fatal case is seldom recorded. Unfortunately this
care is impossible to a great extent in the houses of the poorer
working classes, the mothers often having to go out to daily work,
as well as household duties to perform, and other children to attend
to. Yet, in many instances, it is evident that the seriousness of
Measles is looked upon far too lightly, and that the rash having
disappeared, the children are allowed about again too> early.
Under these circumstances a cold may easily be contracted,
and Bronchitis or Pneumonia follow.
This may have been the case here. The certificates of the
17 deaths show 13 coupled with Broncho Pneumonia, 2 with Dentition
and Convulsions, and 2 with Whooping Cough.