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117
MEASLES.
The number of cases of this disease notified during the year was
1,219. Of these, 573 were under five years of age, and 167 were,
removed to hospital.
Forty-two of those over five were also removed to hospital. All
cases treated in their homes were visited by the Health Visitors, who gave
advice and instruction where necessary.
The scheme of control now in force, and in co-operation with the
London County Council, is as follows:—
The daily visitation by School Nurses of Infants' Departments
affected by measles during epidemic periods, priority being given to
schools situated in congested areas. They examine the children,
especially those under five years of age, exclude suspicious cases and
report them immediately to the Borough Medical Officer, obtain the
names and addresses of children absent owing to illness or unknown
causes and hand the information to the Borough Health Visitors, who
at once visit the homes.
The assistance of the whole of the school organisation is enlisted
to ensure that notice is directed to all cases needing attention. As
already stated, the Head Teachers supply information regarding all
cases of Measles or suspected Measles that come to their notice, and the
School Attendance Officers forward immediately to the Borough Medical
Officer particulars of children found to be suffering from Measles in the
course of their work. In the case of ailing children further enquiries
are made by these Officers after the lapse of a few days to ascertain
whether Measles has developed.
Leaflets containing advice to parents are supplied by the Borough
Medical Officers of Health and are distributed through the school
organisation. Head Teachers of all departments are asked to ensure
that these warning notices reach every family represented throughout
the schools. A specimen copy of a leaflet is printed hereunder:—
MEASLES WARNING.
Measles has appeared in your neighbourhood, and there is a
possibility that the disease may become prevalent.
Measles is a highly infectious disease, especially in the early
stages of illness, before the rash appears. The early symptoms are
those of a cold, which may be at first slight ; there is generally
running at the eyes and nose, sneezing, and possibly a dry cough,
followed by a rash about the fourth day after the first appearance
of illness.