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72
Measles.
As was expected, Measles became epidemic towards the end of the
year. Steps had been taken, in collaboration with the London County
Council, by which early information of suspected cases should be
available in order that the Health Visitors might keep such under supervision
with a view to the provision of nursing assistance, etc. In
view of the decision arrived at in 1927, when the accommodation in
ths Metropolitan Asylums Board's Hospitals for cases of Measles and
Scarlet Fever was not found sufficient to permit of the reception of all
cases of those diseases, a process of selection was adopted and admission
granted only upon the recommendation of the Medical Officer of Health.
It was not found necessary to adopt this method of selection until
January, 1930.

Prophylaxis ot Measles.
In December, 1929, the Public Health Committee considered a
report submitted by me dealing with the administration of serum
of patients convalescent from Measles. It was submitted that there
was accumulating evidence to show that the use of such serum in the
case of young children would, if given after exposure to infection,
either prevent or modify an attack of Measles. The Committee agreed
to a supply of serum being made available for use by medical practitioners,
who were accordingly notified to this effect. In the few
instances in which the serum has been used, the results have been
exceedingly satisfactory. Inasmuch as the early infectivity of Measles
has so far precluded any effective control of spread, it would appear
that the more extensive use of serum coupled with good nursing, constitute
the most potent means we have of combating one of the most
fatal diseases of early childhood.