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46
APPENDIX I.
PLUMSTEAD VESTRY.
Precautions against Measles.
1. Measles is a dangerous infectious disease, and requires medical
advice and very careful nursing. There are far more deaths from Measles
than from Scarlet Fever.
2. The symptoms do not commenoe till 10 to 14 days after the disease
is caught.
3. The early symptoms resemble a common cold. When Measles is
prevalent, as now, every child with a feverish cold should be suspected to
have taken the disease, especially if he attends school.
4. It is quite true that a child will probably get measles sooner or later,
but it is most important to make it later, for the disease is much more
dangerous in young children. Nine out of ten of those who die from
Measles are under 5 years, and three-quarters are under three. It is therefore
very important to avoid exposing little children to the infection, and
they must be separated at the very beginning of the first symptoms, or it
may be too late.
5. Ordinary cases of measles which are carefully nursed usually get
well without medicine, but it is most important to have medical advice,
for the disease may be mistaken, or complications may arise which should
be detected early, that treatment may be applied at once. No stimulants
or medicine should be given unless ordered by a doctor.
6. It is of great importance to keep the patient warm, but this is not
so necessary while the fever lasts as after the child appears better and
wants to get up. Then is the great danger of catching cold and getting
bronchitis and inflammation of the lungs. The patient should be kept in
a warm room till the cough and other symptoms are gone.
7. Fresh air is equally important with warmth. If it is too cold to
open the window the door should be kept open. Cleanliness is also desirable.
There is no danger in a warm bath if carefully given, and a frequent
change of night dress, which should be woollen, is very beneficial.
8. The infection lasts three to four weeks from the beginning of the
illness.
SIDNEY DAVIES, m.a., m.d., Oxon.,
By Order of the Vestry. Medical Officer of Health.