View report page

27
These, in the main would constitute our most important means
towards attaining our first object, for the isolation of every case of
Measles from the first onset to the end of the third week would undoubtedly
enable an outbreak to be brought abruptly to a close, as
no second crop of cases would occur. This ideal will, probably, not
foi the present be accomplished, but the attention paid to invaded
households would tend to secure more precaution on the part -of
parents.
Two factors which play an important part in the spread of an
epidemic are the early infectiousness of the disease and the occasional
mildness of the symptoms.
Measles is infectious during the period in which the patient has
running from the eyes and nose, and before the rash appears. It is
true that Koplik described some spots on the mucous membrane of
the mouth; these make their appearance at the onset of the disease,
but their early appearance is often useless for purposes of prevention,
as a doctor is not usually called in attendance until a rash is observed.
On account of this early infectiousness, the difficulty of preventing
an epidemic will be appreciated. Whatever the ultimate cause may be.
the disease is contracted through personal contact with an infected
case, and though this personal contact was not clearly proved in every
instance, yet the course of the outbreak plainly suggests that its spread
was thus facilitated.
The main outbreaks were in South Acton, Rothschild Road and
Beaumont Park Schools.
The disease first showed itself in the south-western part of the
district, and on January 29th 13 cases were reported from the South
Acton Infants' School. Between January 29th and February 15th, 65
cases were reported from this school.
The Infants' School at Rothschild Road was probably attacked
about the same date, though information did not reach the Sanitary
Department of an outbreak at this school until February 2nd. On
that date 34 cases were reported.
Both these schools were closed from February 5th to March 2nd.