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95
One further case of measles was found among those
notified as scarlet fever, thus bringing the total number of
measles cases discharged during the year up to 30. Average
stay in hospital of these cases was 22.7 days.

Measles occurs in epidemic waves every two years and
1937 should have been without an outbreak of epidemic proportions.
However, measles cases began to occur in the
latter part of the year in large numbers and this outbreak
has continued into 1938. There has consequently been a
demand for beds for cases of this disease not only from Hendon
but from neighbouring districts .
In its complications lies the danger of measles, particularly
those affecting the respiratory system. In this connection
has to be recorded the great advantage which has been
derived from the availability of oxygen tent nursing. Since
the outbreak of the measles epidemic the tent has been in
almost continuous use and there are at least two children
alive to-day who could not have survived had it not been
available.
GERMAN MEASLES.
Two cases notified as suffering from German Measles
were admitted during the year and two further cases of the
disease were found among those notified as scarlet fever.
All recovered satisfactorily and were discharged after an
average stay in hospital of 12¼ days.
Another case which was notified as one of German measles
and tonsillitis died four days after admission. The patient
(a male aged 23 years) was very seriously ill on admission and
appeared to be suffering from encephalitis. A post mortem
examination was carried out which revealed that death was
due to encephalitis and broncho pneumonia.