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"There does not at the moment seem to be any reason to
deviate from the policy set out in the article referred to above.
"So far as the schools are concerned, may I suggest that the
following simple measure of precaution be instituted:
"(a) Teachers should be asked to keep a close watch on
children, so that any early signs or symptoms which might
indicate poliomyelitis can be observed. Such signs and
symptoms are very often vague, indicating little more than an
ordinary feverish illness, or the early stages of any one of the
common infectious diseases. Headache, particularly accompanied
by pain and/or stiffness at the back of the neck are
particularly associated with the early stages of poliomyelitis,
although these indications are not always present. If, at the
present time, any child appears definitely under the weather,
I think it would be best for them to be sent home with a note
advising the parent to consult the family doctor. At a time such
as this, it is obviously very much better to have children seen
by a doctor even if they are not suffering from any serious
disease, rather than miss an early case of poliomyelitis.
"I need scarcely say that either myself or a member of my
staff will be only too happy to visit any school on request and
see a child about whom there is any doubt. Please do not
hesitate, therefore, if you wish to call upon us.
"(b) Sports and games involving undue exercise to the point of
fatigue should be avoided. I am not for a moment suggesting
that a physical training programme of any school should be
disrupted. I would merely remind head teachers that, if a
child is deveoping poliomylitis, exercise, especially if it is
prolonged, during the early stages or even during the incubation
period, may result in severe paralysis or even death.
"(c) It might be well to impress upon the children that paddling
or bathing in dirty water, e.g., in the ponds in our various
parks, which incidentally were never intended for this purpose,
is highly dangerous. Visits to the Open Air Swimming Bath
at Barrowell Green, or to the Southgate School of Swimming
are to be recommended, as the water in both these Baths is
adequately chlorinated.
"(d) It will scarcely be necessary for me to point out that
scrupulous cleanliness in canteen premises, cloakrooms,
lavatories, etc., is an obvious deterent to the spread of poliomyelitis,
as is adequate control of flies. I am quite sure that
these matters will receive due attention.
"I would again emphasize that the staff of the Area Health
Office and Public Health Department is always available for advice.
Please let us know if there is any way in which you think we can
help."
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