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45
As part of the scheme of co-operation with the London County Council,
a leaflet, in the following form, was distributed to the parents of the children
attending these schools:—
MEASLES WARNING.
MEASLES has appeared in your neighbourhood, and there is a
possibility that the disease may become prevalent.
MEASLES is a highly infectious disease, especially in the early
stages of illness before the rash appears. The early symptoms are
those of a cold, which may be at first slight; there is generally running
at the eyes and nose, sneezing and possibly a dry cough, followed by a
rash about the fourth day after the first appearance of illness.
MEASLES SHOULD ALWAYS BE TREATED AS A SERIOUS
DISEASE, ESPECIALLY IN YOUNG CHILDREN. As soon as it is suspected
the child should be put to bed in a well-ventilated room (as far as
possible away from other children) and be kept warm. A doctor should
be called in at once, for many children lose their lives, or suffer from
ill-health for years as a result of the after-effects of the disease, mainly
because the disease is neglected in the early stages. The child should
on no account be exposed to chill or draughts, or allowed to run about
until the doctor or nurse gives consent.
IMMEDIATELY MEASLES OCCURS IN YOUR FAMILY YOU
SHOULD INFORM THE HEAD TEACHER OF THE SCHOOL
ATTENDED BY YOUR CHILDREN OR THE HEALTH VISITOR AT
THE INFANT WELFARE CENTRES OR SEND WORD TO THE
MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH AT THE TOWN HALL.
IF CHILDREN ARE ABSENT FROM SCHOOL FOR MORE THAN
TWO DAYS, PARENTS ARE SPECIALLY ASKED TO SEND A NOTE
TO THE HEAD TEACHER STATING THE REASON FOR SUCH
ABSENCE.
A child showing signs of sickening or suffering from measles must
not attend Sunday School, Play Centres, Cinemas, Public Baths, or
any place of entertainment, nor mix with other children.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE REMOVAL OF A MEASLES
PATIENT TO HOSPITAL OR FOR NURSING ASSISTANCE IN THE
HOME MAY BE MADE IN SPECIAL CASES WHEN THE
NEED FOR THIS IS KNOWN TO THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH.
The sooner you send word of the existence of measles in the home the
sooner will the Medical Officer of Health know and the sooner will help
be forthcoming. Do not wait until bronchitis or pneumonia develop—
it may then be too late.
D