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30
It appears from this table that whereas from 1891-1900
Woolwich had a somewhat higher Measles mortality than
London, since that date the Measles death-rate in Woolwich
has greatly diminished, and is now very much lower than
in London.
33. Owing to the prevalence of Measles all unprotected
children below the age of five were excluded from 12 London
County Council Schools in the Borough at various dates,
and for periods differing from two to four weeks. Dr.
Kerr closed, or excluded unprotected children from numerous
classes. In many cases this was done immediately on the
occurrence of one case. The period of exclusion or closure
was usually for a few days only, in some cases for two
weeks.
Measles is usually a disease which runs its course in
less than two weeks, and in children over 5 occasions only a
moderate amount of discomfort. But it often leaves behind
it tuberculosis, inflammation of the eyes, and other diseases,
especially if there has been neglect in treatment. In children
under five, Measles is much more serious, and has a higher
death-rate than Scarlet Fever. It follows then, that Public
Health Administration must aim at postponing the infection
till after the age of five, and at securing, as far as possible,
the hygienic treatment of those who are attacked.
In order to postpone the infection every effort is made
to prevent children under five from attending school when
Measles is prevalent, and to secure the latter object instructions
as to sanitary measures for dealing with Measles
are left at the home of all notified cases, and where possible
the Woman Inspector pays a visit to enforce personally the
directions.