London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
East Ham 1952
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for East Ham]
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INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND EXCLUSION FROM SCHOOL
| Disease | Incubation Period in days | Early Symptoms | Interval between onset & appearance of rash | Period of Exclusion of Case | Procedure for Dealing with Contacts. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (1) | (2) | (3) | (4) | (5) | (6) |
| Diphtheria | 2-7 (Average 3-4) | Sore throat discharge from nose or other symptoms according to location of disease | Until certified free from infection by School Medical Officer or by Medical Super intendent of Isolation Hospital. | Contacts to be excluded pending consultation with School Medical Officer | |
| Scarlet Fever | 2-5 | Headache, sickness, sore inflamed throat. | 1-2 | Minimum of 14 days from onset. Longer if child has persistently Inflamed throat,running nose or discharging ear. | Contacts should be examined by the Health Visitor and any with inflamed throats should be excluded pending laboratory Investigation. Other contacts should NOT be excluded unless and until any symptoms develop. |
| Measles | 7-14 (Average 10) | Bloodshot eyes, running nose, sneezing and cough | 3-4 | Minimum of 14 days from appearance of rash | Contacts should be kept under close observation by the teacher, and the School Medical Officer or Health Visitor consulted in any case of doubt. Children developing suspicious symptoms should be sent home to bed and the parents advised to call In the family doctor. |
| Whooping Cough | 7-21 (Average 10) | Irritative cough | - | 28 days from onset of paroxysmal cough | |
| Chicken Pox | 10-21 (Average 15) | Rash is usually first symptom | 0-1 | Minimum of 7 days from appearance of rash. Longer if severe scabbing still present. | |
| German Measles | 10-21 (Average 13) | Running nose, slightly bloodshot eyes, swollen neck glands | 1-2 | Minimum of 7 days from appearance of rash |