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32
An Epidemic of Measles, which was general all over the
Country, became most severe during the month of December.
With the consent of the Public Health Committee leaflets were
issued and widely distributed, pointing out the dangers and
premonitory signs of measles, and the following poster was
printed in large type and exhibited on all hoardings:—
MEASLES.
Measles is dangerous and very infectious: immediate
treatment is most essential.
There is at present a severe epidemic of this disease,
causing the death of a number of west ham
children each week.
The first sign of Measles is a Feverish Cold, with sneezing
and running from the eyes and nose. The Rash first appears
on the fourth day.
The Dangerous Stage of Measles is during convalescence.
It is then that complications develop which are liable to prove
fatal. Take the utmost care during the second week of illness,
and do not allow the child out of doors under at least ten days
from the onset of the rash. Don't forget the younger the
child the greater the danger.
F. Garland Collins,
Medical Officer of Health."
Town Hall, West Ham, E. 15.
I am convinced that much good is done by such methods
of propaganda as set out above, and have proof from the reports
of Health Visitors, Sanitary Inspectors, School Nurses
and others, that much of the information given is being acted
upon by an increasing number of people. In this connection
my sincere thanks are due to the local press for the invaluable
co-operation which they have extended to this Department in
giving prominence in the Press to health matters.