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Measles.
In the early part of the year there was an epidemic of cases
of Measles, a large number of which required hospital treatment.
It would have been possible under ordinary conditions to
have admitted some of these urgent cases to the Plaistow Fever
Hospital, but on account of Harold Wood still being utilised by
the Public Assistance Committee, Plaistow Hospital was unavailable
for these cases. A number of cases were treated at Whipps
Cross Hospital.
Every case which came to the notice of the Medical Officer of
Health was visited by a Health Visitor to investigate the home
conditions. Advice was also given either in the actual nursing of
the child or in arranging for its efficient isolation from other
members of the family.
To cope with the number of cases in which hospital treatment
was definitely needed, arrangements were made with the London
Fever Hospital to admit cases from West Ham, and during the
year 38 cases were so admitted.
The following poster was issued in February and again in
April, pointing out the seriousness of the disease, and offering
facilities for hospital treatment:—
MEASLES!
MEASLES is dangerous and very infectious: immediate
treatment is most essential.
There is at present an unusual number of cases of this
disease. Arrangements for removal of patients to hospital
can be made in cases so recommended by a medical practitioner.
The first sign of Measles is a Feverish Cold, with sneezing
and running from the eyes and nose. The Rash 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
until at least ten days from the onset of the RASH. Don't
forget, the younger the child the greater the danger.
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 Centre, and send word to the Medical Officer of
Health.
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