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36
Whooping cough is very infectious, but susceptibility to the
disease is lessened as the child grows older.
In this district there are many more deaths from whooping
cough than from scarlet fever. Nearly all the deaths occur below
the age of 5 years. It follows, therefore, that the older the child
it when he contracts whooping cough the better chance he has of
recovery.
During the past thirteen years, in the Borough of Richmond,
which includes Richmond, Kew, North Sheen and Petersham, there
were 101 deaths due to whooping cough, whilst during the same
period the number of deaths from scarlet fever was 23.
The incubation period of whooping cough is about a fortnight,
that is, after becoming infected the child is apparently quite well,
as far as this disease is concerned, for that length of time. The
onset begins with :i short cough, like that of an ordinary cold, but,
as a rule, there is no "whoop" until a fortnight after the commencement
of this bronchitic cough; the child, however, may give
the disease to others during this period. The infectious stage lasts
at least six weeks from the commencement of the cough. The child
is liable to impart infection to others after this period has elapsed
unless the cough has disappeared.
The patient should be isolated during the whole period of the
ailment. lie should not be exposed to cold winds or draughts, but
plenty of fresh air in the room will be beneficial.
The infection is given off by the breath of the patient and is
also contained in what is coughed up; therefore, a handkerchief
should not be used for wiping the mouth after coughing; soft paper
is preferable. The paper snould be burnt immediately after using.