CHAPTER LXXI 



THE MICROBE OF GERMAN MEASLES 



BOTH children and adults have this disease; 

 more of the former than of the latter. It is ex- 

 ceedingly contagious and infectious. The germs 

 are carried in clothing, and in many ways com- 

 municated from patient to others. Doctors fre- 

 quently carry the disease from house to house. 



The germs, too, float in the air. A single 

 scholar, with the measles in a schoolroom, . may 

 give the disease to every other scholar in the room, 

 including the teacher. Such instances are on 

 record. 



In ten days, sometimes a little later, after 

 exposure, the disease makes its appearance. It 

 begins like a common cold, coughing, sneezing, 

 excretions from nose and throat, fever and head- 

 ache. Red eruptions appear, first on the face, then 

 on the body. 



The symptoms gradually disappear in about ten 

 days. In ten days more recovery may be complete. 



By way of treatment, keep the patient in bed 

 and warm all the time. Administer warm drinks 

 a light and easily digested diet. 



Aside from careful nursing, little else can be 

 done. 



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