COMMON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES. 



is apt to contract very frequently. No num- 

 ber of attacks will afford immunity. Epi- 

 demics are common. 



SCARLET FEVER, MEASLES, GERMAN MEASLES, 

 CHICKEN POX. 



The germs causing scarlet fever, measles, 

 German measles (Roseola) and chicken pox 

 are found in the secretions from the nose and 

 throat and in the desquamating (peeling or Methods of 

 flaking) skin. The disease can be contracted tion. • 

 through direct contact with the afflicted person, 

 articles used in the sick room, such as books, 

 toys, clothing, food or dishes, and also from 

 dust and sweepings of the ward or room. This 

 is especially true of scarlet fever and measles, 

 and the nurse needs to be more than ordinarily 

 cautious, as the disease can be communicated 

 to the well just as long as any desquamating 

 skin remains. Disinfection before desquama- 

 tion ceases is practically a waste of time. Cats 

 and dogs are believed to carry the germs in 

 their coats and should be kept out of the sick Domestic 

 room. Use carbolized oil as an inunction in Animals, 

 all of these diseases to prevent or lessen the 

 danger from floating particles of skin. Gowns 

 and bed linen, which are full of these particles, 

 should be removed carefully and placed at 

 once in a disinfectant solution. Do not shake 

 them about the room. Wash all furniture, 

 83 



