[Infectious diseases 177]

Eyes.—­Following severe cases fear of light, spasm of the orbicularis muscle, inflammation of the lachrymal duct, conjunctivitis, ulceration of the cornea and amaurosis (general blindness) may result.  Hence the necessity of careful attention to the eyes.  Never read anything during the attack of the measles.  The ear may also become afflicted.  There are other complications, but these mentioned are the important ones.

Mortality in Measles.—­The mortality in childhood and infancy is about eight per cent.  Mortality is greatest for number of cases during the first year.  Six per cent between fifth and eighth years.

Diagnosis.—­Presents few difficulties in a typical case.  The mode of onset is cold symptoms of the nose and eye, cough; appearance of the mouth, throat and the blotchy eruptions are very characteristic.

Treatment.  Prevention.—­As soon as you know it to be the measles, separate the case and put the patient in a well-aired room where you can have air without a draft and where the room can be made and kept dark.  Those persons who must go in the room should put over them a linen robe, and hang it outside of the sick room.  It should thoroughly cover them.  When not in use hang it in the open air.  An attendant who wears a beard should disinfect his beard, face, head and hands before mingling with the well.

Mothers’ remedies.—­1.  Measles, Lemon Remedy from a Canadian Mother.—­“Give child all cold lemonade it can drink and keep in warm room.  This acts just as well as if the drinks are hot.  We tried both on our children and cured both ways.”  Don’t give so much of the cold as to chill.  The cold drink makes child sweat, just as hot does.  Also helps to carry off impurities by flushing bowels, just as clear water would.

2.  Measles, Elder Blossom Tea to Drive Out.—­“Elder blossom tea is good for a cold or fever.  Gather the blossoms, and make a tea.  Pleasant to take.  Sweeten if desired.  This is also good to drive out the measles.”  This remedy should be taken warm and is especially good to bring out the rash in children.  Take a teaspoonful every hour.

[178 Mothers’ remedies]

General Treatment.—­An ordinary case of measles does not need much treatment.  If the patient has a high fever and is very hot and restless, bathe with tepid or cool water every two or three hours, till the patient becomes quite restful.  Sometimes they have too much covering and that makes them hot and restless.  Remove a little at a time.  Bathing will not hurt the rash, for it can be done under the clothes and without any danger to the patient.

Cold Drinks.—­These are refreshing and beneficial, if not given too freely.  One-third of a glass of water is enough at one time, but it can be given often, if it does not chill the patient.  After the feverish days have passed, diluted milk or plain milk can be given in greater amount.