– This is an epidemic fever, which partakes of the character of both measles and scarlatina, but is quite distinct from both, and does not protect the patient who has once had it against either, but only against a future attack of itself. It is not such a severe disease as either measles or scarlatina, but it is just about as infectious. It has the same incubation period as measles. The fever sets in from ten to fourteen days after infection.
Diagnosis.-The disease begins with the symptoms of cold, like measles, but the sore-throat is more like that of scarlatina, and the glands in the neck are sooner affected than in either of the other two. The rash appears first on the face as in measles (not on the chest, as in scarlatina), and consists of bright red rounded spots, which soon run together. They are not grouped in circular patches, as in measles. The rash does not remain as long, and fades from the upper part as it travels downwards. The fever is not as high, and may be all over in two or three days. It is apt to recur, however, and the rash to reappear with it. There is no peeling of the skin, such as follows scarlatina.
General Treatment.-The important thing is to be sure of the disease. it is not always easy to distinguish it from measles or scarlatina, and for the patient must be isolated, the room cleared of all superabundant furniture and carpets, and well ventilated and warmed. The diet must be of the lightest- water, barley-water, toast-water, milk and beef-tea.
Medicines.-(Every hour or two).
Belladonna3.
-The most generally useful in the acute stage.
Mercurius 6.
– If the throat symptoms are urgent, and the glands remain swollen.
Sulph. 6.
-When the fever has gone.
China 3.
-When convalescence is established.
