Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1889-04-05
Cause and Symptoms Of Scarlet Fever.

Scarlet fever is one Of the most
dreaded diseases of childhood. 1t is
remarkable for the wide diversity
which 1t presents in differet cases, as
regards symptoms and fatality.
In mild form, it is comparatively
trivial affection, while in its severest
form, it appropriately termed malig-
nant.
The immediate cause OF scarlet fever
is IA specific poison or germ, which is
given of from sufferer from the dis
ease. both In the breath and exhalation
from the skin. This germ retains its
vitality and capability of producing the
malndy. for a long time, when confined,
as in clothing, etc; and it attaches its
self to almost any article which comes
within the air Of the sick room. Hence,
the disease is very highly contagious
fact which all should appreciate. For
persons who have had the disease,
there is little danger 10 themselve from
exposure. but If they enter the room of
one i'll with it, they are quite sure to
carry away with them the poisonous
germs and so become dangerous to
others, and especially TO children.
While the disease is rarely suffered
or-m more than once in a lifetime, some
have had it twice.
One instance will suffice to show the
ease with which scarlet fever is trans
mitted:
A woman visited n patient i'll with
scarlet fever, but remained in the room
only moment On leaving it, she en-
tered her carriage and was driven
home, six miles distant. Notwithstand-
ing the short exposure TO the sick room,
and the long time she was in the open
air after it the poison attached itself
to her clothing, remained there, and
infected her children, who were taken
down with the disease some days later.
A house containing SCARLET fever
patient should be considered as danger
Gus as one holding q smallpox patient;
and there is just As much need OF disin-
lection, and other precauhon against
contagion, in one case as in the other.
The symptoms OF scarlet fever appear
in from two TO five days after exposure.
Occasionally the attack commences with
a chill, but that Is exceptional. Nomit-
ing is very generally one of the early
symptoms, especially in children;
bleeding at the nose IS another quite
common symptom. There is also head
ache, loss of appetite, weakness, rest
lessness and sore throat; commissions
sometimes occur in very young chill
dren. The throat trouble generally
appears early, and very often before
the eruption is out. The throat. on eX-
animation. is seen TO be more or less
swollen, and intensely red in color and
f, hn MIN
berry
Fever comes on about the same time
as the throat trouble, and it Increases
until the skin is very hot. Generally
on the second day the eruption
makes its appearance. In some in
stances, it first appears on the face and
neck; oftener, however, it appears first
on the body and limbs, which are kept
warm by the clothing. The color of
the eruption is likcned TO that of
boiled lobster Accompanying it there
is always more or less burning and itch
ing.
During the stage Of eruption, thirst il
excessive, and the patient is constantly
calling for water. The restlessness is
marked, and il the attack is severe
one, the patient, especially if a child.
is more or less delirious, at least at
night. The throat trouble generally
grows worse for two or three days, and
then the affected parts remain painfully
sore and swollen for two or three days
more.
Generally, between the fifth and sixth
days OF the eruption, the fever begins
TO abate, and at the same time the rash
fadesj with some rapidity; frequently,
by The end Of the eighth day, it has en-
tirely disappeared. When the fever
has gone, the outer skin begins to peel
or scale of. The throat symptoms dis
appear with the fever. During this,
the peeling off stage, the appetite re-
turns, sleep is quiet and refreshing, the
strength is renewed, and in from ten TO
twelve days after the eruption begins
TO fade, in uncomplicated cases, conva-
lescence is generally complete.
As previously stated, scarlet fever is
remarkable for the wide diversity which
it presents in different cases. and its
symptoms may present every variety,
from the mildest TO tho most severe
character. DIR. Frank, ia Yankee
Blade.