Measles.
Incubation period, ten days. Rash occurs on the fourth day.
Rash.—Pink spots, round or irregular, slightly raised above the surface, tending to run together in patches over the body, leaving the unaffected skin between them clear. In the early stages often best marked on the face and behind the ears.
Symptoms.—Fever, catarrh, congested eyes, running from the nose, sickness and cough.
Treatment.—Similar to that of scarlet fever (see [p. 222]). It is very important to guard against chill; to ensure plenty of fresh air.
Complications.—Measles may be followed by pneumonia.
Mumps.
This is an infectious disease, characterised by swelling of the salivary glands. Its chief importance to the traveller is that if once it makes its appearance it may spread rapidly through his native attendants, and that it is apt to be followed by inflammation of the testicle.
Symptoms.—The invasion is accompanied by fever, which is usually slight, but is sometimes severe. There is pain just below the ear on one side, followed by a swelling which gradually increases, causing great enlargement of the neck and side of the cheek. In a day or two the other side of the face is usually affected, and sometimes the condition spreads under the lower jaw. It persists from seven to ten days, then gradually subsides. Inflammation of the testicle may be troublesome. It is usually one-sided.
Treatment.—Rest in bed during the height of the disease. Get the bowels freely open and keep the patient on a light diet. No medicine is required unless the fever is high. Either cold or hot applications may be made to the swelling. If the testicle is involved it should be treated by rest and protection with cotton wool.