Chapter V: Secondary Infection in the Ward Treatment of Measles (3)

The culturing of wards as units revealed widespread contact dissemination of hemolytic streptococci, at times 25 to 50 per cent of the patients in a ward becoming “carriers” within the period of a week. Streptococcus pneumonias, otitis media and its complications were furnished in large part by wards in which active dissemination occurred.

Streptococcus complications did not occur among 37 patients who were “carriers” of hemolytic streptococci when admitted to the hospital.

The epidemic dissemination of hemolytic streptococci occurs in measles wards, and is a serious danger. Many, patients whose throats become infected, develop no symptoms. In some instances streptococcus invades, and renders much more serious lesions caused by other microorganisms.

Methods to prevent transfer of infection within the ward and separation of “carriers” from “noncarriers” in different wards are efficient in keeping epidemic dissemination of hemolytic streptococci under control. Frequent throat cultures and prompt report of the results of cultures are essential.

The dissemination of B. influenzæ in patients with measles was not controlled by segregation of “carriers” and “noncarriers” of this organism as identified by throat cultures in separate wards.