, and vomiting.

By isolation is meant that the sick child should stay in a room by
himself, and the doors should be kept closed and no children should
enter, nor should any objects in the room be removed to other parts of
the house after the beginning of its occupation by the patient.

The services of a physician are particularly desirable in all these
diseases, in order that an early diagnosis be made and measures be
taken to protect the family, neighbors, and community from contagion.
The failure of parents or guardians to secure medical aid for children
is regarded by the law as criminal neglect, and is subject to
punishment. Boards of health require the reporting of all contagious
diseases as soon as their presence is known, and failure to comply
with their rules also renders the offender liable to fine or
imprisonment in most places.

=SCARLET FEVER= (_Scarlatina_).--There is no difference between
scarlet fever and scarlatina. It is a popular mistake that the latter
is a mild type of scarlet fever. Fever, sore throat, and a bright-red
rash are the characteristics of this disease. It occurs most
frequently in children between the ages of two and six years. It is
practically unknown under one year of age. Prof. H. M. Biggs, of the
New York Department of Health, has seen but two undoubted cases in
infants under twelve months. It is rare in adults, and one attack
usually protects the patient from another. Second attacks have
occurred, but many such are more apparent than real, since an error in
diagnosis is not uncommon. The disease is communicated chiefly by
means of the scales of skin which escape during the peeling process,
but may also be acquired at any time from the onset of the attack from
the breath, urine, and discharges from the body; or from substances
which have come in contact with these emanations. Scarlet fever is
probably a germ disease, and the germs may live for weeks in toys,
books, letters, clothing, wall paper, etc. Close contact with the
patient, or with objects which have come in close touch with the
patient, is apparently necessary for contagion.

=Period of Development.=--After exposure to the germs of scarlet
fever, usually from two to five days elapse before the disease shows
itself. Occasionally the outbreak of the disease occurs within
twenty-four hours of exposure, and rarely is delayed for a week or ten
days.

=Symptoms.=--The onset is usually sudden. It begins with vomiting (in