=Variola.=—_Synonyms._—Small-pox; German Blattern; French, La Petite Verole.
_Definition._—A specific, infectious, highly contagious febrile disease, characterized by a dermatitis, in which the eruption passes from the papule to vesicle, and this in turn into pustule, finally dessicating.
_Cause._—The true nature of the virus is not known, and although certain microorganisms have been described which are found in the pock, there is no proof that they are responsible for producing the poison. All that is positively known is, that it is developed in the system and reproduced in the pustule.
_Pathology._—The most marked change occurs in the skin, where an eruption takes place, finally with the formation of scabs or crusts. The blood does not reveal any microscopic changes, although darkened in color.
_Treatment._—No one but an immune should handle these cases, and he should first wash the body with a 1 : 500 solution of bichloride of mercury. After this has been done, inject an amount of fluid equal to 10 per cent. of the body weight, distributing same by arterial injection. If blood is drained, and it is proper to do so, add fluid to the injection to make up the loss into the blood bottle. Give full cavity injection. Bodies dead of this disease should be buried within a reasonably short length of time, so that the apartments may be rendered safe by fumigation, and under no circumstances should a public funeral be held. After the body has been placed in the casket, the slide, preferably of glass, should be closed and should not be reopened under any circumstances. Govern yourself by the regulations of your district for transportation of these cases.
=Measles.=—_Synonyms._—Morbilli; rubeola.
_Definition._—An acute, infectious, contagious fever, characterized by a general papular eruption.
_Cause._—The efforts to isolate a specific germ which will produce the disease has thus far failed, though many organisms have been found in the secretions.
_Pathology._—There is a lack of coagulability of the blood, which is dark in color. The internal organs are congested and softened. The lesion of the skin consists of an acute hyperemia with exudation in the vascular papillae of the corium, the sebaceous and sweat glands.