Measles

me'z'lz, a contagious disease characterized by mottled eruptions of the skin. It is thought to be a disease of considerable antiquity. Though with proper care it is not dangerous, it is very annoying. One who has had the disease is not likely to take it again. Medical science has not yet determined the specific cause, but it is thought to be due to a bacterium. In any case, the measles are communicated through the atmosphere by means of clothing, etc. From seven to fourteen days usually pass between the time of exposure and breaking out. Four thousand three hundred and two deaths from measles were reported from certain areas in the United States for the year 1907, a slight increase over the rate reported in the previous census. Singularly enough, the soldiers of the Confederate army were subject to an epidemic of the measles from which many died. See Disease