=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.