The germs of the disease pass from the sick person to others in
particles of the secretions already mentioned. This transfer is usually
accomplished by direct contact or by the agency of some carrier such
as infected hands, eating utensils, toys, etc. In the manner of its
dissemination scarlet fever resembles diphtheria very closely. This
disease does not often pass from one person to another through the air
as occurs in measles. Like diphtheria it is sometimes spread through
milk which has been handled by someone who has recently had the disease
or has been in close contact with it. Many epidemics of scarlet fever
have been traced to contaminated milk. Usually the germs first lodge in
the throat, often on the tonsils. Sometimes they enter through wounds.