Epidemiologic and clinical observations in six outbreaks of viral disease in a kibbutz, 1968-1971.

Abstract

Yodfat. Y. (Dept. Medicine A, Hadassah Univ. Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel). and M. Nishmi. Epidemiologic and clinical observations in six outbreaks of viral disease in a kibbutz, 1968–1971. Am J Epidemiol 97: 415–423. 1973.—During the years 1968–1971, there were six outbreaks of febrile disease in Kibbutz Tsorah, a communal settlement of about 450 members situated in the Jerusalem District. The etiologic agents of these outbreaks were adeno-, influenza-, coxsackie- and echoviruses. Adeno- and echovirus infections were confined to children, whereas influenza- and coxsackievirus infections affected all age groups. Infections due to the coxsackieviruses were, however, more prevalent among children. Clinical diagnosis was often difficult because of the wide variety of symptoms and apparent relapses observed. Virologic laboratory studies elucidated the clinical and epidemiologic picture by demonstrating the presence of different viral agents circulating in the community, simultaneously, or in quick succession. The importance of correlating laboratory findings with clinical and epidemiologic observations in the daily practice of the community physician is stressed.