Nonhemolytic streptococci in relation to an epidemic of influenza; diagnostic cutaneous tests and specific treatment.

Abstract

THE EPIDEMIC reported herewith occurred in a large state hospital for the insane in January, February, and March, 1950. The onset of the epidemic was abrupt, occurring at almost the same time in different wards of the hospital. The attack rate was far greater in women than in men. Among the attendants 9 men and 23 women and among the patients 94 men and 269 women had symptoms of respiratory infections resembling moderately severe influenza. The onset of symptoms was usually sudden, consisting of prostration, general aching, moderately sore throat, usually slight coryza, pain in the chest due to bronchitis followed by cough, and expectoration of mucopurulent sputum. Sensations of chill at the onset often occurred, but a definite chill was usually absent. There was mild to moderate fever lasting for from several days to a week or longer. The symptoms at the onset were out of proportion to the