[Epidemiological studies after an outbreak of meningitis (author's transl)].

Abstract

The outbreak of meningitis during the period from the end of August to the beginning of October 1974 in Kiel affected 45 children, particularly those in the age group between 4 and 9 years. An potential causative agents ECHO viri were identified in 15/45 cases and Coxsackie B viri in 2/45 cases. The patients presented the typical meningitic symptoms (fever, headache, stiffness of the neck). In all cases the disease ran a benign course. - Epidemiologically, it was possible to trace 32/45 cases back to three locally demarcated groups with demonstrable possibilities of contact for the diseased children (family, playground, kindergarden and school). The remaining 13/45 cases occurred isolated over the urban area without any visible connection. - This outbreak of meningitis must be regarded as an accumulation of illnesses resulting from contact infections by enteroviri and lacking or deficient disinfection. Besides the rather limited measures adopted to prevent the spread of such an infection, the correct psychological management of the population especially by the health authorities is of great importance in such epidemics.