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Outbreak of echovirus 30 meningitis in Switzerland

J D Schumacher1, C Chuard, F Renevey

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Cantonal, Fribourg, Switzerland.

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 19, 2000
PubMed

Insights

An Echovirus 30 outbreak caused aseptic meningitis in Switzerland during 1996. Most patients recovered quickly, with no long-term effects observed in this epidemiological study.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Aseptic meningitis outbreak occurred in Fribourg, Switzerland, in the summer of 1996.
  • The study investigated 80 patients, including children and adults, affected by the outbreak.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the causative agent of the aseptic meningitis outbreak.
  • To describe the clinical presentation and patient demographics.
  • To evaluate the management and outcomes of affected patients.

Main Methods:

  • Virological studies were conducted on cerebrospinal fluid and blood samples.
  • Patient data including symptoms, laboratory results, and treatment were collected.
  • Epidemiological data, such as patient location, were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Enteroviral infection was confirmed in 93% of investigated patients.
  • Echovirus 30 was identified as the primary causative agent in 89% of cases with identified viruses.
  • Classic aseptic meningitis symptoms were observed; cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed polymorphonuclear leukocyte predominance.
  • Patient age did not significantly impact laboratory findings or outcomes.
  • The majority of patients experienced a favorable outcome, with rapid hospital discharge and no reported complications.

Conclusions:

  • Echovirus 30 was the dominant cause of the 1996 aseptic meningitis outbreak in Fribourg.
  • The clinical presentation was typical for aseptic meningitis, with some early neutrophilic predominance in CSF.
  • Prompt diagnosis and supportive care led to universally favorable outcomes in this patient cohort.

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