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Multiple sclerosis in the Faroe Islands. 8. Notifiable diseases

M T Wallin1, A Heltberg, J F Kurtzke

  • 1Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and MS Center of Excellence-East, 50 Irving Street NW, Washington, DC 20422, USA. mitchell.wallin@va.gov

Acta Neurologica Scandinavica
|November 21, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

An epidemic of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Faroe Islands showed a temporal link to infectious gastroenteritis and paradysentery outbreaks. These outbreaks coincided with the arrival and increase of British troops during World War II.

Area of Science:

  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology

Background:

  • The Faroe Islands experienced a type 1 multiple sclerosis (MS) epidemic starting in 1943.
  • This epidemic onset coincided with the British military occupation during World War II.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate a potential infectious origin for the MS epidemic in the Faroe Islands.
  • To explore associations between MS onset and infectious disease patterns during the WWII occupation.

Main Methods:

  • Reviewed notifiable disease data from the Danish National Health Service (1900-1977).
  • Assessed disease incidence in the Faroe Islands during the period of British military presence.

Main Results:

  • Increased incidence of acute infectious gastroenteritis (AIGE) and paradysentery observed in late 1940 and 1943.
  • These outbreaks correlated with the arrival and increased numbers of British troops.
  • Elevated numbers of five other infections noted in 1941-1942, potentially linked to increased commercial travel.

Conclusions:

  • A temporal association exists between AIGE and paradysentery in the Faroe Islands and the presence of British forces.
  • The observed increases in other infections during 1941-1942 may be attributed to heightened commercial travel by the local population.

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