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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
Summary
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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