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[Acute trichinosis. 193 cases in an epidemic]
1Herz- und thoraxchirurgische Abteilung, Johanniter-Kinderklinik, Sankt Augustin.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|November 27, 1987
Summary
An outbreak of acute trichinosis infected 402 people in Bitburg. Most patients experienced muscle pain, edema, and gastrointestinal issues, with many showing persistent symptoms six months later.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Context:
- A significant acute trichinosis epidemic occurred in Bitburg in 1982, affecting 402 individuals.
- The study focused on documenting the acute stage in 193 confirmed cases.
Purpose:
- To describe the clinical manifestations, diagnostic findings, and complications of acute trichinosis during the Bitburg epidemic.
- To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of trichinosis.
Summary:
- The onset of symptoms averaged 17 days post-consumption of contaminated meat.
- Common symptoms included muscle pain (85%), edema (83%), gastrointestinal complaints (62%), and fever (60%).
- Diagnostic indicators such as eosinophilia (92%) and Trichinella antibodies (98%) were prevalent, alongside interstitial myositis in 90% of muscle biopsies.
Impact:
- Serious complications like myocarditis and pneumonia affected 13.5% of patients.
- A notable 43% of patients reported lingering symptoms six months after the initial infection.
- This study highlights the significant morbidity associated with trichinosis outbreaks and the importance of timely diagnosis and management.