Related Experiment Videos

An epidemic associated with echovirus type 18

M L Kennett, A W Ellis, F A Lewis

    The Journal of Hygiene
    |June 1, 1972
    PubMed

    Insights

    An echovirus type 18 outbreak occurred in Melbourne from October 1968 to March 1969. This virus caused aseptic meningitis and fever with rash, notably affecting adults for the first time.

    Area of Science:

    • Virology
    • Epidemiology
    • Public Health

    Background:

    • Echoviruses are known to cause various human illnesses.
    • Echovirus type 18 has been previously identified but not extensively linked to widespread disease.
    • Understanding the epidemiology of specific viral strains is crucial for public health management.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To document the first reported epidemic caused by echovirus type 18.
    • To identify the clinical manifestations associated with echovirus type 18 infections.
    • To determine if echovirus type 18 can cause disease in adults.

    Main Methods:

    • Viral isolation and identification from patient samples.
    • Clinical data collection and analysis for affected individuals.
    • Epidemiological surveillance during the specified period.

    Main Results:

    • Echovirus type 18 was isolated from 83 patients between October 1968 and March 1969.
    • The most frequent illnesses observed were aseptic meningitis and fever with rash.
    • This study provides the first evidence of echovirus type 18 causing disease in adult patients.

    Conclusions:

    • The findings confirm echovirus type 18 as a cause of aseptic meningitis and fever with rash.
    • This represents the first documented epidemic of echovirus type 18.
    • Echovirus type 18 is capable of causing illness in adult populations.

    Related Concept Videos