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Aseptic meningitis, Montreal, 1969: a clinical and laboratory study
Abstract:
During the summer and fall of 1969 an outbreak of aseptic meningitis occurred in Montreal and its environs. Forty-four patients were admitted to the infectious disease ward of The Montreal Children's Hospital in August, September and October. Half of the patients were in the age group 6 to 10 years. The ratio of males to females was two to one. Patients showed the typical signs and symptoms of aseptic meningitis, namely fever, vomiting, headache, neck stiffness and pleocytosis of the cerebrospinal fluid.Viruses were recovered from 19 (43%) of the 44 cases. The predominant virus in the outbreak was a non-hemagglutinating strain of echovirus 6. Other virus types isolated in the outbreak were echovirus 7, coxsackievirus A9 and coxsackievirus B4. Serological investigations confirmed the validity of the echovirus isolations and identified additional cases.
Insights
A 1969 outbreak of aseptic meningitis in Montreal was primarily caused by echovirus 6. This study identified key viral culprits and patient demographics during the epidemic.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Epidemiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- An outbreak of aseptic meningitis occurred in Montreal during the summer and fall of 1969.
- The Montreal Children's Hospital admitted 44 patients with aseptic meningitis between August and October.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agents of the aseptic meningitis outbreak.
- To characterize the clinical presentation and demographics of affected patients.
Main Methods:
- Viral isolation from cerebrospinal fluid and patient samples.
- Serological investigations to confirm viral identifications.
- Clinical data collection on patient signs, symptoms, and demographics.
Main Results:
- Viruses were recovered from 43% of the 44 cases.
- A non-hemagglutinating strain of echovirus 6 was the predominant virus.
- Echovirus 7, coxsackievirus A9, and coxsackievirus B4 were also identified.
Conclusions:
- Echovirus 6 was the primary cause of the 1969 Montreal aseptic meningitis outbreak.
- The findings highlight the importance of viral surveillance during epidemics.
- Demographic data indicated a higher incidence in males and children aged 6-10 years.