Outbreak of echovirus 18 meningitis in a rural Missouri community

Mo Med. 2009 Nov-Dec;106(6):420-4.

Abstract

This is a case-control study of viral meningitis outbreak in Perry County, Missouri. All case-patients had viral meningitis per routine CSF analysis or PCR testing. Enterovirus VP1-specific RT-PCR and sequencing was performed on CSF. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to evaluate risk factors. The meningitis attack rate was 1/1,000 population. The main risk factor for meningitis was association with childcare. In patients with signs of meningitis, but normal routine CSF analysis, molecular testing of the CSF is helpful for conclusive diagnosis.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Distribution
  • Child
  • Child Day Care Centers*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Echovirus Infections / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Echovirus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Viral / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Meningitis, Viral / epidemiology*
  • Missouri
  • Odds Ratio
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Risk Factors
  • Rural Population
  • Sex Distribution
  • Virus Cultivation