Abstract
An epidemic of gastroenteritis occurred in a childrens' camp in Maryland in 1980. The non-recurring illness was characterized by vomiting and diarrhea lasting 1-2 days. With each of the groups entering camp for each of the three two week sessions, the attack rate increased from 58% to 62% to 77%, and the incubation period decreased from 5.1 to 2.5 to 1.3 days. Epidemologic studies by the camp doctors (JN, WW, LG) revealed that only those who drank water containing beverages became ill and that the incubation period was inversely related to the amount of water consumed. A survey response from 70 families visiting camp revealed an attack rate of 64% (27/42) in family members who drank water containing beverages in contrast to 0.8% (1/127) in those who did not and a secondary attack rate in family contacts of 3% (1/32). Water for the camp was pumped from a well and iodinated and monitored frequently at a level of 0.7 to 1.0 ppm. Samples of the iodinated water were negative for bacteria and for heavy metals. Paired serology in 13 camp members revealed a 4 fold rise to the Norwalk agent in 2. Attempts at virus identification are continuing. Epidemiologic and serologic studies suggest an agent, possibly a distant relation to the Norwalk virus, and the agent seems to be resistant to iodination. The epidemic points out limitations of current water purification systems.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Neff, J., Woodward, W., Garrettson, L. et al. 485 GASTROENTERITIS CAUSED BY A PROBABLE VIRAL AGENT PERSISTING IN IODINATED WATER AT A SUMMER CAMP. Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 521 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00498
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-00498