Winter vomiting disease in Florida students.
Publication/Presentation Date
3-1-1970
Abstract
On 14 November 1967 an investigation was begun at the University of South Florida to determine the cause of an increased number of gastrointestinal illnesses on campus. An estimated 300 students suddenly became ill with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. While at first food poisoning was suspected, no common food, water, or toxic exposure could be found. The data collected were most consistent with Winter Vomiting Disease. This entity is characterized by acute gastrointestinal illnesses which may occur in epidemic form in residential schools between September and March. Most investigators suspect that a viral agent is responsible for the illnesses, though attempts to isolate a virus have been unsuccessful. The incubation period in the University outbreak was estimated at 28 hr., and contact was the most likely mode of transmission. The outbreak illustrated that Winter Vomiting Disease in residential institutions may be an accentuation of the gastrointestinal illnesses occurring simultaneously in the community at large.
Volume
68
Issue
1
First Page
1
Last Page
11
ISSN
0022-1724
Published In/Presented At
Levitt, L. P., Wolfe, V., & Bond, J. O. (1970). Winter vomiting disease in Florida students. The Journal of hygiene, 68(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022172400028448
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
5266584
Department(s)
Department of Medicine
Document Type
Article