title: Outbreak of beri-beri in The Gambia.
abstract: In 1988, an outbreak of beri-beri occurred in The Gambia during the rainy season. At least 140 people were affected, and 22 died. A clear response to thiamine was observed in 8 patients who were in hospital, and the outbreak resolved after distribution of thiamine in the community. Gradual replacement of traditional cereals with imported milled rice may have increased susceptibility to beri-beri.
authors.affiliation: Medical and Health Department, Royal Victoria Hospital, Banjul, The Gambia.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Tang
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rolfe
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Wells
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cham
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001602:Beriberi / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005714:Gambia; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013831:Thiamine / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D013831:Thiamine