title: Epidemic neuropathy--Cuba, 1991-1994.
abstract: From January 1, 1992, through January 14, 1994, the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba (MINSAP) identified 50,862 cases of a neuropathy in residents of Cuba (1993 population: 10.8 million); affected persons had onset beginning July 1, 1991. The neuropathy has included an optic form--characterized by subacute (i.e., 3-30 days) onset, decreased visual acuity, decreased color vision, and/or central or cecocentral scotomata--and a peripheral form; both forms have been characterized by weight loss and easy fatigability. This report presents a preliminary summary of an investigation by MINSAP of this epidemic.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D002648:Child; D003462:Cuba / Q000453:epidemiology; D003677:Deficiency Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012907:Smoking; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014803:Vitamin B Complex / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014801:Vitamin A; D014803:Vitamin B Complex