Epidemic Shigella dysenteriae type 1 in Natal.
Since its first isolation in South Africa in 1994, Shigella dysenteriae type 1 has now spread to cause an epidemic outbreak in Natal Kwazulu, resulting in a steep rise in admissions for dysentery and the haemolytic uraemic syndrome in children. We report on the epidemic as it has evolved so far. A large outbreak is to be expected in South Africa in view of large scale poverty, lack of housing, and adequate water and sanitation, unless urgent public health measures are taken.
Rollins
N C
NC
Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Natal, Congella, South Africa.
Wittenberg
D F
DF
Coovadia
H M
HM
Pillay
D G
DG
Karas
A J
AJ
Sturm
A W
AW
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004405:Dysentery, Bacillary / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D006266:Health Education; D006463:Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D012762:Shigella dysenteriae; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology