[Nosocomial and community outbreak of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis in Navarra in 1996].
BACKGROUND
Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis is an acute, generally bilateral infection, that appears sporadically or in outbreaks from a source of common infection which may be a visit to the ophthalmologist or a swimming pool. Keratitis may evolve to form sub-epithelial injuries in the cornea lasting as much as several months.


METHODS
Description of an outbreak of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis that took place in Navarra (Spain) between April and August 1996 and which affected at least 266 people.


RESULTS
The epidemiological research highlights the existence of two ophthalmologist consulting rooms as the transmission mechanism for the infection in 46 of the 116 patients researched. The spread of the infection in the environment of the patients was recorded in 119 cases, 62 of which are considered secondary cases. The aetiological diagnosis of the outbreak was carried out 11 days after the start of the microbiological research, isolating adenovirus in conjunctival samples of 8 of the 19 patients researched.


CONCLUSIONS
The preventive measures taken to control the outbreak and their effectiveness was highlighted by the gradual reduction in cases.
Salcedo Miqueleiz
M A
MA
Sección de Vigilancia y Control Epidemiológico, Instituto de Salud Pública de Navarra.
Goldaracena Tanco
B
B
Ardanaz Aicua
M E
ME
Mazón Ramos
A
A
Moreno Iribas
C
C
Salvo Gonzalo
S
S
D000258:Adenovirus Infections, Human / Q000453:epidemiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017714:Community-Acquired Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007639:Keratoconjunctivitis, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
Brote nosocomial y communitario de queratoconjuntivitis epidémica en Navarra en el año 1996.