Re-emergence of thiamine deficiency disease in the Pacific islands (2014-15): A case-control study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

From late 2014 multiple atolls in Kiribati reported an unusual and sometimes fatal illness. We conducted an investigation to identify the etiology of the outbreak on the most severely affected atoll, Kuria, and identified thiamine deficiency disease as the cause. Thiamine deficiency disease has not been reported in the Pacific islands for >5 decades. We present the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings of the investigation.

Methodology/principal findings

We initially conducted detailed interviews and examinations on previously identified cases to characterize the unknown illness and develop a case definition. Active and passive surveillance was then conducted to identify additional cases. A questionnaire to identify potential risk factors and blood sa

SUBMITTER: Nilles EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5991702 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature