Description of the situation
09 September 1996
Disease Outbreak Reported
The National Reference Centre for Enteroviruses at the Institute Cantacuzino, Bucharest has confirmed enterovirus in specimens taken from two patients hospitalized with clinical diagnosis of aseptic meningitis. Since 30 July, 342 cases of suspected viral meningitis and meningoencephalitis have been reported. Of these 201 were still in hospital on 5 September while 124 had recovered and been released. In all, 17 patients have died. The epidemic has been characterized by a disproportionate involvement of old people, lack of clusters and a majority of cases with residence in Bucharest.
Public health control measures recommended by the Ministry of Health focus on personal and community hygiene. The Ministry of Health does not consider there is any risk for tourists in Romania or of importing food from Romania.