The epidemiology of mumps in southern Alberta 1980-1982.

The full spectrum of mumps in Southern Alberta was studied over the years 1980-1982. In the community, a random sample of 3,497 children was tested for prevalence of immunity to mumps. The 1,816 who were not immune were retested after one year. The incidence of new immunity was 16.5%. Most seroconverters had no illness suggestive of mumps. History of previous mumps or immunization were found to be unreliable predictors of serologic immune status. In the family study, information was obtained on 342 cases diagnosed as mumps by family physician recorders. The overall complication rate was 10.8% and the secondary attack rate within families was 11.7%. Hospital records of all 25 patients admitted in Calgary with mumps during the same period were analyzed. Estimated costs of unopposed mumps over 20 years compared with the estimated costs of vaccination showed that a vaccination program could give a benefit-cost ratio between 6.4 and 247. These studies show that mumps is a mild disease with relatively few serious complications or sequelae. Even so, there would be definite medical and economic benefit with immunization. A low-cost addition of mumps vaccine to the immunization program would be justified.

The prevalence of breast feeding in Calgary, 1979-1980.

PIP: The breastfeeding practices of infants in Calgary, Alberta in 1979 and 1980 were studied using annual cohorts. Approximately 63% of infants were breastfed during the 1st week and the proportion did not change significantly during the 1st month. This proportion is higher than in an earlier study in Calgary and surveys in Canada several years ago. Most infants not breastfed during the 1st month were given commercially available infants' formula, and only a small percentage of infants were given cow's milk. The proportion of breastfed infants fell significantly after 3 months, suggesting that encouragement of breast feeding should continue for several months after delivery.^ieng

An institutional outbreak of Salmonellosis due to lactose-fermenting Salmonella newport.

An institutional outbreak of salmonellosis predominantly due to a lactose-fermenting Salmonella newport is described. Control of the outbreak was hampered by delay in the initial recognition of the aberrant strain. On primary culture, salmonellae were detected on bismuth sulfite agar only; colonies that formed on MacConkey agar and Salmonella-Shigella agar could not be differentiated from lactose-fermenting nonpathogenic organisms. The reactions in triple sugar iron were atypical for Salmonella. The lactose-fermenting property was plasmid-mediated and was readily transferable. Phage typing suggested chicken as a possible source of the strain. The need for awareness of the occurrence of such strains of Salmonella that may not be recognized by cultural procedures in common use, the necessity of the routine use of bismuth sulfite agar in procedures for isolation of salmonellae, and the use of lysine iron agar in conjunction with the triple sugar iron agar are emphasized.

The problem of the population at risk.

Until we know numbers of patients at risk, their ages and sexes, we can do very little epidemiological research in family practice.This pilot study sought to establish whether family physicians could define their populations at risk, whether volunteer recording would work, and whether medicare-generated data could be used.

Social problems of the hospitalized elderly.

In our Community Clinic practice, we thought elderly people in, or awaiting admission to, hospital, would be likely to have social problems. Over a 12 month period all such people were referred to a social worker (R.W.) who paid a hospital or house call and filled in an assessment form we specially designed. This paper describes the social problems discovered in that population.

The checkup center as part of an ongoing medical practice.

This is a six month study of a check-up program in a group practice of eight family physicians working in partnership with consultants in many specialties. The practice size is estimated at 20,000 people. The authors discuss the value of a modified self-administered history, and present the results of laboratory, electrocardiogram and chest X-ray screens, and the conclusions reached.The cost of this service to the taxpayer is also calculated.

The significance of routine electrocardiograms.

The Check-Up Center is functionally and structurally an integral part of the Saskatoon Community Clinic and its use represents part of the ongoing care of our patients.Of 768 consecutive patients going through this Check-up Center, 631 had an electrocardiogram performed routinely as part of their check-up before being seen by their doctor. These 631 people were aged 40 years or older. The results of these tests are presented by age and by sex. Evaluation was undertaken to determine the clinical significance of all abnormalities reported. Around the age of 45 years - in both men and women - there appears to be a big yield of significantly abnormal electrocardiograms.