RESUMO
In further investigations on the evolutive trends of the epidemiologic streptococcal process, an extensive epidemiological survey was carried out in prescholar and school communities in the town of Bucharest with a view to applying efficient antiepidemic measures able to limit primary streptococcal infections and prevent late, redoubtable complications. In 1980, in Bucharest, morbidity from scarlet fever was at its lowest level (92.7 per 100,000) during the last 31 years; it was in general benign, affecting especially in the month of March the 5-9 years age group (623.9 per 100,000) and the 1-4 years age group (529.4 per 100,000). The trailing evolution of a scarlet fever focus in a prescholar community suggested the hypothesis of the potentiation of the induction of streptococcal toxigenesis under the influence of intercurrent vital infections, especially measles. There were no deaths from scarlet fever. Laboratory investigations for the active detection and treatment of anginas, of carriers at risk, totalled 52101 tests; of these 4478 (8.59%) were positive for group "A" streptococci. In the prescholar communities surveyed no poststreptococcal complications were reported (acute articular rheumatism and glomerulonephritis). In 1980, there were 63 cases of acute articular rheumatism (code 250) in the 0-18 year-old group. The results suggest the need of continued epidemiological survey of streptococcal infections in children with a view to improving the health status of the population.
