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Peripheral Neuropathy Outbreak at Orong HSS

Report on Investigation of Outbreak of Peripheral Neuropathy among boarding students of Orong Higher Secondary School

Objective: To determine the cause of the suspected peripheral neuropathy outbreak

Background:Two death cases due to suspected peripheral neuropathy outbreak in Orong Higher Secondary School were reported to Department of Public Health along with 31 students with similar manifestations of PN admitted to district hospital in Samdrup Jongkhar.

Methodology:Information was retrieved from various sources to ascertain cause of death of two students. Epidemiological and dietary information was obtained through interview and visit to outbreak site. Clinical examination was done on all the admitted patients. Four patients were referred to Guwahati Neurological Research Centre (GNRC), India for further clinical evaluation

Results:Epidemiological, clinical and dietary findings were suggestive of PN outbreak due to nutritional deficiency.

Conclusion:The outbreak was due to PN caused by nutritional deficiency and Beri beri (Thiamine deficiency) seemed most plausible cause for morbidity and mortality.

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