Meningococcus Outbreak At Point Barrow

During the fall of 1964 an outbreak due to Group B meningococcus occurred in Barrow, Alaska. The signs and symptoms of the six cases were unusual to the extent that an admission diagnosis of meningococcal disease could be made in only one instance. The high incidence rate of 3.5 per 1000 population and the high proportion of adult cases were also unusual. A cumulative 48% of the group surveyed by throat culture were found to harbor meningococcus. Approximately 20% of the isolated organisms were found to be resistant to 1.0 mg. % sulfadiazine but this was not verified in other laboratories because of contamination. Illegible photo of author. Tables. Bibliography.