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Scholtens, R. G. (Technical Services Branch, Malaria Program, Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.), Kaiser, Ft. L, and Langmuir, A. D. An epidemiologic examination of the strategy of malaria eradication. Int. J. Epid. 1972, 1: 15–24. The concept of malaria eradication developed over the first half of the twentieth century, gradually changing from multiple means of control to the single method of indoor insecticide spraying. Because of the dramatic effects of DDT and the fear of insecticide resistance malaria eradication programs—consisting of preparatory measures, an attack phase during which houses are sprayed and active case detection begins, a consolidation phase when spraying is discontinued and the few remaining cases of malaria are eliminated by case detection and treatment, and finally a maintenance phase when malaria surveillance responsibilities are transferred to the normal health services of the country—were planned to achieve their goals in five to ten years. But by 1970 it was evident that the total eradication of malaria through use of residual insecticides was not feasible, and the 23rd World Health Assembly adopted a revised strategy recognizing the need for malaria control and the use of diverse antimalarial methods. While there has been much success in the fight against malaria, with more than one-third of the population formerly at risk now living in malaria-free areas, there has been little progress and some regression in recent years. The case of India illustrates the predicament, including the relative importance of technical problems, operational difficulties, and the demand on resources by a multiplicity of health and social problems. The realization that the problem of malaria will continue, that it is only one of many pressing health needs, and that suitable locally-devised measures for its control are necessary is inescapable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farr's Law of Epidemics, first proposed in 1840, states that the graphs of epidemics have a tendency to rise and fall in a symmetrical pattern, resembling a bell-shaped curve. William Farr was the first to contend that the forces controlling epidemics can be understood through scientific inquiry, which then may be expressed in mathematical terms. In the early 20th century, application of the theories set forth by John Brownlee enhanced the mathematical aspects of Farr's theory and suggested the bell curve configuration. Farr asserted that epidemics proceed in a pattern where new cases rise to a crest, which is then followed by a constant deceleration period. The authors have analyzed the current outbreak of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the United States using Farr's Law of Epidemics. The limitations of this analysis are emphasized; only adult populations were represented in the data. Also, the new criteria defined by the Centers for Disease Control in September 1987 broaden the definition of AIDS and have expanded the number new cases reported. This study was undertaken in 1985, using data from public health statistics compiled from 1982 through 1987. It was concluded that the incidence of new AIDS cases peaked in the U.S. in late 1988 and since then, the incidence of new cases has begun to decline and will reach a low point by the middle of the 1990s. Confirmation of the applicability of the Farr-Brownlee hypothesis to AIDS will most likely be possible by next year as new data accumulates. Although the number of new cases is expected to diminish, the development of more effective treatments for AIDS, which will extend the survival time of those with the disease, will cause the population of those individuals requiring treatment to grow. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Langmuir, A. D.(Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Harvard and Medical School, 25 Shattuck Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA). William Far: founder of modern concepts of surveillance. 1976. 5: 13–18. Considerable confusion surrounds the use of the term surveillance in the context of public health but the principles underlying all uses are as old as epidemiology itself. William Farr has contributed more than anyone else to the development of these principles and to the demonstration of their value in practice on a large scale. This paper re-examines the basic tenets which guided him and the methods and techniques which he developed in the hope of reviving insights and resetting standards that modern epidemiologists might, with benefit, strive to emulate. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In the use of the case-study or problem-solving method of teaching epidemiology, the technique of the ‘blind’ problem, namely the withholding of the diagnosis of the disease until the end, presents many advantages. The student is forced to confront the purely epidemiological data without being prejudiced by his preconceived notions about the disease in question. In the study of an individual clinical case the objective is to make a diagnosis so that an accurate prognosis and specific treatment may be determined. So, in the study of an epidemic or outbreak (an epidemiological case) the objective is to establish a source of infection, a mode of spread or an aetiological factor, in order to predict a future trend and institute specific control measures. The ‘blind’ problem creates suspense, enhances the intellectual challenge, and permits the student and discussion leader to test a variety of hypotheses purely on the basis of the epidemiological evidence presented. An example of a localized epidemic is presented to illustrate these points. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study on swine influenza virus vaccination in the U.S. The preliminary analysis of the data establishes that the vaccine preparations contained an inciting factor or trigger element that resulted in the development of clinically recognized Guillain-Barré syndrome. No marked differences were observed in age incidence, geographical distribution, manufacturer or type of vaccine, or method of administration.

Describes the contribution of epidemiological studies at the Communicable Disease Center in Atlanta, Georgia to the solution of social problems of radiation fallout. Outcome of the program Malaria Control in War Areas; Issues on biological warfare in Korean War; Discussion on the incident involving the recall of a polio vaccine at Cutter Laboratories.

Scholtens, R. G. (Technical Services Branch, Malaria Program, Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.), Kaiser, Ft. L, and Langmuir, A. D. An epidemiologic examination of the strategy of malaria eradication. . 1972, 1: 15–24. The concept of malaria eradication developed over the first half of the twentieth century, gradually changing from multiple means of control to the single method of indoor insecticide spraying. Because of the dramatic effects of DDT and the fear of insecticide resistance malaria eradication programs—consisting of preparatory measures, an attack phase during which houses are sprayed and active case detection begins, a consolidation phase when spraying is discontinued and the few remaining cases of malaria are eliminated by case detection and treatment, and finally a maintenance phase when malaria surveillance responsibilities are transferred to the normal health services of the country—were planned to achieve their goals in five to ten years. But by 1970 it was evident that the total eradication of malaria through use of residual insecticides was not feasible, and the 23rd World Health Assembly adopted a revised strategy recognizing the need for malaria control and the use of diverse antimalarial methods. While there has been much success in the fight against malaria, with more than one-third of the population formerly at risk now living in malaria-free areas, there has been little progress and some regression in recent years. The case of India illustrates the predicament, including the relative importance of technical problems, operational difficulties, and the demand on resources by a multiplicity of health and social problems. The realization that the problem of malaria will continue, that it is only one of many pressing health needs, and that suitable locally-devised measures for its control are necessary is inescapable. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]