Lymphocytic choriomeningitis outbreak associated with pet hamsters. Fifty-seven cases from New York State;
R. J. Biggar, J. P. Woodall, P. D. Walter and G. E. Haughie
An outbreak of lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) associated with pet
hamsters adquired through nationwide distributor was recognized in New York
in February 1974. In upstate a New York, 57 cases occurred in a four-month
period. Complete information was obtained on 49 patients ranging in age
from 3 to 70 years. Characteristic findings included fever (90%), headache
(85%), and severe myalgia (80%). Typically, laboratory findings consisted
of a normal blood cell count and cerebrospinal fluid with mononuclear
leukocyte pleocytosis and moderate hypoglycorrhacia. Al patients had
contact with hamsters from one distributor. Most of the hamsters were
acquired in mid to late December 1973, but some as late as March 1974. From
each of eight families in which hamsters were available, at least one
hamster had detectable complement-fixing antibodies for LCM. Infection
rates within families varied with location and type of hamster cage; open
cages and cages situated in common living areas were associated with
highest infection rates (45% and 52%, respectively). Severity of illness
was not associated with direct contact with hamsters. Onset of illness
occurred between 8 and 90 days after initial exposure to hamsters.
