CDC identifies a mystery cluster of deaths among dentists

A cluster of cases of a progressive lung disease occurred among dentists and other dental workers treated at one Virginia care center, according to Thursday's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Of nine patients, referred to as a cluster, seven died during the reported 16-year period. The disease, called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is a chronic, progressive lung disease with a poor prognosis. The cause is unknown.

A cluster is a term used to define a collection of cases "grouped in place and time that are suspected to be greater than the number expected," Dr. Randall J. Nett, lead author of the study and medical officer with the US Public Health Service, explained in an email.


Source :- cnn

Share this: