Disease outbreaks of unknown etiology
Occasionally, an outbreak or cluster of disease is seen in a population for which the cause is unclear. These outbreaks may be due to a new or modified pathogen, a natural toxin, an initially undetected release of a chemical, or over-exposure to ionizing radiation from an unknown source. Careful history taking and epidemiological study may point to one or more possible causes that can then provide a focus for further, more specialized investigation.
Nodding disease, observed in Southern Sudan, is an example of a disease for which the etiological agent remains a mystery.
Key resources
WHO
- Chemical Safety Information from Intergovernmental Organizations (IPCS INCHEM)
- How to recognize and initially respond to an accidental radiation injury [pdf 446kb]
- The International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS). INTOX Programme