An Epidemic of Gastro-Intestinal Disorders in Paris
The epidemic of influenza that prevailed for several weeks in Paris was widespread, affecting the largest part of the population, but it was not severe, as a rule, and did not increase the mortality of the season to any great extent. It was followed, however, by another epidemic, equally benign, the nature of which has remained thus far obscure. The second epidemic was characterized by the ordinary symptoms of gastric disorder: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and little or no fever, all the symptoms subsiding in two or three days, leaving no traces other than a slight lassitude. Most of the patients did not even go to bed. But there were cases in almost every home of Paris for a period of two weeks. The hygienists engaged in many discussions on the subject. No specific organism was found in the stools of the patients.