[Isolation of 503 strains of virus in meningeal syndromes. Virologic and epidemiologic study].

An epidemiological and virological study on meningitis in Alsace during the 13-year period 1968-1981 is reported. 503 viruses isolated were associated with the diagnosis of meningitis. The Echovirus type 30 accounted for 48 p. 100 of the cases, the mumps virus of 12 p. 100. The remarkable high incidence of Echo 30 virus-associated cases is related to three outbreaks which occurred in Alsace during the summers of 1968, 1975 and 1980. Children below 12 years of age are the most sensitive population and particularly boys who made up 2/3 of the number of cases.