An outbreak of 400 cases of lipoatrophia semicircularis in Barcelona: effectiveness of control measures.

Abstract

From February 2007 to October 2008, 1137 cases of lipoatrophia semicircularis were registered in distinct workplaces (WPs) in Barcelona. A protocol to establish control measures was designed. This study pretends to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures. In this case study, the outbreak course in relation to the implemented measures (relative humidity >50%, ground-mass electrical discharge, and avoidance of sharp-ended table edges) was analyzed. The study population consisted of 417 workers from four different WPs diagnosed between February 2007 and October 2008. Cumulative incidences were 61.6% (WP1), 24.1% (WP2), 8.8% (WP4), and 5.5% (WP3). Based on discharges confirmed by medical services, healing rate was highest in WP1 (93%), followed by WP2 (82%), WP4 (62%), and WP3 (22%). When the three basic measures were promptly and jointly applied, 90% of the cases were resolved within 6 months.