Health
CDC, Kaiser to study puzzling illness
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Feb. 4, 2008
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente's Northern California Division of Research announced they are launching a study to learn more about an unexplained skin condition called Morgellons disease.
The condition is characterized by disfiguring sores and crawling sensations on and under the skin and the emergence of fibers from the skin. The CDC will identify patients with the condition in Kaiser's Northern California health plan for enrollment. The study is expected to take at least 12 months.
Little is known about the disease, which was first described in 1674. Reports of cases have been made in every state and 15 countries. Many reported cases have been clustered in California, Texas and Florida, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/02/04/hlbf0204.htm.
