CDC Investigating Unexplained Skin Condition

According to a press release today, January 16, 2008, the Center for Disease Control is launching a study with Kaiser Permanente's Northern California Division of Research, to learn more about an unexplained skin condition referred to as Morgellons Disease. Recently, the CDC has received an increased number of inquires about the condition from the public. According to the CDC's website, people who suffer from this unexplained skin condition report a range of cutaneous (skin) symptoms including crawling, biting and stinging sensations; granules, threads, fibers, or black speck-like materials on or beneath the skin; and/or skin lesions (e.g., rashes or sores). In addition to skin manifestations, some sufferers also report fatigue, mental confusion, short term memory loss, joint pain, and changes in vision.

The CDC admits it doesn't know if this condition is new or what causes the disease. But because there has been an increase in reports of symptoms an investigation needs to be done. They also say that the increase in reports may be due to the awareness of the disease, not necessarily an increase of people with symptoms of the disease. The medical community does not have sufficient information right now to determine whether people who have this condition have a common cause for their symptoms or share common risk factors.

People having symptoms of this disease are asked to contact their health provider for an evaluation and medical treatment. It is not known at this time if it is contagious because there is not enough information on the disease.

Patients in Kaiser Permanente's Northern California Health Plan will be enrolled in the study. The Kaiser Permanente Division of Research was awarded a $338,000 contract because of their location in a geographic area where self-reported cases are concentrated. The investigation may take 12 months or longer to complete. The investigators will identify and recruit participants and collect the detailed information on participants' symptoms. They will also collect potential factors that may contribute to the condition. Later in the study, eligible participants will undergo detailed clinical evaluations. This will include a general medical examination, dermatologic examination, mental health examination, skin biopsies, and multiple blood tests.

Results of this investigation will be published in CDC's weekly bulletin called the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report or a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

For further information regarding this condition you can email the CDC at:
morgellonssyndrome@cdc.gov

Or contact them by phone at:
404-718-1199 (Pre-recorded message with voice mail)

Source:

Unexplained Dermopathy (aka "Morgellons")
http://www.cdc.gov/unexplaineddermopathy/general_info.html

CDC To Launch Study on Unexplained Illness
http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/2008/r080116.htm