ROCHESTER, Minn., Apr 28, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Scientists have identified
an illness affecting workers at several U.S. pork processing plants as a disease
of the peripheral nerves and spinal nerve roots.
Neurologists said the disorder causes symptoms ranging from inflammation of the
spinal cord to mild weakness, fatigue, numbness and tingling in arms and legs.
Researchers classify the condition as an immune polyradiculoneuropathy and it
has been referred to as a progressive inflammatory neuropathy.
Researchers said such illnesses have been reported at pork processing plants in
Indiana, Nebraska and Minnesota.
"This appears to be a new syndrome of immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy, or
more simply, a novel neurological disorder caused by an immune system response
to something in the workplace environment shared by these individuals," said
study author Dr. Daniel Lachance of the Mayo Clinic.
The research findings were described in the Feb. 8 issue of the journal
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and were presented this month in Chicago
at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology.
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Copyright 2008 by United Press International