Epidemiology of neural‐tube defects and Down's syndrome in Rochester, Minnesota, 1935–1971

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Abstract
An analysis was made of birth incidence rates of anencephaly, spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and Down's syndrome in Rochester, Minnesota, from 1935 through 1971. No unusual monthly or seasonal cycle or pattern was found for neural-tube defects, but the rates were higher among females. There was a male predominance for Down's syndrome. The incidence rates of spina bifida and hydrocephalus increased significantly in 1944, corresponding to the occurrence of a rubeola epidemic; if there is an association, one might expect rubeola vaccination to influence future incidence rates of these anomalies. There was no apparent time relationship of the incidence rates of neural-tube defects to reports of potato blight in this area.

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