The role of the press and the medical community in the epidemic of "mysterious gas poisoning" in the Jordan West Bank
- 1 July 1985
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Psychiatric Association Publishing in American Journal of Psychiatry
- Vol. 142 (7) , 833-837
- https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.142.7.833
Abstract
In March and April 1983, an epidemic of mysterious gas poisoning occurred in the Jordan West Bank region, affecting more than 900 persons, predominantly schoolgirls. Both Arabs and Israelis believed there was an etiologic poisonous substance, reflecting their longstanding conflict. Israeli newspaper reports, opinions by Arab and Israeli physicians, and the emotional climate in Djenin Hospital contributed to the generation and propagation of this belief. The specific difficulties met in investigating the outbreak are discussed.This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- Mass Hysteria in School ChildrenClinical Pediatrics, 1968