Scurvy Today

 

 

Scurvy currently occurs very rarely in the United States.  Individuals who are elderly, alcoholic, or eat a diet without fresh fruits and vegetables are vulnerable to getting scurvy. Infants and children that are on restrictive diets are at risk for scurvy.  Scurvy in individuals younger than seven months old is uncommon. 

The International occurrence of scurvy is unknown.  There was a case series from Thailand that showed 28 cases of scurvy in infants and children over a seven year period (1995-2002).  There has also been epidemic scurvy reported among refugee populations. 

Even though scurvy is uncommon, it still occurs and can affect adults and children who have chronic dietary Vitamin C deficiency.

 

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/images/ency/fullsize/18109.jpg

 

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