Ohio Department of Health Completes Local Leukemia Analysis

Marysville, Ohio—The Ohio Department of Health released a comparative analysis of the status of leukemia in Union and the contiguous counties. Union County, specifically Marysville, remains higher than expected showing 8 observed cases versus the 3.2 expected for the population being studied, less than 25 years of age and between the years 1992 through 2001.

“The number of cases, although greater than expected, is still small relative to our 4700 school-age children,” Health Commissioner Anne Davy, RN, MS. “Though the number of cases is small, it is important to remember that each case affects a family.”

“Due in large part to our working relationship within the community, we have discovered cases much sooner than OCISS [Ohio Cancer Incident Surveillance System],” added Davy, “which could be a factor in a higher than expected rate. However, our investigation continues.”

The local Health Department’s investigation prompted the Health Commissioner to contact several experts in the area to investigate possible causes for the increase.

Dr. Fred Ruymann, MD, Head of Hematology/Oncology at Children’s Hospital has been involved in the investigation at the behest of the Health Commissioner.

The small number of cases makes it difficult to pinpoint a specific cause and, at this time, the case review has shown no relationship among the cases. Dr. Ruymann has maintained that the cause of the increased number of cases maybe the rapid growth of central Ohio and more specifically, Union County based on the theory of population mixing.

Population mixing occurs when a rural area has experienced an influx of urban population. The new rural population exposes the existing rural population to an infectious agent, like viruses, against which they may have no natural defense. This well researched theory may not only pertain to Central Ohio, but throughout the United States and Western Europe.

In July of 2002, Dr. Ruymann assigned a graduate student to begin examining all 88 Ohio counties based on this premise.

“Dr. Ruymann’s theory does not preclude our desire to continue investigating the cases with the help of state agencies,” said Davy.

The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has also been requested to be consulted as part of the Health Department’s study. Air testing at a variety of locations has not detected any significant agents related to leukemia.

Union County Health Department continues to work with the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the situation.

To leave a message, concern, or to ask a question about leukemia, please leave contact the Union County Health Department at (937) 642-0801 extension 24 or (888) 333-9461 extension 24.