[The manifestations of an epidemic process in a respiratory streptococcal infection among ships' crews under commercial sailing conditions].

Morbidity in respiratory streptococcal infection in 6 ships of the State Fishery Amalgamation "Dal'ryba" during 8 voyages was analyzed. During voyages morbidity rate is determined by sporadic cases, seasonal rises at the time of the voyage and epidemic outbreaks. Spring and summer months constitute the period of risk for seasonal morbidity rises during voyages and epidemic outbreaks at the time of the formation of the crew. The minimal size of the crew in which the activation of the epidemic process took place was 350 persons. In lesser crews (250-300 persons) seasonal rises in morbidity were observed only in the presence of frequent and intensive change-over of crew members.