I guess I need to dig deeper with that case, but 20 symptomatic cases is probably linked to many others exposed and needing monitoring and prophylactic care[1]. So maybe not big, but not tiny either.
And I totally get the skepticism of authorities thing. I only developed what trust in medical authorities I have after doing prepress work on a lot of medical textbooks and getting more familiar with the literature. Frankly most of us don't have a chance of keeping up with the state of the field when even professionals can barely keep up.
[1] for example, this case that happened in my old town had 3 symptomatic, but 175 or so others needing treatment: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5341a3.htm
And I totally get the skepticism of authorities thing. I only developed what trust in medical authorities I have after doing prepress work on a lot of medical textbooks and getting more familiar with the literature. Frankly most of us don't have a chance of keeping up with the state of the field when even professionals can barely keep up.