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Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) is not a nationally notifiable condition, and little is known about how U.S. health departments (HDs) currently conduct cCMV surveillance.We surveyed U.S. HDs that conduct cCMV surveillance or screening activities identified through a web-based assessment. Meetings were held with each HD to enhance our understanding of survey responses.Ten states are systematically collecting cCMV case data to track cCMV cases during early infancy and to provide resources and services to families. Cases are ascertained using cCMV diagnostic codes, reported diagnosis, or laboratory results. Data elements collected for each case include demographics (all 10 states), clinical signs (8 states), laboratory data (4 states), treatment (4 states), and long-term outcomes (1 state). Annual number of cases reported by HDs ranged from 3 to 47 cases/year in seven states, which was much lower than the expected number of cCMV cases. All 10 HDs have the ability to analyze data collected and four disseminate findings. Major challenges of surveillance reported by HDs were lack of standardized case definitions, personnel constraints, and limited funding.A comprehensive account of cCMV disease burden is severely limited by low case ascertainment and paucity of data on long-term outcomes. A standardized public health case definition for cCMV would improve consistency in measuring disease prevalence across jurisdictions and over time. Surveillance for cCMV has the potential to increase disease awareness and inform strategies to prevent cCMV-associated disabilities.

On August 29, 2021, the United States government oversaw the emergent establishment of Operation Allies Welcome (OAW), led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and implemented by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Department of State (DoS), to safely resettle U.S. citizens and Afghan nationals from Afghanistan to the United States. Evacuees were temporarily housed at several overseas locations in Europe and Asia* before being transported via military and charter flights through two U.S. international airports, and onward to eight U.S. military bases

Summary Background Ethiopia reported the first case of COVID-19 on 13th March, 2020 with community transmission ensuing by mid-May. A national, population-based serosurvey against anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was conducted to measure the prevalence of prior COVID-19 infections and better approximate the burden across major towns in Ethiopia. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional, population-based serosurvey from June 24 to July 8, 2020 in 14 major urban areas. Two-stage cluster sampling was used to randomly select enumeration areas and households. All persons aged ≥15 years were enrolled. Serum samples were tested by Abbott™ ARCHITECT™ assay for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. National COVID-19 surveillance data on the median date of the serosurvey is analyzed for comparison. Findings Adjusted seroprevalence was 3.5% (95% CI: 3.2%-3.8%) after controlling for age, sex and test kit performance. Males (3.7%) and females (3.3%) were nearly equally infected, while middle-aged adults '40-65 years' had the highest (4.0%) prevalence. Gambella (7.5%), Dire Dawa (6.2%) and Jigjiga (6.1%) were the most affected towns. About 6.7% and 8.0% of seropositives had symptoms and chronic underlying illness, respectively. A surveillance system had identified 4,416 RT-PCR confirmed cases in Addis Ababa. Interpretation This serosurvey shows that a majority of urban Ethiopians remain uninfected with SARS-CoV-2. Most anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive cases were asymptomatic with no underlying illness, keeping case detection to a minimum.

In July 2022, a case of paralytic poliomyelitis resulting from infection with vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) type 2 (VDPV2)

Background The Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP)-Frontline is a three-month in-service training aimed at improving surveillance officers’ capacity to collect, analyze, and interpret surveillance data, and respond to health emergencies. We evaluated the effectiveness of the FETP-Frontline which was introduced in Ethiopia in 2016. Methods We conducted a comparative, randomized cross-sectional study to assess surveillance-related knowledge, skills, and performance among trained and untrained officers using a structured questionnaire and observation checklist. We compared the knowledge, skills, and performance scores of trained and untrained officers using the Fisher’s Exact test, chi-square test, and t-test at p-value Results We conducted the study among 74 trained and 76 untrained surveillance officers. About three-quarters of all participants were male, and the average age was 34 (± 8.6) years. Completeness and timeliness of surveillance reports were significantly higher among trained than untrained surveillance officers. The trained officers were more likely to have produced epidemiologic bulletins (55% vs 33%), conducted active surveillance six months before the survey (88% vs 72%), provided surveillance training (88% vs 65%), conducted strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis (55% vs 17%), and utilized Microsoft Excel to manage surveillance data (87% vs 47%). We also observed improved surveillance officers’ perceived skills and knowledge, and the availability and quality of surveillance formats and reports among the trained group. Conclusions FETP-Frontline trained surveillance officers demonstrated better knowledge, skills, and performance in most surveillance activities compared to the untrained officers. FETP-Frontline can address competency gaps among district surveillance officers in Ethiopia and other countries. Scaling up the program to cover unreached districts can enable achieving the human resource development core capacity requirement of the International Health Regulations 2005.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In 2012, there were > 14 million new cancer cases and > 8 million cancer deaths, with 70% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Part of the success of cancer prevention and control efforts requires the development and strengthening of the public health workforce, particularly in LMICs where the cancer burden is the greatest. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports workforce capacity development globally through Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) established in ministries of health in > 70 countries. To enhance training in cancer prevention and control in FETPs, the CDC has developed an open-access curriculum in applied cancer epidemiology and supports FETP trainees who conduct cancer-related planned projects. The curriculum contains modules on cancer registration, screening, and comprehensive cancer control that are particularly relevant to current cancer control efforts in many LMICs. Pilot testing of the curriculum showed an increase in trainees’ cancer knowledge and covered content trainees found to be relevant to their field epidemiology training and projects and future work in cancer prevention and control. Since 2013, the CDC has supported 13 trainees with cancer-related projects; two have published articles, two have presented their results at international conferences, and others are writing manuscripts on their project outcomes. Through the development of an open-access applied cancer epidemiology curriculum and by supporting cancer-related projects for FETP trainees, the CDC provided technical assistance for LMICs to build capacity for cancer prevention and control efforts.

This study identified sociodemographic, substance use, and multiple opioid prescriber and dispenser risk factors among drug overdose decedents in Rhode Island, in response to an increase in overdose deaths (ODs) involving fentanyl.This cross-sectional investigation comprised all ODs reviewed by Rhode Island's Office of the State Medical Examiners (OSME) during January 2012 to March 2014. Data for 536 decedents were abstracted from OSME's charts, death certificates, toxicology reports, and Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) databases. Decedents whose cause of death involved illicit fentanyl (N = 69) were compared with decedents whose causes of death did not involve fentanyl (other drug decedents; N = 467).Illicit-fentanyl decedents were younger than other drug decedents (P = 0.005). While more other-drug decedents than illicit fentanyl decedents had postmortem toxicological evidence of consuming heroin (31.9% vs 19.8%, P 0.001) and various pharmaceutical substances (P = 0.002-0.027), third party reports indicated more recent heroin use among illicit fentanyl decedents (62.3% vs 45.6%, P = 0.002). Approximately 35% of decedents filled an opioid prescription within 90 days of death; of these, one-third had a mean daily dosage greater than 100 morphine milligram equivalents (MME/day). Most decedents' opioid prescriptions were filled at one to two dispensers (83.9%) and written by one to two prescribers (75.8%). Notably, 29.2% of illicit fentanyl and 10.5% of other drug decedents filled prescriptions for buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid use disorders.Illicit-fentanyl deaths frequently involved other illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine, heroin). The proportion of all decedents acquiring greater than 100 MME/day prescription dosages written and/or filled by few prescribers and dispensers is concerning. To protect patients, prescribers and dispensers should review PMP records and substance abuse history prior to providing opioids.

Background Dengue Fever (DF) is a viral disease primarily transmitted by Aedes (Ae.) aegypti mosquitoes. Outbreaks in Eastern Ethiopia were reported during 2014–2016. In May 2017, we investigated the first suspected DF outbreak from Kabridahar Town, Somali region (Eastern Ethiopia) to describe its magnitude, assess risk factors, and implement control measures. Methods Suspected DF cases were defined as acute febrile illness plus ≥2 symptoms (headache, fever, retro-orbital pain, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, or hemorrhage) in Kabridahar District residents. All reported cases were identified through medical record review and active searches. Severe dengue was defined as DF with severe organ impairment, severe hemorrhage, or severe plasma leakage. We conducted a neighborhood-matched case-control study using a subset of suspected cases and conveniently-selected asymptomatic community controls and interviewed participants to collect demographic and risk factor data. We tested sera by RT-PCR to detect dengue virus (DENV) and identify serotypes. Entomologists conducted mosquito surveys at community households to identify species and estimate larval density using the house index (HI), container index (CI) and Breteau index (BI), with BI≥20 indicating high density. Results We identified 101 total cases from May 12–31, 2017, including five with severe dengue (one death). The attack rate (AR) was 17/10,000. Of 21 tested samples, 15 (72%) were DENV serotype 2 (DENV 2). In the case-control study with 50 cases and 100 controls, a lack of formal education (AOR [Adjusted Odds Ratio] = 4.2, 95% CI [Confidence Interval] 1.6–11.2) and open water containers near the home (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI 1.2–7.5) were risk factors, while long-lasting insecticide treated-net (LLITN) usage (AOR = 0.21, 95% CI 0.05–0.79) was protective. HI and BI were 66/136 (49%) and 147 per 100 homes (147%) respectively, with 151/167 (90%) adult mosquitoes identified as Ae. aegypti. Conclusion The epidemiologic, entomologic, and laboratory investigation confirmed a DF outbreak. Mosquito indices were far above safe thresholds, indicating inadequate vector control. We recommended improved vector surveillance and control programs, including best practices in preserving water and disposal of open containers to reduce Aedes mosquito density., Author summary In 2017 an outbreak of Dengue fever (DF) was reported in Kabridahar Town, Ethiopia. This mosquito transmitted disease was recently detected in Ethiopia only four years prior, with this being the first time it was identified in the area. In response, our team was dispatched to confirm the presence of the disease, identify potential causes, and implement mitigation and control measures. We identified and compared suspected cases and suspected non-cases to identify the potential risk factors of infection. Laboratory confirmation of infection and disease-type was also performed. Due to the entomological nature of disease transmission, additional entomological investigations were conducted at the households of both groups to understand its influence at the household level. Through these measures, we were able to establish the presence of DF in Kabridahar Town and identify risk factors leading to infection. Risk factors included a lack of formal education and open water containers near the home, while the presence of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets were found to be protective. Mitigation and control measures were implemented to combat or promote the identified risk and protective factors respectively. Cases counts began to reduce five days after the onset of these measures. Recommendations were made based on our findings to prevent future outbreaks. The last case was recorded ten days after implementation of the mitigation and control measures.

Drug overdose deaths are epidemic in the U.S. Prescription opioid pain relievers (OPR) and heroin account for the majority of drug overdoses. Preventing death after an opioid overdose by naloxone administration requires the rapid identification of the overdose by witnesses. This study used a state medical examiner database to characterize fatal overdoses, evaluate witness-reported signs of overdose, and identify opportunities for intervention.We reviewed all unintentional drug overdose deaths that occurred in New Mexico during 2012. Data were abstracted from medical examiner records at the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator. We compared mutually exclusive groups of OPR and heroin-related deaths.Of the 489 overdose deaths reviewed, 49.3% involved OPR, 21.7% involved heroin, 4.7% involved a mixture of OPR and heroin, and 24.3% involved only non-opioid substances. The majority of OPR-related deaths occurred in non-Hispanic whites (57.3%), men (58.5%), persons aged 40-59 years (55.2%), and those with chronic medical conditions (89.2%). Most overdose deaths occurred in the home (68.7%) and in the presence of bystanders (67.7%). OPR and heroin deaths did not differ with respect to paramedic dispatch and CPR delivery, however, heroin overdoses received naloxone twice as often (20.8% heroin vs. 10.0% OPR; p0.01).OPR overdose deaths differed by age, health status, and the presence of bystanders, yet received naloxone less often when compared to heroin overdose deaths. These findings suggest that naloxone education and distribution should be targeted in future prevention efforts.

Background Limited and fragmented data collection systems exist for burn injury. A global registry may lead to better injury estimates and identify risk factors. A collaborative effort involving the WHO, the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, the CDC and the International Society for Burn Injuries was undertaken to simplify and standardise inpatient burn data collection. An expert panel of epidemiologists and burn care practitioners advised on the development of a new Global Burn Registry (GBR) form and online data entry system that can be expected to be used in resource-abundant or resource-limited settings. Methods International burn organisations, the CDC and the WHO solicited burn centre participation to pilot test the GBR system. The WHO and the CDC led a webinar tutorial for system implementation. Results During an 8-month period, 52 hospitals in 30 countries enrolled in the pilot and were provided the GBR instrument, guidance and a data visualisation tool. Evaluations were received from 29 hospitals (56%). Key findings Median time to upload completed forms was

Naloxone administration is an important component of resuscitation attempts by emergency medical services (EMS) for opioid drug overdoses. However, EMS providers must first recognize the possibility of opioid overdose in clinical encounters. As part of a public health response to an outbreak of opioid overdoses in Rhode Island, we examined missed opportunities for naloxone administration and factors potentially influencing EMS providers’ decision to administer naloxone. We reviewed medical examiner files on all individuals who died of an opioid-related drug overdose in Rhode Island from January 1, 2012 through March 31, 2014, underwent attempted resuscitation by EMS providers, and had records available to assess for naloxone administration. We evaluated whether these individuals received naloxone as part of their resuscitation efforts and compared patient and scene characteristics of those who received naloxone to those who did not receive naloxone via chi-square, t-test, and logistic regression analyses. One hundred and twenty-four individuals who underwent attempted EMS resuscitation died due to opioid overdose. Naloxone was administered during EMS resuscitation attempts in 82 (66.1%) of cases. Females were nearly three-fold as likely not to receive naloxone as males (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.2–7.0; p-value 0.02). Additionally, patients without signs of potential drug abuse also had a greater than three-fold odds of not receiving nalox-one (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.2–9.2; p-value 0.02). Older individuals, particularly those over age 50, were more likely not to receive naloxone than victims younger than age 30 (OR 4.8; 95% CI 1.3–17.4; p-value 0.02). Women, older individuals, and those patients without clear signs of illicit drug abuse, were less likely to receive naloxone in EMS resuscitation attempts. Heightened clinical suspicion for opioid overdose is important given the recent increase in overdoses among patients due to prescription opioids.

Objectives. We determined the factors that affect naloxone (Narcan) administration in drug overdoses, including the certification level of emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Methods. In 2012, 42 states contributed all or a portion of their ambulatory data to the National Emergency Medical Services Information System. We used a logistic regression model to measure the association between naloxone administration and emergency medical services certification level, age, gender, geographic location, and patient primary symptom. Results. The odds of naloxone administration were much higher among EMT-intermediates than among EMT-basics (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.5, 6.5). Naloxone use was higher in suburban areas than in urban areas (AOR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.3, 1.5), followed by rural areas (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.1, 1.3). Although the odds of naloxone administration were 23% higher in rural areas than in urban areas, the opioid drug overdose rate is 45% higher in rural communities. Conclusions. Naloxone is less often administered by EMT-basics, who are more common in rural areas. In most states, the scope-of-practice model prohibits naloxone administration by basic EMTs. Reducing this barrier could help prevent drug overdose death.

Noncommunicable diseases are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Initiatives that advance the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases support the goals of global health security in several ways. First, in addressing health needs that typically require long-term care, these programs can strengthen health delivery and health monitoring systems, which can serve as necessary platforms for emergency preparedness in low-resource environments. Second, by improving population health, the programs might help to reduce susceptibility to infectious outbreaks. Finally, in aiming to reduce the economic burden associated with premature illness and death from noncommunicable diseases, these initiatives contribute to the objectives of international development, thereby helping to improve overall country capacity for emergency response.

BACKGROUND As 1 of 3 remaining poliovirus-endemic countries, Nigeria has become key to the global polio eradication effort. We evaluated supplemental immunization activities, including team performance, communications/mobilization activities, and vaccine acceptance, in 3 high-risk states. METHODS We used structured survey and observation instruments, document review, and stakeholder interviews. RESULTS Observations or surveys were conducted at 1697 households. Vaccine acceptance ranged from 87%-94%; among households rejecting polio vaccine, 38% of mothers sought measles vaccine for their children. Teams performed between 4%-42% of assigned tasks. CONCLUSIONS Acceptance is high but teams have a critical role in surmounting residual vaccine resistance.

The earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010 caused 1.5 million people to be displaced to temporary camps. The Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population and global immunization partners developed a plan to deliver vaccines to those residing in these camps. A strategy was needed to determine whether the immunization targets set for the campaign were achieved.Following the vaccination campaign, staff from the Ministry of Public Health and Population interviewed convenience samples of households - in specific predetermined locations in each of the camps - regarding receipt of the emergency vaccinations. A camp was targeted for "mop-up vaccination" - i.e. repeat mass vaccination - if more than 25% of the children aged 9 months to 7 years in the sample were found not to have received the emergency vaccinations.Rapid monitoring was implemented in camps located in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. Camps that housed more than 5000 people were monitored first.By the end of March 2010, 72 (23%) of the 310 vaccinated camps had been monitored. Although 32 (44%) of the monitored camps were targeted for mop-up vaccination, only six of them had received such repeat mass vaccination when checked several weeks after monitoring.Rapid monitoring was only marginally beneficial in achieving immunization targets in the temporary camps in Port-au-Prince. More research is needed to evaluate the utility of conventional rapid monitoring, as well as other strategies, during post-disaster vaccination campaigns that involve mobile populations, particularly when there is little capacity to conduct repeat mass vaccination.Le séisme qui a frappé Haïti en janvier 2010 a causé le déplacement de 1,5 million de personnes dans des camps temporaires. Le ministère de la Santé publique et de la Population d'Haïti et les partenaires mondiaux de vaccination ont élaboré un plan pour fournir des vaccins aux personnes qui résident dans ces camps. Une stratégie a été nécessaire pour déterminer si les objectifs de vaccination définis pour la campagne ont été atteints.Après la campagne de vaccination, le personnel du ministère de la Santé publique et de la Population a interrogé un échantillon représentatif de ménages – dans des lieux prédéterminés spécifiques dans chacun des camps – en ce qui concernait la réception des vaccinations d'urgence. Un camp faisait l'objet d'une «campagne de vaccination de ratissage» – c'est-à-dire une vaccination de masse répétée – si plus de 25% des enfants âgés de 9 mois à 7 ans dans l'échantillon n'avaient pas reçu les vaccinations d'urgence.Le suivi rapide a été mis en œuvre dans les camps situés dans la zone métropolitaine de Port-au-Prince. Les camps accueillant plus de 5 000 personnes étaient surveillés en premier.À la fin du mois de mars 2010, 72 (23,2%) des 310 camps vaccinés avaient été surveillés. Bien que 32 (44%) des camps surveillés aient fait l'objet d'une campagne de ratissage, seulement 6 d'entre eux avaient bénéficié d'une telle vaccination de masse répétée lors du contrôle effectué plusieurs semaines après le suivi.Le suivi rapide n'a été que peu bénéfique dans la réalisation des objectifs de vaccination dans les camps temporaires de Port-au-Prince. Il est nécessaire d'effectuer plus de recherches pour évaluer l'utilité du suivi rapide traditionnel, ainsi que de mettre en place d'autres stratégies, pendant les campagnes de vaccination post-catastrophe, qui impliquent des populations mobiles, en particulier lorsqu'il y a peu de capacité pour mener à bien des vaccinations de masse répétées.El terremoto que asoló Haití en enero de 2010 provocó el desplazamiento de 1,5 millones de personas a campamentos provisionales. El Ministro de Sanidad Pública y Población haitiano y las partes implicadas internacionales desarrollaron un plan para el reparto de vacunas entre los residentes de los campamentos. Fue necesario desarrollar una estrategia a fin de determinar si se habían logrado los objetivos de inmunización de la campaña.Siguiendo la campaña de vacunación, el personal del Ministerio de Salud Pública y Población entrevistó muestras por conveniencia de hogares en emplazamientos predeterminados específicos de cada uno de los campamentos sobre la recepción de las vacunas de emergencia. Se seleccionaron los campamentos en los que más del 25 % de los niños con edades comprendidas entre 9 meses y 7 años de la muestra no habían recibido las vacunas de emergencia para una inmunización «de barrido», esto es, una vacunación masiva repetida.La vigilancia rápida se puso en marcha en campamentos situados en la zona metropolitana de Port-au-Prince. En primer lugar se supervisaron los campamentos que acogían a más de 5000 personas.A finales de marzo de 2012 se habían vigilado 72 (23,2 %) de los 310 campamentos vacunados. Aunque se habían seleccionado 32 (44 %) de los campamentos supervisados para la inmunización «de barrido», solo seis de ellos habían recibido la vacunación masiva cuando se efectuó un control varias semanas tras la supervisión.La supervisión rápida únicamente ofreció ventajas marginales en la consecución de los objetivos de inmunización en los campamentos temporales de Port-au-Prince. Es necesario llevar a cabo más investigaciones para evaluar la utilidad de la vigilancia rápida tradicional y otras estrategias durante las campañas de vacunación tras desastres en los que se vean involucradas poblaciones móviles, en particular, en los casos en los que haya poca capacidad para efectuar inmunizaciones masivas repetidas.أدى الزلزال الذي ضرب هايتي في كانون الثاني/يناير 2010 إلى تشريد حوالي 1.5 مليون شخص في مخيمات مؤقتة. وقامت وزارة الصحة العمومية والسكان في هايتي وشركاء التمنيع العالميين بوضع خطة لإيتاء اللقاحات لسكان هذه المخيمات. وتطلب الأمر استراتيجية لتحديد ما إذا كانت أهداف التمنيع الموضوعة للحملة قد تحققت.عقب حملة التطعيم، قام فريق من وزارة الصحة العمومية والسكان بعقد مقابلات مع عينات ملاءمة من الأسر المعيشية – في مواقع معينة محددة سلفاً في كل مخيم – فيما يتعلق بتلقي تطعيمات الطوارئ. وكان يتم استهداف المخيم من أجل "تطعيم الاجتثاث" - أي التطعيم الجماعي المتكرر – إذا تبين عدم تلقي أكثر من 25 % من الأطفال الذين تتراوح أعمارهم من 9 أشهر إلى 7 سنوات في العينة تطعيمات الطوارئ.تم تنفيذ الرصد السريع في المخيمات الواقعة في المنطقة الحضرية في بورت أو برينس. وتم رصد المخيمات التي ضمت أكثر من 5000 شخص أولاً.بحلول نهاية آذار/ مارس 2010، تم رصد 72 (23.2 %) مخيماً من بين 310 مخيماً خضعت للتطعيم. وعلى الرغم من استهداف 32 (44 %) مخيماً من المخيمات التي خضعت للرصد من أجل تطعيم الاجتثاث، لم يتلق سوى ستة مخيمات منها التطعيم الجماعي المتكرر عند فحصها بعد الرصد بعدة أسابيع.كان الرصد السريع مفيداً فقط بشكل هامشي في تحقيق أهداف التمنيع في المخيمات المؤقتة في بورت أو برينس. ويجب إجراء مزيد من البحث لتقييم فائدة الرصد السريع التقليدي، بالإضافة إلى غيره من الاستراتيجيات، أثناء حملات التطعيم بعد الكوارث التي تشتمل على سكان متنقلين، ولاسيما عند انخفاض القدرة على إجراء تطعيم جماعي متكرر.2010 年1 月海地遭受地震灾害，造成1500 万人栖身于临时营地。海地公共卫生与人口部以及全球免疫合作伙伴制定计划向这些营地的居住者发放疫苗。确定是否实现了为该计划设定的免疫目标需要一项策略。在疫苗接种活动之后，公共卫生和人口部的工作人员对方便抽样的样本家庭（在每个营地特定的的预先确定位置）进行了访谈，了解接受紧急接种疫苗的相关情况。如果在样本中发现在9 个月到7 岁大的儿童中超过25%的儿童没有接受紧急疫苗接种，就要对营地进行“扫荡式免疫接种”，即重复大规模疫苗接种。对位于太子港市区的难民营实施快速监测。首先对拥有超过 5000 人的营地进行监测。到2010 年3 月底，310 个接过种的营地有72（23.2%）个经过了监测。尽管有32（44%）个被监测的营地要进行扫荡式免疫接种，其中只有六个营地在监测后数周进行检查时接受了这样的重复大规模疫苗接种。在实现太子港临时营地免疫目标方面，快速监测收效不大。对于涉及流动人口的灾后疫苗接种活动，尤其是在没有能力进行重复大规模疫苗接种的时候，需要更多的研究来评估这种活动中传统快速监测以及其他策略的效用。В результате землетрясения на Гаити в январе 2010 года 1,5 миллиона человек было размещено в лагерях временного проживания. Министерство здравоохранения и населения Гаити и глобальные партнеры в области иммунизации разработали план по доставке вакцин пострадавшим, размещенным в этих лагерях. Необходимо было выработать стратегию, которая позволила бы определить, достигнуты ли были цели иммунизации, поставленные перед этой кампанией.После кампании по вакцинации сотрудниками Министерства здравоохранения и населения проводился опрос нерепрезентативных выборок домохозяйств – в конкретных, предварительно установленных местах в каждом лагере – о прохождении экстренной вакцинации. "Подчищающая вакцинация" – т.е. повторная массовая вакцинация – планировалась в лагерях, где обнаруживалось, что более 25% детей в возрасте от 9 месяцев до 7 лет в выборке не проходили экстренную вакцинацию.Оперативный мониторинг осуществлялся в лагерях, расположенных в окрестностях Порт-о-Пренса. Сначала проводился мониторинг лагерей, вмещавших более 5 000 человек.К концу марта 2010 года был проведен мониторинг 72 (23,2%) из 310 лагерей, прошедших вакцинацию. Несмотря на то, что 32 (44%) проверенных лагеря были определены на получение подчищающей вакцинации, только шесть из них прошли подобную повторную массовую вакцинацию, что выяснилось при проверке, проведенной несколько недель спустя после мониторинга.Оперативный мониторинг принес лишь незначительную выгоду в достижении целей по проведению вакцинации на территории лагерей временного проживания в городе Порт-о-Пренс. Необходимо провести дополнительные исследования для оценки целесообразности традиционного оперативного мониторинга и других стратегий, использующихся для кампаний по проведению вакцинации в период после стихийных бедствий среди мобильных групп населения, особенно в случае ограниченных возможностей по проведению повторных массовых вакцинаций.

Abusive head trauma (AHT) is a leading cause of severe injury in maltreated children in the United States. There is little research from nationally representative datasets available to characterize young children who had AHT compared to non-abusive head trauma (NAHT).Using the recent CDC AHT case definition, we performed a retrospective analysis of 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2009 hospitalization data using the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Logistic regression was used to compare AHT to NAHT patients2 years of age. Socio-demographic data and indicators of socioeconomic status (i.e., insurance status and household income), presence of chronic conditions, injury severity (i.e., length of hospital stay and vital status), hospital specialization (i.e., hospital type), hospital region, and season of admission were used as independent variables.A weighted sample of 7,603 AHT and 25,339 NAHT patients was identified. National rates for AHT were 39.8 per 100,000 population for children1 year and 6.8 per 100,000 population for children 1 year old. Compared to NAHT, children with AHT were more often1 year of age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.35-3.01), male (aOR=1.10; 95% CI: 1.01-1.20), enrolled in Medicaid (aOR=2.78; 95% CI: 2.49-3.11), hospitalized longer (aOR=8.26; 95% CI: 7.24-9.43), died during hospitalization (aOR=5.12; 95% CI: 4.01-6.53), and seen at children's hospitals (aOR=1.97; 95% CI: 1.63-2.38) and hospitals outside the Northeast [aOR=2.65 (95% CI: 2.10-3.33) for the Midwest, 1.90 (95% CI: 1.52-2.38) for the South and 1.93 (95% CI: 1.45-2.57) for the West, respectively].The results confirm that injuries from AHT are more severe and more often lethal than other head injuries. Socioeconomically disadvantaged families with children1 year are an important focus for primary prevention. The associations of AHT, compared to NAHT with hospital type and hospital region warrant further investigation. Referral or reporting patterns, or true differences in the incidence may contribute to the identified associations.

Objective: Prehospital provider assessment of the use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications in older adults with head trauma is important. These patients are at increased risk for traumatic intracranial hemorrhage and therefore field triage guidelines recommend transporting these patients to centers capable of rapid evaluation and treatment. Our objective was to evaluate EMS ascertainment of anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication use in older adults with head trauma. Methods: A retrospective study of older adults with head trauma was conducted throughout Sacramento County. All 5 transporting EMS agencies and all 11 hospitals in the county were included in the study, which ran from January 2012 to December 2012. Patients ≥55 years who were transported to a hospital by EMS after head trauma were included. We excluded patients transferred between two facilities, patients with penetrating head trauma, prisoners, and patients with unmatched hospital data. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet use were categorized as: warfarin, direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC; dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and apixaban), aspirin, and other antiplatelet agents (e.g., clopidogrel and ticagrelor). We calculated the percent agreement and kappa statistic for binary variables between EMS and emergency department (ED)/hospital providers. A kappa statistic ≥0.60 was considered acceptable agreement. Results: After excluding 174 (7.6%) patients, 2,110 patients were included for analysis; median age was 73 years (interquartile range 62–85 years) and 1,259 (60%) were male. Per ED/hospital providers, the use of any anticoagulant or antiplatelet agent was identified in 595 (28.2%) patients. Kappa statistics between EMS and ED/hospital providers for the specific agents were: 0.76 (95% CI 0.71–0.82) for warfarin, 0.45 (95% CI 0.19–0.71) for DOAC agents, 0.33 (95% CI 0.28–0.39) for aspirin, and 0.51 (95% CI 0.42–0.60) for other antiplatelet agents. Conclusions: The use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications in older adults who are transported by EMS for head trauma is common. EMS and ED/hospital providers have acceptable agreement with preinjury warfarin use but not with DOAC, aspirin, and other antiplatelet use.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the circumstances, characteristics, and trends of emergency department (ED) visits for nonfatal, playground-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) among persons aged ≤14 years. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System–All Injury Program from January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2013, was examined. US Census bridged-race population estimates were used as the denominator to compute rates per 100 000 population. SAS and Joinpoint linear weighted regression analyses were used to analyze the best-fitting join-point and the annual modeled rate change. These models were used to indicate the magnitude and direction of rate trends for each segment or period. RESULTS: During the study period, an annual average of 21 101 persons aged ≤14 years were treated in EDs for playground-related TBI. The ED visit rate for boys was 39.7 per 100 000 and 53.5 for persons aged 5–9 years. Overall, 95.6% were treated and released, 33.5% occurred at places of recreation or sports, and 32.5% occurred at school. Monkey bars or playground gyms (28.3%) and swings (28.1%) were the most frequently associated with TBI, but equipment involvement varied by age group. The annual rate of TBI ED visits increased significantly from 2005 to 2013 (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Playgrounds remain an important location of injury risk to children. Strategies to reduce the incidence and severity of playground-related TBIs are needed. These may include improved adult supervision, methods to reduce child risk behavior, regular equipment maintenance, and improvements in playground surfaces and environments.

Mucormycosis is a fungal infection caused by environmentally acquired molds. We investigated a cluster of cases of cutaneous mucormycosis among persons injured during the May 22, 2011, tornado in Joplin, Missouri.We defined a case as a soft-tissue infection in a person injured during the tornado, with evidence of a mucormycete on culture or immunohistochemical testing plus DNA sequencing. We conducted a case-control study by reviewing medical records and conducting interviews with case patients and hospitalized controls. DNA sequencing and whole-genome sequencing were performed on clinical specimens to identify species and assess strain-level differences, respectively.A total of 13 case patients were identified, 5 of whom (38%) died. The patients had a median of 5 wounds (range, 1 to 7); 11 patients (85%) had at least one fracture, 9 (69%) had blunt trauma, and 5 (38%) had penetrating trauma. All case patients had been located in the zone that sustained the most severe damage during the tornado. On multivariate analysis, infection was associated with penetrating trauma (adjusted odds ratio for case patients vs. controls, 8.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 69.2) and an increased number of wounds (adjusted odds ratio, 2.0 for each additional wound; 95% CI, 1.2 to 3.2). Sequencing of the D1-D2 region of the 28S ribosomal DNA yielded Apophysomyces trapeziformis in all 13 case patients. Whole-genome sequencing showed that the apophysomyces isolates were four separate strains.We report a cluster of cases of cutaneous mucormycosis among Joplin tornado survivors that were associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Increased awareness of fungi as a cause of necrotizing soft-tissue infections after a natural disaster is warranted.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score of 3 or greater, who are indirectly transported from the scene of injury to a nontrauma center can experience delays to definitive neurosurgical management. Transport to a hospital with appropriate initial emergency department treatment and rapid admission has been shown to reduce mortality in a state's trauma system. This study was conducted to see if the same finding holds with a nationally representative sample of patients with severe TBI seen at Level I and II trauma centers. METHODS: This study is based on adult (≥18 years), severe TBI patients treated in a nationally representative sample of Level I and II trauma centers, submitting data to the National Trauma Databank National Sample Program from 2007 to 2009. We analyzed independent variables including age, sex, primary payer, race, ethnicity, mode of transport, injury type (blunt vs. penetrating), mechanism of injury, trauma center level, head AIS, initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and systolic blood pressure by transfer status. The primary outcome variable was inpatient death, with discharge disposition, neurosurgical procedures, and mean hospital, intensive care unit, and ventilator days serving as secondary outcomes. RESULTS: After exclusion criteria were applied (ISS < 16; age < 18 years; GCS motor score = 6; non-head AIS score ≥ 3; head AIS < 3; patients with missing transfer status, and death on arrival), a weighted sample of 51,300 (16%) patients was eligible for analysis. In bivariate analyses, transferred patients were older (≥60 years), white, insured, less severely injured (head AIS score ≤ 4, ISS ≤ 25), and less likely to have sustained penetrating trauma (p < 0.001). After controlling for all variables, direct transport, 1 or more comorbidities, advanced age, head AIS score, intracranial hemorrhage, and firearm injury remained significant predictors of death. Being transferred (adjusted odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-0.96) lowered the risk of death. CONCLUSION: Patients with severe TBI who were transferred to a Level I or II trauma center had lower injury severity, including less penetrating trauma, and, as a result, were less likely to die compared with patients who were directly admitted to a Level I or II trauma center. The results may demonstrate adherence with the current Guidelines for Prehospital Management of Traumatic Brain Injury and Guidelines for Field Triage of Injured Patients, which recommend the direct transport of patients with severe TBI to the highest level trauma center. Patients with severe TBI who cannot be taken to a trauma center should be stabilized at a nontrauma center and then transferred to a Level I or II trauma center. Regional and national trauma databases should consider collecting information on patient outcomes at referral facilities and total transport time after injury, to better address the outcomes of patient triage decisions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, level III; therapeutic study, level IV.

In October 2007, wildfires burned nearly 300,000 acres in San Diego County, California. Emergency risk communication messages were broadcast to reduce community exposure to air pollution caused by the fires. The objective of this investigation was to determine residents' exposure to, understanding of, and compliance with these messages. From March to June 2008, the authors surveyed San Diego County residents using a 40-question instrument and random digit dialing. The 1,802 respondents sampled were predominantly 35-64 years old (65.9%), White (65.5%), and educated past high school (79.0%). Most (82.5%) lived more than 1 mile away from the fires, although many were exposed to smoky air for 5-7 days (60.7%) inside and outside their homes. Most persons surveyed reported hearing fire-related health messages (87.9%) and nearly all (97.9%) understood the messages they heard. Respondents complied with most to all of the nontechnical health messages, including staying inside the home (58.7%), avoiding outdoor exercise (88.4%), keeping windows and doors closed (75.8%), and wetting ash before cleanup (75.6%). In contrast, few (

Please cite this paper as: Fry et al. (2012) The first cases of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in the United States: a serologic investigation demonstrating early transmission. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(3), e48–e53. Background The first two laboratory-confirmed cases of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus (H1N1pdm09) infection were detected in San Diego (SD) and Imperial County (IC) in southern California, April 2009. Objectives To describe H1N1pdm09 infections and transmission early in the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Patients/Methods We identified index case-patients from SD and IC with polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed H1N1pdm09 infections and investigated close contacts for a subset of case-patients from April 17–May 6, 2009. Acute and convalescent serum was collected. Serologic evidence for H1N1pdm09 infection was determined by microneutralization and hemagglutination inhibition assays. Results Among 75 close contacts of seven index case-patients, three reported illness onset prior to patient A or B, including two patient B contacts and a third with no links to patient A or B. Among the 69 close contacts with serum collected >14 days after the onset of index case symptoms, 23 (33%) were seropositive for H1N1pdm09, and 8 (35%) had no fever, cough, or sore throat. Among 15 household contacts, 8 (53%) were seropositive for H1N1pdm09. The proportion of contacts seropositive for H1N1pdm09 was highest in persons aged 5–24 years (50%) and lowest in persons aged ≥50 years (13%) (P = 0·07). Conclusions By the end of April 2009, before H1N1pdm09 was circulating widely in the community, a third of persons with close contact to confirmed H1N1pdm09 cases had H1N1pdm09 infection in SD and IC. Three unrelated clusters during March 21–30 suggest that transmission of H1N1pdm09 had begun earlier in southern California.

We reviewed confirmed cases of pediatric invasive meningococcal disease in Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego County, California, USA, during 2005–2008. The overall incidence and fatality rate observed in Tijuana were similar to those found in the US, and serogroup distribution suggests that most cases in Tijuana are vaccine preventable.

OBJECTIVE:In January 2008, an intentionally unvaccinated 7-year-old boy who was unknowingly infected with measles returned from Switzerland, resulting in the largest outbreak in San Diego, California, since 1991. We investigated the outbreak with the objective of understanding the effect of intentional undervaccination on measles transmission and its potential threat to measles elimination.METHODS:We mapped vaccination-refusal rates according to school and school district, analyzed measles-transmission patterns, used discussion groups and network surveys to examine beliefs of parents who decline vaccination, and evaluated containment costs.RESULTS:The importation resulted in 839 exposed persons, 11 additional cases (all in unvaccinated children), and the hospitalization of an infant too young to be vaccinated. Two-dose vaccination coverage of 95%, absence of vaccine failure, and a vigorous outbreak response halted spread beyond the third generation, at a net public-sector cost of $10 376 per case. Although 75% of the cases were of persons who were intentionally unvaccinated, 48 children too young to be vaccinated were quarantined, at an average family cost of $775 per child. Substantial rates of intentional undervaccination occurred in public charter and private schools, as well as public schools in upper-socioeconomic areas. Vaccine refusal clustered geographically and the overall rate seemed to be rising. In discussion groups and survey responses, the majority of parents who declined vaccination for their children were concerned with vaccine adverse events.CONCLUSIONS:Despite high community vaccination coverage, measles outbreaks can occur among clusters of intentionally undervaccinated children, at major cost to public health agencies, medical systems, and families. Rising rates of intentional undervaccination can undermine measles elimination.

Background In the largest Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in history, nosocomial transmission of EVD increased spread of the disease. We report on 2 instances in Sierra Leone where patients unknowingly infected with EVD were admitted to a general hospital ward (1 pediatric ward and 1 maternity ward), exposing health care workers, caregivers, and other patients to EVD. Both patients died on the general wards, and were later confirmed as being infected with EVD. We initiated contact tracing and assessed risk factors for secondary infections to guide containment recommendations. Methods We reviewed medical records to establish the index patients' symptom onset. Health care workers, patients, and caregivers were interviewed to determine exposures and personal protective equipment (PPE) use. Contacts were monitored daily for EVD symptoms. Those who experienced EVD symptoms were isolated and tested. Results Eighty-two contacts were identified: 64 health care workers, 7 caregivers, 4 patients, 4 newborns, and 3 children of patients. Seven contacts became symptomatic and tested positive for EVD: 2 health care workers (1 nurse and 1 hospital cleaner), 2 caregivers, 2 newborns, and 1 patient. The infected nurse placed an intravenous catheter in the pediatric index patient with only short gloves PPE and the hospital cleaner cleaned the operating room of the maternity ward index patient wearing short gloves PPE. The maternity ward index patient's caregiver and newborn were exposed to her body fluids. The infected patient and her newborn shared the ward and latrine with the maternity ward index patient. Hospital staff members did not use adequate PPE. Caregivers were not offered PPE. Conclusions Delayed recognition of EVD and inadequate PPE likely led to exposures and secondary infections. Earlier recognition of EVD and adequate PPE might have reduced direct contact with body fluids. Limiting nonhealth-care worker contact, improving access to PPE, and enhancing screening methods for pregnant women, children, and inpatients may help decrease EVD transmission in general health care settings.

The aim was to determine the epidemiology and risk factors of childhood and young adult injuries among long-term Afghan refugees in Pakistan. A stratified cluster study was undertaken on a random sample of refugee households from June to July 2002. The Afghan Refugee Injury Survey was administered to the head of the household and recorded all injuries among household members within the last 3 months. Crude injury incidence was 12.3 per 1000 population among those aged 0-29 years (age groups 0-4, 5-14 and 15-29 years). Those aged 15-29 years had the highest injury rate (18.3 per 1000) closely followed by those aged 5-14 (12.3 per 1000) and much higher than the 0-4 years category (2.3 per 1000). Falls accounted for most injuries (48%) with both road traffic injuries and assaults accounting for 15%. The 15-29 year age group (odds ratio = 9.1) and those educated informally or for less than 6 years (odds ratio = 2.10), were associated with injury (p0.05) after adjustment for age, gender, occupation and education. Occupation was not associated with injury at a statistically significant level. Afghan refugee children and young adults are disproportionately affected by injuries, especially falls, than children in developed countries. Appropriate injury prevention strategies must be implemented among refugee camps with long-term refugees as part of their health programmes.

Health information technology is an emerging area of focus in clinical medicine with the potential to improve injury and violence prevention practice. With injuries being the leading cause of death for Americans aged 1–44 years, greater implementation of evidence-based preventive services, referral to community resources, and real-time surveillance of emerging threats is needed. Through a review of the literature and capturing of current practice in the field, this paper showcases how health information technology applied to injury and violence prevention can lead to strengthened clinical preventive services, more rigorous measurement of clinical outcomes, and improved injury surveillance, potentially resulting in health improvement.

The application of geospatial data to public health problems has expanded significantly with increased access to low-cost handheld global positioning system (GPS) receivers and free programs for geographic information systems analysis. In January 2010, we piloted the application of geospatial analysis to polio supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) in northern Nigeria. SIA teams carried GPS receivers to compare hand-drawn catchment area route maps with GPS tracks of actual vaccination teams. Team tracks overlaid on satellite imagery revealed that teams commonly missed swaths of contiguous households and indicated that geospatial data can improve microplanning and provide nearly real-time monitoring of team performance.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate racial misclassification in a statewide trauma registry and to describe the epidemiology of trauma among the Washington American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) population.We performed probabilistic record linkage between the Washington Trauma Registry (2005-2009) and Northwest Tribal Registry, a dataset of known AI/AN. AI/AN patients were compared with caucasians on demographic, injury and clinical outcome factors. A multivariable model estimated odds of mortality.Record linkage increased ascertainment of AI/AN cases in the trauma registry 71%, from 1777 to 3039 cases. Compared with caucasians, AI/AN trauma patients were younger (mean age=36 vs 47 years, p0.001) and more commonly male (66.5% vs 61.2%, p0.001). AI/AN experienced more intentional injuries (suicide or homicide: 20.1% vs 6.7%, p0.001), a higher proportion of severe traumatic brain injury (20.7% vs 16.8%, p=0.004) and were less likely than caucasians to use safety equipment such as seat belts/airbags (53.9% vs 76.7%, p0.001). ISSs were similar (ISS15: 21.4% vs 20.5%, p=0.63), and no difference was observed in mortality after adjustment for covariates (p=0.58).Linkage to a state trauma registry improved data quality by correcting racial misclassification, allowing for a comprehensive description of injury patterns for the AI/AN population. AI/AN sustained more severe injuries with similar postinjury outcomes to caucasians. Future efforts should focus on primary prevention for this population, including increased use of seat belts and child safety seats and reduction of interpersonal violence and suicide.

During November 2013-March 2014, twice as many all-intent drug overdose deaths were reported in Rhode Island as were reported during the same period in previous years. Most deaths were among injection-drug users, and a large percentage involved fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50-100 times more potent than morphine. Clusters of fentanyl-related deaths have been reported recently in several states. From April 2005 to March 2007, time-limited active surveillance from CDC and the Drug Enforcement Administration identified 1,013 deaths caused by illicit fentanyl use in New Jersey; Maryland; Chicago, Illinois; Detroit, Michigan; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Acetyl fentanyl, an illegally produced fentanyl analog, caused a cluster of overdose deaths in northern Rhode Island in 2013.

Introduction: The most effective use of trauma center resources helps reduce morbidity and mortality, while saving costs. Identifying critical infrastructure characteristics, patient characteristics and staffing components of a trauma center associated with the proportion of patients needing major trauma care will help planners create better systems for patient care. Methods: We used the 2009 National Trauma Data Bank-Research Dataset to determine the proportion of critically injured patients requiring the resources of a trauma center within each Level I-IV trauma center (n=443). The outcome variable was defined as the portion of treated patients who were critically injured. We defined the need for critical trauma resources and interventions (“trauma center need”) as death prior to hospital discharge, admission to the intensive care unit, or admission to the operating room from the emergency department as a result of acute traumatic injury. Generalized Linear Modeling (GLM) was used to determine how hospital infrastructure, staffing Levels, and patient characteristics contributed to trauma center need. Results: Nonprofit Level I and II trauma centers were significantly associated with higher levels of trauma center need. Trauma centers that had a higher percentage of transferred patients or a lower percentage of insured patients were associated with a higher proportion of trauma center need. Hospital infrastructure characteristics, such as bed capacity and intensive care unit capacity, were not associated with trauma center need. A GLM for Level III and IV trauma centers showed that the number of trauma surgeons on staff was associated with trauma center need. Conclusion: Because the proportion of trauma center need is predominantly influenced by hospital type, transfer frequency, and insurance status, it is important for administrators to consider patient population characteristics of the catchment area when planning the construction of new trauma centers or when coordinating care within state or regional trauma systems. [West J Emerg Med. 2015;16(1):–0.]

Background Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an important public health problem and little is known about site of care and outcomes of children with severe TBI. Across the country, most injured children are treated in adult trauma centers (ATCs). Recent literature suggests that ATCs with added qualifications in pediatrics (ATC-AQs) can have improved outcomes for pediatric trauma patients overall. This study characterizes the population of pediatric severe TBI patients treated at ATCs and investigates the effect of treatment at ATC-AQs versus ATCs on mortality. Methods Using the 2009 National Trauma Data Bank, pediatric (age 0–17 years old) severe TBI (head Abbreviated Injury Scale score ≥3) patient visits at level I and II ATCs and ATC-AQs were analyzed for patient and hospital characteristics. The primary outcome was in-patient mortality. Multivariate analysis was performed on propensity score weighted populations to investigate effect of treatment at ATC-AQs versus ATCs on survival. Results A total of 7,057 pediatric severe TBI patient visits in 398 level I and II trauma centers were observed, with 3,496 (49.5%) at ATC-AQs and 3,561 (50.5%) at ATCs. The mortality rate was 8.6% at ATC-AQs versus 10.3% at ATCs (p =0.0144). After adjusting for differences in case mix, patient, and hospital characteristics, mortality was not significantly different for patients treated in ATC-AQs versus ATCs (aOR = 0.896, 95% CI = 0.629–1.277). Mortality was significantly associated with age, length of hospital stay, firearm injury, GCS score, and head AIS (p

The fourth author's name is incorrect. The correct name is: Rebecca S. Noe. The correct Citation is: Niederkrotenthaler T, Parker EM, Ovalle F, Noe RS, Bell J, et al. (2013) Injuries and Post-Traumatic Stress following Historic Tornados: Alabama, April 2011. PLoS ONE 8(12): e83038. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0083038. The correct abbreviation of the fourth author's name in the Author Contributions is: RSN.

OBJECTIVES: We analyzed tornado-related injuries seen at hospitals and risk factors for tornado injury, and screened for post-traumatic stress following a statewide tornado-emergency in Alabama in April 2011. METHODS: We conducted a chart abstraction of 1,398 patients at 39 hospitals, mapped injured cases, and conducted a case-control telephone survey of 98 injured cases along with 200 uninjured controls. RESULTS: Most (n = 1,111, 79.5%) injuries treated were non-life threatening (Injury Severity Score ≤15). Severe injuries often affected head (72.9%) and chest regions (86.4%). Mobile home residents showed the highest odds of injury (OR, 6.98; 95% CI: 2.10-23.20). No severe injuries occurred in tornado shelters. Within permanent homes, the odds of injury were decreased for basements (OR, 0.13; 95% CI: 0.04-0.40), bathrooms (OR, 0.22; 95% CI: 0.06-0.78), hallways (OR, 0.31; 95% CI: 0.11-0.90) and closets (OR, 0.25; 95% CI: 0.07-0.80). Exposure to warnings via the Internet (aOR, 0.20; 95% CI: 0.09-0.49), television (aOR, 0.45; 95% CI: 0.24-0.83), and sirens (aOR, 0.50; 95% CI: 0.30-0.85) decreased the odds of injury, and residents frequently exposed to tornado sirens had lower odds of injury. The prevalence of PTSD in respondents was 22.1% and screening positive for PTSD symptoms was associated with tornado-related loss events. CONCLUSIONS: Primary prevention, particularly improved shelter access, and media warnings, seem essential to prevent severe tornado-injury. Small rooms such as bathrooms may provide some protection within permanent homes when no underground shelter is available. Language: en

Background There are limited and fragmented data collection systems for burn injury. A global repository may lead to better burn injury estimates and help identify key risk factors. A collaborative effort involving the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the International Society for Burn Injuries was undertaken to simplify and standardise in-patient burn data collection. Utilising an expert panel of epidemiologists and burn care practitioners, a new form and online data entry system was developed which can be used in resource-abundant or resource-limited settings. The Global Burn Registry (GBR) form has three functions: 1) to determine the magnitude and risk factors for burns, 2) provide baseline and follow up data to test primary prevention interventions, and 3) be designed for use without modification around the world. Methods After development, international burn organisations, CDC and WHO solicited burn centre participation to pilot test the GBR system. WHO and CDC led a webinar to describe system implementation. Results During an 8 month period, 55 hospitals in 29 countries enrolled in the pilot and were provided the GBR instrument, guidance, and data visualisation tool. Evaluations were received from 29 hospitals (53%). Key findings were: median time to upload completed forms was less than 10 minutes; physicians most commonly entered data (64%), followed by nurses (25%); layout, clarity, accuracy, and relevance were all rated high; and a vast majority (85%) considered the GBR “highly valuable” for prioritising, developing, and monitoring burn prevention programs. Conclusions The GBR was shown to be simple, flexible, and acceptable to users. Enhanced regional and global understanding of burn epidemiology may help prioritise the selection, development, and testing of primary prevention interventions for burns in resource-limited settings.

Objective.In April 2009, 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) (hereafter, pH1N1) virus was identified in California, which caused widespread illness throughout the United States. We evaluated pH1N1 transmission among exposed healthcare personnel (HCP) and assessed the use and effectiveness of personal protective equipment (PPE) early in the outbreak.Design.Cohort study.Setting.Two hospitals and 1 outpatient clinic in Southern California during March 28-April 24, 2009.Participants.Sixty-three HCP exposed to 6 of the first 8 cases of laboratory-confirmed pH1N1 in the United States.Methods.Baseline and follow-up questionnaires were used to collect demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical data. Paired serum samples were obtained to test for pH1N1-specific antibodies by microneutralization and hemagglutination-inhibition assays. Serology results were compared with HCP work setting, role, and self-reported PPE use.Results.Possible healthcare-associated pH1N1 transmission was identified in 9 (14%) of 63 exposed HCP; 6 (67%) of 9 seropositive HCP had asymptomatic infection. The highest attack rates occurred among outpatient HCP (6/19 [32%]) and among allied health staff (eg, technicians; 8/33 [24%]). Use of mask or N95 respirator was associated with remaining seronegative (P = .047). Adherence to PPE recommendations for preventing transmission of influenza virus and other respiratory pathogens was inadequate, particularly in outpatient settings.Conclusions.pH1N1 transmission likely occurred in healthcare settings early in the pandemic associated with inadequate PPE use. Organizational support for a comprehensive approach to infectious hazards, including infection prevention training for inpatient- and outpatient-based HCP, is essential to improve HCP and patient safety.