Fungal endophthalmitis associated with compounded products.

Fungal endophthalmitis is a rare but serious infection. In March 2012, several cases of probable and laboratory-confirmed fungal endophthalmitis occurring after invasive ocular procedures were reported nationwide. We identified 47 cases in 9 states: 21 patients had been exposed to the intraocular dye Brilliant Blue G (BBG) during retinal surgery, and the other 26 had received an intravitreal injection containing triamcinolone acetonide. Both drugs were produced by Franck's Compounding Lab (Ocala, FL, USA). Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex mold was identified in specimens from BBG-exposed case-patients and an unopened BBG vial. Bipolaris hawaiiensis mold was identified in specimens from triamcinolone-exposed case-patients. Exposure to either product was the only factor associated with case status. Of 40 case-patients for whom data were available, 39 (98%) lost vision. These concurrent outbreaks, associated with 1 compounding pharmacy, resulted in a product recall. Ensuring safety and integrity of compounded medications is critical for preventing further outbreaks associated with compounded products.

Outbreak of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae at a long-term acute care hospital: sustained reductions in transmission through active surveillance and targeted interventions.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) outbreak and interventions to prevent transmission. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: Epidemiologic investigation of a CRE outbreak among patients at a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH). METHODS: Microbiology records at LTACH A from March 2009 through February 2011 were reviewed to identify CRE transmission cases and cases admitted with CRE. CRE bacteremia episodes were identified during March 2009-July 2011. Biweekly CRE prevalence surveys were conducted during July 2010-July 2011, and interventions to prevent transmission were implemented, including education and auditing of staff and isolation and cohorting of CRE patients with dedicated nursing staff and shared medical equipment. Trends were evaluated using weighted linear or Poisson regression. CRE transmission cases were included in a case-control study to evaluate risk factors for acquisition. A real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was used to detect the bla(KPC) gene, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was performed to assess the genetic relatedness of isolates. RESULTS: Ninety-nine CRE transmission cases, 16 admission cases (from 7 acute care hospitals), and 29 CRE bacteremia episodes were identified. Significant reductions were observed in CRE prevalence (49% vs. 8%), percentage of patients screened with newly detected CRE (44% vs. 0%), and CRE bacteremia episodes (2.5 vs. 0.0 per 1,000 patient-days). Cases were more likely to have received ß-lactams, have diabetes, and require mechanical ventilation. All tested isolates were KPC-producing K. pneumoniae, and nearly all isolates were genetically related. CONCLUSION: CRE transmission can be reduced in LTACHs through surveillance testing and targeted interventions. Sustainable reductions within and across healthcare facilities may require a regional public health approach.

Association between swimming pool operator certification and reduced pool chemistry violations--Nebraska, 2005-2006.

Previous studies have recommended mandatory education for all public pool operators, but substantiating data are limited. This study evaluates associations between pool operator certification and chemistry violations by using 2005-2006 Nebraska routine pool inspection reports. Training and certification for nonmunicipal pool operators are only required in two Nebraska counties. Free chlorine violations for nonmunicipal pool inspections were compared in counties with and without certified operator requirements. To control for water supply pH, inspections from nonmunicipal pools with shared-source water in two counties (one requiring certification) were compared for concurrent pH and free chlorine violations. Compared with locations that require certified operators, free chlorine violations and concurrent pH and free chlorine violations were twice as likely in locations without certification. As a result, pools without required operator certification might pose greater health risks. These results demonstrate the benefit of requiring pool operator certification to help prevent recreational water illnesses.

Ischemic cardiac events during the Department of Health and Human Services Smallpox Vaccination Program, 2003.

Ten ischemic cardiac events (ICEs) were reported among 37,901 initial US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) smallpox vaccinees. Symptoms developed a median of 10 days after vaccination (range, 0-28 days). The median age of case patients was 56 years (range, 42-65 years), and 60% were male. Seven (70%) of the case patients had >/=3 cardiac risk factors or probable coronary artery disease before vaccination. Two women, 55 and 57 years of age, experienced acute myocardial infarction and fatal cardiac arrests. Background rates of ICEs during a 3-week period for civilian populations that were age and sex matched to DHHS vaccinees were estimated. The observed number of myocardial infarctions exceeded estimated expectations (5 vs. 2) but remained within the 95% predictive interval (PI) (0.6-5.4). New onset angina was observed significantly less frequently than estimated expectations (1 vs. 10; 95% PI, 3.5-15.7). After persons with >/=3 cardiac risk factors or known heart disease were deferred from vaccination, no ICEs were reported among an additional 6638 vaccinees.

Outbreak of lepidopterism at a Boy Scout camp.

BACKGROUND: Lepidopterism refers to moth- or butterfly-associated illness, including contact dermatitis, urticaria, and occasional systemic reactions. Lepidopterism outbreaks are rare. OBJECTIVE: To investigate a lepidopterism outbreak associated with caterpillars of the Douglas-fir tussock moth (DFTM; Orgyia pseudotsugata) among Boy Scouts attending summer camp in New Mexico. METHODS: Retrospective cohort analysis; environmental investigation. RESULTS: Attendees were primarily male (100/107; 94%) and less than 18 years old (82/107; 77%). Itch, rash, or hives were reported by 56 of 102 (55%) of campers. Patients were more likely to report direct caterpillar contact (relative risk [RR]: 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-5.5); playing a caterpillar-flicking game (RR: 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1-3.4); and sleeping at campsite 6, where caterpillars were most numerous (RR: 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3-2.4). All patients recovered. LIMITATIONS: Data on disease status and risk factors were collected retrospectively. CONCLUSION: Modifying behaviors associated with lepidopterism and avoiding areas of heavy infestation can reduce illness risk.

Adverse events associated with smallpox vaccination in the United States, January-October 2003.

CONTEXT: On January 24, 2003, the US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) implemented a preparedness program in which smallpox (vaccinia) vaccine was administered to federal, state, and local volunteers who might be first responders during a bioterrorism event. OBJECTIVE: To describe results from the comprehensive DHHS smallpox vaccine safety monitoring and response system. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Descriptive study of adverse event reports from the DHHS smallpox vaccine safety monitoring and response system received between January 24 and October 31, 2003, through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A total of 37,901 volunteers in 55 jurisdictions received at least 1 dose of smallpox vaccine. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of vaccinations administered and description of adverse events and reporting rates. RESULTS: A total of 38,885 smallpox vaccinations were administered, with a take rate of 92%. VAERS received 822 reports of adverse events following smallpox vaccination (overall reporting rate, 217 per 10,000 vaccinees). A total of 590 adverse events (72%) were reported within 14 days of vaccination. Nonserious adverse events (n = 722) included multiple signs and symptoms of mild and self-limited local reactions. One hundred adverse events (12%) were designated as serious, resulting in 85 hospitalizations, 2 permanent disabilities, 10 life-threatening illnesses, and 3 deaths. Among the serious adverse events, 21 cases were classified as myocarditis and/or pericarditis and 10 as ischemic cardiac events that were not anticipated based on historical data. Two cases of generalized vaccinia and 1 case of postvaccinial encephalitis were detected. No preventable life-threatening adverse reactions, contact transmissions, or adverse reactions that required treatment with vaccinia immune globulin were identified. Serious adverse events were more common among older revaccinees than younger first-time vaccinees. CONCLUSIONS: Rigorous smallpox vaccine safety screening, educational programs, and older vaccinees may have contributed to low rates of preventable life-threatening adverse reactions. Other rare, clinically significant, or unexpected cardiac adverse events were detected by timely review of VAERS data and intensive clinical case investigation.

Incremental effectiveness of 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine compared with 1 dose among high school students during an outbreak.

A measles outbreak occurred among a highly vaccinated population in Alaska during 1998, providing an opportunity to determine the incremental efficacy of >or=2 doses of measles-containing vaccine (MCV) compared with 1 dose. Of 33 confirmed case patients identified, 31 had been vaccinated with 1 dose of MCV, 1 had received 2 doses, and vaccination status was unknown in 1 case. Seventy percent of cases were school-associated; 58% of cases occurred in 2 high schools. Of 3679 students attending the 2 schools, 50.4% and 45.5% had received >or=2 doses of MCV before measles introduction at the schools. The relative risk of developing measles among persons vaccinated with >or=2 doses of MCV compared with 1 dose was 0.06 (95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.44; P<.001), yielding an estimated incremental vaccine efficacy of 94.1% (95% confidence interval, 55.9%-99.2%; P<.001). Rapid implementation of a mandatory second-dose MCV requirement probably limited the extent of this outbreak.

Heat wave morbidity and mortality, Milwaukee, Wis, 1999 vs 1995: an improved response?

OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether differences in heat alone, as opposed to public health interventions or other factors, accounted for the reduction in heat-related deaths and paramedic emergency medical service (EMS) runs between 1995 and 1999 during 2 heat waves occurring in Milwaukee, Wis. METHODS: Two previously described prediction models were adapted to compare expected and observed heat-related morbidity and mortality in 1999 based on the city's 1995 experience. RESULTS: Both models showed that heat-related deaths and EMS runs in 1999 were at least 49% lower than levels predicted by the 1995 relation between heat and heat-related deaths or EMS runs. CONCLUSIONS: Reductions in heat-related morbidity and mortality in 1999 were not attributable to differences in heat levels alone. Changes in public health preparedness and response may also have contributed to these reductions.

An outbreak of bronchoscopy-related Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections due to lack of bronchoscope leak testing.

BACKGROUND: Bronchoscopy-related transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is rarely reported. In August 1999, five M tuberculosis-positive bronchial washing culture findings were noted in patients who underwent bronchoscopy in July in a hospital that reported only eight M tuberculosis-positive culture findings from 1995 to 1998, prompting further investigation. METHODS: A case was defined as a M tuberculosis-positive culture finding from specimens obtained from patients who underwent bronchoscopy during January to August of 1999. Bronchoscopy and laboratory records, procedures, and practices were reviewed. M tuberculosis isolates were compared using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. RESULTS: During July 1999, 19 bronchoscopic procedures were performed in 19 patients. Bronchial washing specimens for mycobacterial culture were obtained from 18 patients. Ten cases were identified. Two case patients, including the index patient, had signs and symptoms of active tuberculosis prior to bronchoscopy. M tuberculosis infections developed in two more case patients despite starting a standard four-drug antituberculous regimen within 3 weeks after bronchoscopy. Six case patients had positive culture findings but no evidence of infection. All M tuberculosis isolates were antituberculosis-drug susceptible, and all but one were indistinguishable by RFLP analysis. Three bronchoscopes were used during the outbreak period; one bronchoscope was used in 9 of the 10 case patients (relative risk, 8.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 52). A hole was discovered in the sheath of this bronchoscope. Leak testing, a critical step in bronchoscope reprocessing, was not routinely performed at this institution. CONCLUSIONS: M tuberculosis contamination of the bronchoscope occurred during the index patient's procedure. The hole in the sheath provided access to a space that was difficult to mechanically clean and chemically disinfect. The reprocessing recommendations of bronchoscope manufacturers, including leak testing after each use, should be closely followed.

Clinical patterns and seasonal trends in respiratory syncytial virus hospitalizations in Säo Paulo, Brazil

The respiratory viruses are recognized as the most frequent lower respiratory tract pathogens for infants and young children in developed countries but less is known for developing populations....