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1.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep ; 69(20): 632-635, 2020 May 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32437338

ABSTRACT

On March 16, 2020, the day that national social distancing guidelines were released (1), the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) was notified of two cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from a rural county of approximately 25,000 persons; these cases were the first identified in this county. The two cases occurred in a husband and wife; the husband is the pastor at a local church (church A). The couple (the index cases) attended church-related events during March 6-8, and developed nonspecific respiratory symptoms and fever on March 10 (wife) and 11 (husband). Before his symptoms had developed, the husband attended a Bible study group on March 11. Including the index cases, 35 confirmed COVID-19 cases occurred among 92 (38%) persons who attended events held at church A during March 6-11; three patients died. The age-specific attack rates among persons aged ≤18 years, 19-64 years, and ≥65 years were 6.3%, 59.4%, and 50.0%, respectively. During contact tracing, at least 26 additional persons with confirmed COVID-19 cases were identified among community members who reported contact with church A attendees and likely were infected by them; one of the additional persons was hospitalized and subsequently died. This outbreak highlights the potential for widespread transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, both at group gatherings during church events and within the broader community. These findings underscore the opportunity for faith-based organizations to prevent COVID-19 by following local authorities' guidance and the U.S. Government's Guidelines: Opening Up America Again (2) regarding modification of activities to prevent virus transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Subject(s)
Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology , Coronavirus Infections/transmission , Faith-Based Organizations , Pandemics , Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology , Pneumonia, Viral/transmission , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Arkansas/epidemiology , COVID-19 , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult
2.
Clin Infect Dis ; 71(7): e178-e185, 2020 10 23.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31872853

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In July 2018, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) was notified by hospital A of 3 patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs) with a rapidly growing nontuberculous Mycobacterium (NTM) species; on 5 September 2018, 6 additional BSIs were reported. All were among oncology patients at clinic A. We investigated to identify sources and to prevent further infections. METHODS: ADH performed an onsite investigation at clinic A on 7 September 2018 and reviewed patient charts, obtained environmental samples, and cultured isolates. The isolates were sequenced (whole genome, 16S, rpoB) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine species identity and relatedness. RESULTS: By 31 December 2018, 52 of 151 (34%) oncology patients with chemotherapy ports accessed at clinic A during 22 March-12 September 2018 had NTM BSIs. Infected patients received significantly more saline flushes than uninfected patients (P < .001) during the risk period. NTM grew from 6 unused saline flushes compounded by clinic A. The identified species was novel and designated Mycobacterium FVL 201832. Isolates from patients and saline flushes were highly related by whole-genome sequencing, indicating a common source. Clinic A changed to prefilled saline flushes on 12 September as recommended. CONCLUSIONS: Mycobacterium FVL 201832 caused BSIs in oncology clinic patients. Laboratory data allowed investigators to rapidly link infections to contaminated saline flushes; cooperation between multiple institutions resulted in timely outbreak resolution. New state policies being considered because of this outbreak include adding extrapulmonary NTM to ADH's reportable disease list and providing more oversight to outpatient oncology clinics.


Subject(s)
Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous , Neoplasms , Sepsis , Arkansas , Humans , Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous/epidemiology , Neoplasms/complications , Nontuberculous Mycobacteria , Outpatients
3.
Lancet Infect Dis ; 19(2): 185-192, 2019 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30635255

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: During 2000-15, Arkansas Department of Health, Little Rock, AR, USA, investigated between one and six cases of mumps each year. From Aug 5, 2016, to Aug 5, 2017, the department received notification of more than 4000 suspected mumps cases in the second largest outbreak in the USA in the past 30 years. METHODS: Arkansas Department of Health investigated all reported cases of mumps to ascertain exposure, travel, and vaccination histories and identify close contacts. Cases were classified as confirmed if the patient had laboratory confirmation of mumps virus or probable if they had clinical symptoms and either a positive serological test or a known epidemiological link to a confirmed case. FINDINGS: 2954 cases of mumps related to the outbreak were identified during the outbreak period: 1665 (56%) were laboratory confirmed, 1676 (57%) were in children aged 5-17 years, and 1692 (57%) were in Marshallese people. Among the 1676 school-aged cases, 1536 (92%) had previously received at least two doses of a vaccine containing the mumps virus. Although 19 cases of orchitis were reported, severe complications were not identified. Unusual occurrences, such as recurrent parotitis and prolonged viral shedding, were observed mostly in Marshallese individuals. Viral samples were characterised as genotype G. INTERPRETATION: This large-scale outbreak, primarily affecting a marginalised community with intense household crowding, highlights the need for coordinated, interdisciplinary, and non-traditional outbreak responses. This outbreak raises questions about mumps vaccine effectiveness and potential waning immunity. FUNDING: Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks/prevention & control , Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine/immunology , Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccine/therapeutic use , Mumps virus/genetics , Mumps virus/immunology , Mumps/epidemiology , Mumps/prevention & control , Vaccination , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Arkansas/epidemiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Genotype , Humans , Immunogenicity, Vaccine , Incidence , Infant , Male , Middle Aged , Mumps/virology , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Serologic Tests , Treatment Outcome , Young Adult
4.
Open Forum Infect Dis ; 4(1): ofx027, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28480295

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Francisella tularensis, although naturally occurring in Arkansas, is also a Tier 1 select agent and potential bioterrorism threat. As such, tularemia is nationally notifiable and mandatorily reported to the Arkansas Department of Health. We examined demographic and clinical characteristics among reported cases and outcomes to improve understanding of the epidemiology of tularemia in Arkansas. METHODS: Surveillance records on all tularemia cases investigated during 2009-2013 were reviewed. RESULTS: The analytic dataset was assembled from 284 tularemia reports, yielding 138 probable and confirmed tularemia cases during 2009-2013. Arthropod bite was identified in 77% of cases. Of 7 recognized tularemia manifestations, the typhoidal form was reported in 47% of cases, approximately double the proportion of the more classic manifestation, lymphadenopathy. Overall, 41% of patients were hospitalized; 3% died. The typhoidal form appeared to be more severe, accounting for the majority of sepsis and meningitis cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. Among patients with available antibiotic data, 88% received doxycycline and 12% received gentamicin. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to expectation, lymphadenopathy was not the most common manifestation observed in our registry. Instead, our patients were more likely to report only generalized typhoidal symptoms. Using lymphadenopathy as a primary symptom to initiate tularemia testing may be an insensitive diagnostic strategy and result in unrecognized cases. In endemic areas such as Arkansas, suspicion of tularemia should be high, especially during tick season. Outreach to clinicians describing the full range of presenting symptoms may help address misperceptions about tularemia.

5.
Public Health Rep ; 132(2): 210-219, 2017.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28147209

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: As of October 2015, evidence needed to make a recommendation about the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) for smoking cessation was limited. We used the 2014 Arkansas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System with additional state-specific questions to determine the prevalence of ENDS use, the impact of ENDS use on smoking cessation, and beliefs about ENDS use in Arkansas. Our objectives were to determine if (1) ENDS use was associated with lower odds of quitting smoking, (2) ENDS users believed that ENDS use was not harmful to their health, and (3) ENDS users believed that switching to ENDS reduced their tobacco-related health risks. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 4465 respondents to the Arkansas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and used weighted analyses to account for the complex survey design. We used a subset of records formed by (1) formers smokers who quitted smoking in the last 5 years and (2) current smokers to assess the odds of quitting. RESULTS: In 2014, 6.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.0%-7.4%) of Arkansas adults were currently using ENDS. Of the 1083 participants who were current smokers or had quit smoking within the past 5 years, 515 (54.1%) had used ENDS. Of the 515 ENDS users, 404 (80.3%) had continued smoking. ENDS use was significantly associated with reduced odds of quitting smoking (weighted odds ratio = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.34-0.83). Although 2437 of 3808 participants (62.5%) believed that it was harmful for nonsmokers to start using ENDS and 1793 of 3658 participants (47.0%) believed that switching to ENDS did not reduce tobacco-related health risks, only 80 of 165 (41.3%) and 50 of 168 (33.9%) ENDS users shared these same respective beliefs. CONCLUSIONS: Most smokers who indicated smoking in the past 5 years and who tried ENDS did not stop smoking. ENDS use was inversely associated with smoking cessation. Tobacco cessation programs should tell cigarette smokers that ENDS use may not help them quit smoking.


Subject(s)
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems , Nebulizers and Vaporizers , Nicotine/administration & dosage , Smoking Cessation , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Arkansas , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Surveys , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult
6.
Clin Pediatr (Phila) ; 56(6): 555-563, 2017 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27798388

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Given poor use of recall in primary care practices, we compared outsourced versus office-based recall systems. STUDY DESIGN: From 2011 to 2013, we enrolled 87 individual Arkansas providers in distinct practices treating their own patients <24 months of age which were randomized to usual care (A), office-based (B), or outsourced (C) recall groups. RESULTS: At the end of study, recall activity was 19.4%, 55.0%, and 92.6% for Groups A, B, and C, respectively (B and C vs A: P < .001). Only 68 Group B patients were identified as needing immunizations versus 826 in Group C. The majority of successful contacts were made through mobile phone (41.3%) or text message (32.6%). The total cost per practice per week was significantly lower for Group C versus Group B ($39.50 and $53.00, respectively; P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: With limited electronic health record use, an outsourced recall system is more sustainable and less costly than an office-based system.


Subject(s)
Immunization Schedule , Immunization/statistics & numerical data , Practice Patterns, Physicians'/organization & administration , Primary Health Care/organization & administration , Reminder Systems/statistics & numerical data , Arkansas , Child Health Services/organization & administration , Comparative Effectiveness Research , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
7.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep ; 65(33): 882-3, 2016 Aug 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27560201

ABSTRACT

During early September 2014, the Arkansas Department of Health identified an increased number of tuberculosis (TB) cases among a unique population in a well-circumscribed geographical area in northwest Arkansas. The Compact of Free Association Act of 1985 (Public Law 99-239, amended in 2003 by Public Law 108-188) established the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) as an independent nation, and persons from the RMI can travel freely (with valid RMI passport) to and from the United States as nonimmigrants without visas (1). Marshallese started settling in northwest Arkansas during the early 1990s because of employment and educational opportunities (2). According to the 2010 Census, an estimated 4,300 Marshallese resided in Arkansas (2), mostly within one county which ranked 6th in the United States for counties with the highest percentage of Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders (3). It is estimated that this number has been growing steadily each year since the 2010 Census; however, obtaining an accurate count is difficult. The RMI is a TB high-incidence country, with a case-rate of 212.7 per 100,000 persons for 2014, whereas the case-rate was 3.1 per 100,000 persons in Arkansas and 2.9 per 100,000 persons in the United States (4,5). Screening for either active TB or latent TB infection (LTBI) is not required for Marshallese entry to the United States (1).


Subject(s)
Mycobacterium tuberculosis/isolation & purification , Transients and Migrants/statistics & numerical data , Tuberculosis/diagnosis , Tuberculosis/epidemiology , Adolescent , Arkansas/epidemiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Cluster Analysis , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Transients and Migrants/legislation & jurisprudence
8.
Am J Infect Control ; 44(12): 1747-1749, 2016 12 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27388265

ABSTRACT

The requirement for negative pressure isolation procedures has been an accepted component of pediatric care to protect patients and staff from highly infectious respiratory agents. Surveys regarding airborne isolation were distributed to 43 pediatric emergency departments at US children's hospitals with 26 responses. There was a median of 5 airborne isolation rooms, a median of 4 of those with negative pressure, and 61% without an ante-room. Capacity to manage pediatric patients infected with a highly pathogenic airborne-transmitted organism during an epidemic is limited.


Subject(s)
Cross Infection/prevention & control , Emergency Service, Hospital , Hospitals, Pediatric , Infection Control/methods , Patient Isolation/methods , Humans , United States
9.
Int J Public Health ; 61(2): 237-41, 2016 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26833307

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We assessed whether the prevalence of recent (within a year) initiation of cigarette smoking was associated with reports of ever using electronic delivery systems (ENDS) in the National Youth Tobacco Survey (NYTS) and whether the association varied by age. METHODS: Weighted cross-sectional analysis of use of ENDS, cigarette smoking, age at interview and age at initiation of smoking collected systematically through the 2011-2013 NYTS cycles. RESULTS: In multivariate analyses those who ever used ENDS were twice as likely as nonusers of ENDS to have tried cigarette smoking in the last year (multivariate PR: 2.3; 95 % CI 1.9, 2.7). This average hid significant variations by age: a 4.1-fold increase (95 %; 2.6, 6.4) among those 11-13 years of age, compared to a smaller increase among those 16-18 years: 1.4-fold (95 % CI 1.1, 1.8). CONCLUSIONS: Use of ENDS by adolescents was associated with initiation of cigarette smoking in the last year. This association was stronger in younger adolescents.


Subject(s)
Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems/statistics & numerical data , Smoking/epidemiology , Tobacco Products/statistics & numerical data , Adolescent , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Nicotine , Prevalence , Smoking Cessation , Surveys and Questionnaires , United States/epidemiology , Young Adult
10.
Telemed J E Health ; 22(2): 153-158, 2016 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26367104

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Healthcare providers require the latest information and procedures when a public health emergency arises. During the fall of 2014, when the Ebola virus was first identified in a patient in the United States, education about Ebola virus disease (EVD) and procedures for its identification and control needed widespread and immediate dissemination to healthcare providers. In addition, there was a need to allay fears and reassure the public and providers that a process was in place to manage Ebola should it arrive in Arkansas. The state health department engaged multiple interest groups and provided a variety of educational and management activities. The Arkansas Department of Health and the only academic medical center in the state began offering time-consuming, one-on-one education over the phone, which reached too few providers. A solution was needed to educate many providers across the state in the protocols for identification, isolation, and management of patients with EVD. In response, the Arkansas Department of Health and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences leveraged the interactive video and Webinar capabilities of the state's telemedicine network to educate both providers and the public of this public health emergency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six interactive video events were staged over 5 days in October 2014. RESULTS: In six events, 82 individual healthcare facilities (67 of which were hospitals) and 378 providers attended via the Webinar option, whereas 323 healthcare professionals received continuing education credits. CONCLUSIONS: A statewide videoconferencing infrastructure can be successfully mobilized to provide timely public health education and communication to healthcare providers and the public in multiple disciplines and practice settings.

12.
MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep ; 63(8): 169-73, 2014 Feb 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24572612

ABSTRACT

In August 2012, the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) was notified of gastrointestinal illness outbreaks in two Arkansas state prisons. ADH investigated the outbreaks and conducted case-control studies to identify the source of the illnesses. This report describes the results of these investigations, which identified 528 persons with onset of diarrhea during August 2-18, 2012. Results from the prison A investigation identified chicken salad as the most likely vehicle. At prison B, person-to-person transmission and contamination of multiple foods likely contributed to illness. Analysis of stool specimens from inmates identified eight serotypes and 15 pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns of Salmonella. Isolates of Salmonella from eggs produced at prison B matched two outbreak patterns. An additional 69 inmates were positive by culture but were not interviewed or did not report diarrhea, making the total case count 597. Sanitarians identified problems with food preparation, hand washing, and food safety training. ADH tested inmate kitchen workers, excluded infected inmates from work, and provided food safety training. Prison kitchen staff should follow guidelines consistent with state regulations for safe food preparation and pass sanitarian inspection.


Subject(s)
Disease Outbreaks , Prisons , Salmonella Food Poisoning/microbiology , Salmonella/classification , Arkansas/epidemiology , Case-Control Studies , Diarrhea/epidemiology , Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field , Feces/microbiology , Food Contamination , Food Handling/standards , Humans , Salmonella/isolation & purification , Salmonella Food Poisoning/epidemiology , Salmonella Food Poisoning/transmission , Serotyping
13.
Open Forum Infect Dis ; 1(2): ofu050, 2014 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25734122

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: In the era of cost-consciousness regarding healthcare , provision of medical services in an outpatient setting has become increasingly attractive. We report an influenza outbreak in an ambulatory stem cell transplant center in 2013 that highlights unique identification and infection control challenges in this setting. METHODS: Nasopharyngeal swabs were performed on patients with suspected influenza-like illnesses (ILI), defined by subjective fever or measured temperature of ≥37.7°C (≥100°F) with cough or sore throat during July 25, 2013 through August 7, 2013. In addition, testing was triggered by an elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). Specimens were analyzed by using eSensor Respiratory Viral Panel. Clinical and epidemiologic information was collected in real time, and frequencies were calculated on demographics, baseline clinical parameters, treatment methods, comorbidities, and symptoms of affected persons. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients had influenza A (H3N2) infection during July 25, 2013 through August 7, 2013. Only 7 patients (23%) met the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists ILI case definition. Twenty-five patients (81%) had received ≥1 transplant, with 13 (42%) having occurred within 1 year before the outbreak. Twenty-five patients (81%) had received B-cell active chemotherapy <60 days before influenza diagnosis, 6 (19%) were neutropenic, and 25 (81%) lymphopenic. Among clinical and laboratory markers analyzed, abnormal CRP was the most sensitive screening tool for influenza. Twelve (39%) patients were hospitalized (median stay, 10 days; range, 2-20). No deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Immunocompromised hosts with influenza have atypical presentations. Existing surveillance case definitions might be insufficient to reliably identify influenza outbreaks in such patients.

16.
Am J Prev Med ; 42(6): 602-5, 2012 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22608376

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: An increase in total vaccine exemptions (medical, philosophic, and religious) occurred in Arkansas after a 2003 legislation added a philosophic category and used a new process for vaccine exemptions. By legislative requirement, the Arkansas Department of Health monitored exemptions through the 2009-2010 school year. PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to determine the prevalence of vaccine exemption in 2003-2010 compared to the number of requests prior to the legislation enacted in 2003. METHODS: Exemptions were calculated by school-age category using raw numbers of exemptions, total estimates of the population by age level, enrollment numbers for students in public and private schools, and in enrolled college students born after 1957. Exemptions also were analyzed by school district, grade level, type of exemption, and particular vaccine exemption requested. RESULTS: Overall exemptions continued to rise each year, with an average increase of 23.1% annually. Medical exemptions declined from an average of 21.3% of all exemptions before to an average of 4.8% thereafter. The greatest increase in number of exemptions was observed among college students. The highest total rate of exemptions per precollegiate student population was <1.3%. When exemption requests were categorized, most (79%) were for exemptions from "all vaccines." The most common single exempted vaccine was MMR (measles, mumps, rubella). CONCLUSIONS: Since philosophic exemptions were codified in 2003 in Arkansas, the number and rate of vaccine exemptions continue to progressively increase. However, vaccine-preventable disease clusters have not yet been linked to or identified in any population with a high rate of vaccine exemptions.


Subject(s)
Health Policy/legislation & jurisprudence , Immunization Programs/legislation & jurisprudence , Immunization Programs/statistics & numerical data , Arkansas , Child, Preschool , Humans , Infant , Mandatory Programs/legislation & jurisprudence , Registries
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