Last data update: May 06, 2024. (Total: 46732 publications since 2009)
Records 1-9 (of 9 Records) |
Query Trace: McMichael TM[original query] |
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Shigellosis outbreak among persons experiencing homelessness - San Diego County, California, October-December 2021
Ohlsen EC , Angel K , Maroufi A , Kao A , Victorio MJ , Cua LS , Kimura A , Vanden Esschert K , Logan N , McMichael TM , Beatty ME , Shah S . Epidemiol Infect 2023 1-23 During October 2021, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency identified | 18 five cases of shigellosis among persons experiencing homelessness (PEH). We conducted an | 19 outbreak investigation and developed interventions to respond to shigellosis outbreaks among | 20 PEH. Confirmed cases occurred among PEH with stool-cultured Shigella sonnei; probable cases | 21 were among PEH with Shigella-positive culture-independent diagnostic testing. Patients were | 22 interviewed to determine infectious sources and risk factors. Fifty-three patients were identified | 23 (47 confirmed, six probable); 34 (64%) were hospitalized. None died. No point source was | 24 identified. Patients reported inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities, including | 25 public restrooms closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. After implementing interventions, | 26 including handwashing stations, more frequent public restroom cleaning, sanitation kit | 27 distribution, and isolation housing for ill persons, S. sonnei cases decreased to preoutbreak | 28 frequencies. Improving public sanitation access was associated with decreased cases and should | 29 be considered to prevent outbreaks among PEH |
Occupational exposures and mitigation strategies among homeless shelter workers at risk of COVID-19 (preprint)
Rao CY , Robinson T , Huster K , Laws RL , Keating R , Tobolowsky FA , McMichael TM , Gonzales E , Mosites E . medRxiv 2021 2021.02.22.21251646 Objective To describe the work environment and COVID-19 mitigation measures for homeless shelter workers and assess occupational risk factors for COVID-19 infectionMethods Between June 9-August 10, 2020, we conducted a self-administered survey among homeless shelter workers in Washington, Massachusetts, Utah, Maryland, and Georgia. We calculated frequencies for work environment, personal protective equipment use, and SARS-CoV-2 testing history. We used generalized linear models to produce unadjusted prevalence ratios (PR) to assess risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection.Results Of the 106 respondents, 43.4% reported frequent close contact with clients; 75% were worried about work-related SARS-CoV-2 infections; 15% reported testing positive. Close contact with clients was associated with testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (PR 3.97, 95%CI 1.06, 14.93).Conclusions Homeless shelter workers may be at higher risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the course of their work. Protecting these critical essential workers by implementing mitigation measures and prioritizing for COVID-19 vaccination, is imperative during the pandemic.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.Funding StatementNo external funding was receivedAuthor DeclarationsI confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.YesThe details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:This project was reviewed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Response Human Subject Review panel. The project was determined to meet the requirements of public health surveillance covered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Policy for the Protection of Human Research Subjects as defined in 45 CFR 46.102, and the decision was made that this project was nonresearch and did not require ethical review by the CDC Human Research Protection Office. Ethical approval was waived and informed consent was not required.All necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived.YesI understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).YesI have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines and uploaded the relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material as supplementary files, if applicable.YesData are not available. |
Use of standard, contact, and droplet precautions with eye protection for the prevention of severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission among home healthcare personnel in hospice and home healthcare settings-King and Snohomish counties, Washington, February-October 2020.
McMichael TM , Duca LM , Lewis J , Riedo FX , Wilde N , McDonald M , Spitters C , Wechkin HA . Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2022 44 (3) 1-4 Among EvergreenHealth Home Care Service professionals, no coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases were reported when they were instructed to use standard, contact, and droplet precautions with eye protection while providing home health care to patients diagnosed with laboratory-confirmed severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). These precautions might provide some level of protection against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among home healthcare personnel. |
Occupational exposures and mitigation strategies among homeless shelter workers at risk of COVID-19.
Rao CY , Robinson T , Huster K , Laws RL , Keating R , Tobolowsky FA , McMichael TM , Gonzales E , Mosites E . PLoS One 2021 16 (11) e0253108 OBJECTIVE: To describe the work environment and COVID-19 mitigation measures for homeless shelter workers and assess occupational risk factors for COVID-19. METHODS: Between June 9-August 10, 2020, we conducted a self-administered survey among homeless shelter workers in Washington, Massachusetts, Utah, Maryland, and Georgia. We calculated frequencies for work environment, personal protective equipment use, and SARS-CoV-2 testing history. We used generalized linear models to produce unadjusted prevalence ratios (PR) to assess risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: Of the 106 respondents, 43.4% reported frequent close contact with clients; 75% were worried about work-related SARS-CoV-2 infections; 15% reported testing positive. Close contact with clients was associated with testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (PR 3.97, 95%CI 1.06, 14.93). CONCLUSIONS: Homeless shelter workers may be at risk of being exposed to individuals with COVID-19 during the course of their work. Frequent close contact with clients was associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Protecting these critical essential workers by implementing mitigation measures and prioritizing for COVID-19 vaccination is imperative during the pandemic. |
Shelter Characteristics, Infection Prevention Practices, and Universal Testing for SARS-CoV-2 at Homeless Shelters in 7 US Urban Areas.
Self JL , Montgomery MP , Toews KA , Samuels EA , Imbert E , McMichael TM , Marx GE , Lohff C , Andrews T , Ghinai I , Mosites E . Am J Public Health 2021 111 (5) e1-e6 Objectives. To examine shelter characteristics and infection prevention practices in relation to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection point prevalence during universal testing at homeless shelters in the United States.Methods. SARS-CoV-2 testing was offered to clients and staff at homeless shelters, irrespective of symptoms. Site assessments were conducted from March 30 to June 1, 2020, to collect information on shelter characteristics and infection prevention practices. We assessed the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence and shelter characteristics, including 20 infection prevention practices by using crude risk ratios (RRs) and exact unconditional 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results. Site assessments and SARS-CoV-2 testing results were reported for 63 homeless shelters in 7 US urban areas. Median infection prevalence was 2.9% (range = 0%-71.4%). Shelters implementing head-to-toe sleeping and excluding symptomatic staff from working were less likely to have high infection prevalence (RR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.3, 0.8; and RR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.4, 0.6; respectively); shelters with medical services available were less likely to have very high infection prevalence (RR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.2, 1.0).Conclusions. Sleeping arrangements and staffing policies are modifiable factors that might be associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence in homeless shelters. Shelters should follow recommended practices to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print March 18, 2021: e1-e6. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306198). |
COVID-19 Outbreak Among Three Affiliated Homeless Service Sites - King County, Washington, 2020.
Tobolowsky FA , Gonzales E , Self JL , Rao CY , Keating R , Marx GE , McMichael TM , Lukoff MD , Duchin JS , Huster K , Rauch J , McLendon H , Hanson M , Nichols D , Pogosjans S , Fagalde M , Lenahan J , Maier E , Whitney H , Sugg N , Chu H , Rogers J , Mosites E , Kay M . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (17) 523-526 On March 30, 2020, Public Health - Seattle and King County (PHSKC) was notified of a confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a resident of a homeless shelter and day center (shelter A). Residents from two other homeless shelters (B and C) used shelter A's day center services. Testing for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was offered to available residents and staff members at the three shelters during March 30-April 1, 2020. Among the 181 persons tested, 19 (10.5%) had positive test results (15 residents and four staff members). On April 1, PHSKC and CDC collaborated to conduct site assessments and symptom screening, isolate ill residents and staff members, reinforce infection prevention and control practices, provide face masks, and advise on sheltering-in-place. Repeat testing was offered April 7-8 to all residents and staff members who were not tested initially or who had negative test results. Among the 118 persons tested in the second round of testing, 18 (15.3%) had positive test results (16 residents and two staff members). In addition to the 31 residents and six staff members identified through testing at the shelters, two additional cases in residents were identified during separate symptom screening events, and four were identified after two residents and two staff members independently sought health care. In total, COVID-19 was diagnosed in 35 of 195 (18%) residents and eight of 38 (21%) staff members who received testing at the shelter or were evaluated elsewhere. COVID-19 can spread quickly in homeless shelters; rapid interventions including testing and isolation to identify cases and minimize transmission are necessary. CDC recommends that homeless service providers implement appropriate infection control practices, apply physical distancing measures including ensuring resident's heads are at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart while sleeping, and promote use of cloth face coverings among all residents (1). |
Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Prevalence in Homeless Shelters - Four U.S. Cities, March 27-April 15, 2020.
Mosites E , Parker EM , Clarke KEN , Gaeta JM , Baggett TP , Imbert E , Sankaran M , Scarborough A , Huster K , Hanson M , Gonzales E , Rauch J , Page L , McMichael TM , Keating R , Marx GE , Andrews T , Schmit K , Morris SB , Dowling NF , Peacock G . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (17) 521-522 In the United States, approximately 1.4 million persons access emergency shelter or transitional housing each year (1). These settings can pose risks for communicable disease spread. In late March and early April 2020, public health teams responded to clusters (two or more cases in the preceding 2 weeks) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in residents and staff members from five homeless shelters in Boston, Massachusetts (one shelter); San Francisco, California (one); and Seattle, Washington (three). The investigations were performed in coordination with academic partners, health care providers, and homeless service providers. Investigations included reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction testing at commercial and public health laboratories for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, over approximately 1-2 weeks for residents and staff members at the five shelters. During the same period, the team in Seattle, Washington, also tested residents and staff members at 12 shelters where a single case in each had been identified. In Atlanta, Georgia, a team proactively tested residents and staff members at two shelters with no known COVID-19 cases in the preceding 2 weeks. In each city, the objective was to test all shelter residents and staff members at each assessed facility, irrespective of symptoms. Persons who tested positive were transported to hospitals or predesignated community isolation areas. |
COVID-19 in a Long-Term Care Facility - King County, Washington, February 27-March 9, 2020.
McMichael TM , Clark S , Pogosjans S , Kay M , Lewis J , Baer A , Kawakami V , Lukoff MD , Ferro J , Brostrom-Smith C , Riedo FX , Russell D , Hiatt B , Montgomery P , Rao AK , Currie DW , Chow EJ , Tobolowsky F , Bardossy AC , Oakley LP , Jacobs JR , Schwartz NG , Stone N , Reddy SC , Jernigan JA , Honein MA , Clark TA , Duchin JS . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (12) 339-342 On February 28, 2020, a case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was identified in a woman resident of a long-term care skilled nursing facility (facility A) in King County, Washington.* Epidemiologic investigation of facility A identified 129 cases of COVID-19 associated with facility A, including 81 of the residents, 34 staff members, and 14 visitors; 23 persons died. Limitations in effective infection control and prevention and staff members working in multiple facilities contributed to intra- and interfacility spread. COVID-19 can spread rapidly in long-term residential care facilities, and persons with chronic underlying medical conditions are at greater risk for COVID-19-associated severe disease and death. Long-term care facilities should take proactive steps to protect the health of residents and preserve the health care workforce by identifying and excluding potentially infected staff members and visitors, ensuring early recognition of potentially infected patients, and implementing appropriate infection control measures. |
Epidemiology of Covid-19 in a Long-Term Care Facility in King County, Washington.
McMichael TM , Currie DW , Clark S , Pogosjans S , Kay M , Schwartz NG , Lewis J , Baer A , Kawakami V , Lukoff MD , Ferro J , Brostrom-Smith C , Rea TD , Sayre MR , Riedo FX , Russell D , Hiatt B , Montgomery P , Rao AK , Chow EJ , Tobolowsky F , Hughes MJ , Bardossy AC , Oakley LP , Jacobs JR , Stone ND , Reddy SC , Jernigan JA , Honein MA , Clark TA , Duchin JS . N Engl J Med 2020 382 (21) 2005-2011 BACKGROUND: Long-term care facilities are high-risk settings for severe outcomes from outbreaks of Covid-19, owing to both the advanced age and frequent chronic underlying health conditions of the residents and the movement of health care personnel among facilities in a region. METHODS: After identification on February 28, 2020, of a confirmed case of Covid-19 in a skilled nursing facility in King County, Washington, Public Health-Seattle and King County, aided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, launched a case investigation, contact tracing, quarantine of exposed persons, isolation of confirmed and suspected cases, and on-site enhancement of infection prevention and control. RESULTS: As of March 18, a total of 167 confirmed cases of Covid-19 affecting 101 residents, 50 health care personnel, and 16 visitors were found to be epidemiologically linked to the facility. Most cases among residents included respiratory illness consistent with Covid-19; however, in 7 residents no symptoms were documented. Hospitalization rates for facility residents, visitors, and staff were 54.5%, 50.0%, and 6.0%, respectively. The case fatality rate for residents was 33.7% (34 of 101). As of March 18, a total of 30 long-term care facilities with at least one confirmed case of Covid-19 had been identified in King County. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of rapidly escalating Covid-19 outbreaks, proactive steps by long-term care facilities to identify and exclude potentially infected staff and visitors, actively monitor for potentially infected patients, and implement appropriate infection prevention and control measures are needed to prevent the introduction of Covid-19. |
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