Last data update: May 06, 2024. (Total: 46732 publications since 2009)
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Query Trace: Toews KA[original query] |
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Notes from the Field: COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage Among Persons Experiencing Homelessness - Six U.S. Jurisdictions, December 2020-August 2021.
Montgomery MP , Meehan AA , Cooper A , Toews KA , Ghinai I , Schroeter MK , Gibbs R , Rehman N , Stylianou KS , Yeh D , Thomas-Campbell N , Washington NC , Brosnan HK , Chang AH , Gomih A , Ngo C , Vickery KD , Harrison B , Winkelman TNA , Gerstenfeld A , Zeilinger L , Mosites E . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (48) 1676-1678 COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported in homeless shelters across the United States (1). Many persons experiencing homelessness are older adults or persons with underlying medical conditions, placing them at increased risk for severe COVID-19–associated illness. The proportion of persons experiencing homelessness who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the United States is currently unknown. Many persons experiencing homelessness express a willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine (2,3). |
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). |
Risk Factors for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Homeless Shelters in Chicago, Illinois-March-May, 2020.
Ghinai I , Davis ES , Mayer S , Toews KA , Huggett TD , Snow-Hill N , Perez O , Hayden MK , Tehrani S , Landi AJ , Crane S , Bell E , Hermes JM , Desai K , Godbee M , Jhaveri N , Borah B , Cable T , Sami S , Nozicka L , Chang YS , Jagadish A , Chee M , Thigpen B , Llerena C , Tran M , Surabhi DM , Smith ED , Remus RG , Staszcuk R , Figueroa E , Leo P , Detmer WM , Lyon E , Carreon S , Hoferka S , Ritger KA , Jasmin W , Nagireddy P , Seo JY , Fricchione MJ , Kerins JL , Black SR , Butler LM , Howard K , McCauley M , Fraley T , Arwady MA , Gretsch S , Cunningham M , Pacilli M , Ruestow PS , Mosites E , Avery E , Longcoy J , Lynch EB , Layden JE . Open Forum Infect Dis 2020 7 (11) ofaa477 BACKGROUND: People experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but little is known about specific risk factors for infection within homeless shelters. METHODS: We performed widespread severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) polymerase chain reaction testing and collected risk factor information at all homeless shelters in Chicago with at least 1 reported case of COVID-19 (n = 21). Multivariable, mixed-effects log-binomial models were built to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for SARS-CoV-2 infection for both individual- and facility-level risk factors. RESULTS: During March 1 to May 1, 2020, 1717 shelter residents and staff were tested for SARS-CoV-2; 472 (27%) persons tested positive. Prevalence of infection was higher for residents (431 of 1435, 30%) than for staff (41 of 282, 15%) (prevalence ratio = 2.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78-3.58). The majority of residents with SARS-CoV-2 infection (293 of 406 with available information about symptoms, 72%) reported no symptoms at the time of specimen collection or within the following 2 weeks. Among residents, sharing a room with a large number of people was associated with increased likelihood of infection (aPR for sharing with >20 people compared with single rooms = 1.76; 95% CI, 1.11-2.80), and current smoking was associated with reduced likelihood of infection (aPR = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.60-0.85). At the facility level, a higher proportion of residents leaving and returning each day was associated with increased prevalence (aPR = 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.16), whereas an increase in the number of private bathrooms was associated with reduced prevalence (aPR for 1 additional private bathroom per 100 people = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.87-0.98). CONCLUSIONS: We identified a high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in homeless shelters. Reducing the number of residents sharing dormitories might reduce the likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection. When community transmission is high, limiting movement of persons experiencing homelessness into and out of shelters might also be beneficial. |
Characteristics of intracranial group a streptococcal infections in US children, 1997-2014
Link-Gelles R , Toews KA , Schaffner W , Edwards KM , Wright C , Beall B , Barnes B , Jewell B , Harrison LH , Kirley PD , Lorentzson L , Aragon D , Petit S , Bareta J , Spina NL , Cieslak PR , Van Beneden C . J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2018 9 (1) 30-35 Background: Few data on intracranial group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection in children are available. Here, we describe the demographic, clinical, and diagnostic characteristics of 91 children with intracranial GAS infection. Methods: Cases of intracranial GAS infection in persons </=18 years of age reported between 1997 and 2014 were identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's population- and laboratory-based Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) system. Medical charts were abstracted using a active, standardized case report form. All available isolates were emm typed. US census data were used to calculate rates. Results: ABCs identified 2596 children with invasive GAS infection over an 18-year period; 91 (3.5%) had an intracranial infection. Intracranial infections were most frequent during the winter months and among children aged <1 year. The average annual incidence was 0.07 cases per 100000 children. For 83 patients for whom information for further classification was available, the principal clinical presentations included meningitis (35 [42%]), intracranial infection after otitis media, mastoiditis, or sinusitis (34 [41%]), and ventriculoperitoneal shunt infection (14 [17%]). Seven (8%) of these infections progressed to streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. The overall case fatality rate was 15%. GAS emm types 1 (31% of available isolates) and 12 (13% of available isolates) were most common. Conclusions: Pediatric intracranial (GAS) infections are uncommon but often severe. Risk factors for intracranial GAS infection include the presence of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and contiguous infections in the middle ear or sinuses. |
Monitoring of persons with risk for exposure to Ebola virus - United States, November 3, 2014-December 27, 2015
Kabore HJ , Desamu-Thorpe R , Jean-Charles L , Toews KA , Avchen RN . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016 65 (49) 1401-1404 During November 3, 2014-December 27, 2015, CDC implemented guidance on movement and monitoring of persons in the United States with potential exposure to Ebola virus (Ebola) (1). Monitoring was concluded in December 2015. After CDC modified the guidance for monitoring travelers from Guinea (the last country for which monitoring of travelers was recommended) in late December 2015, jurisdictional reports were no longer collected by CDC. This report documents the number of persons monitored as part of the effort to isolate, test, and, if necessary, treat symptomatic travelers and other persons in the United States who had risk for exposure to Ebola during the period the guidance was in effect. Sixty jurisdictions, including all 50 states, two local jurisdictions, and eight territories and freely associated states, reported a total of 29,789 persons monitored, with >99% completing 21-day monitoring with no loss to follow-up exceeding 48 hours. No confirmed cases of imported Ebola were reported once monitoring was initiated. This landmark public health response demonstrates the robust infrastructure and sustained monitoring capacity of local, state, and territorial health authorities in the United States as a part of a response to an international public health emergency. |
A cluster of group A streptococcal infections in a skilled nursing facility-the potential role of healthcare worker presenteeism
Kobayashi M , Lyman MM , Francois Watkins LK , Toews KA , Bullard L , Radcliffe RA , Beall B , Langley G , Beneden CV , Stone ND . J Am Geriatr Soc 2016 64 (12) e279-e284 Objectives: To determine the extent of a group A streptococcus (GAS) cluster (2 residents with invasive GAS (invasive case-patients), 2 carriers) caused by a single strain (T antigen type 2 and M protein gene subtype 2.0 (T2, emm 2.0)), evaluate factors contributing to transmission, and provide recommendations for disease control. Design: Cross-sectional analysis and retrospective review. Setting: Skilled nursing facility (SNF). Participants: SNF residents and staff. Measurements: The initial cluster was identified through laboratory notification and screening of SNF residents with wounds. Laboratory and SNF administrative records were subsequently reviewed to identify additional residents with GAS, oropharyngeal and wound (if present) swabs were collected from SNF staff and residents to examine GAS colonization, staff were surveyed to assess infection control practices and risk factors for GAS colonization, epidemiologic links between case-patients and persons colonized with GAS were determined, and facility infection control practices were assessed. Results: No additional invasive case-patients were identified. Oropharyngeal swabs obtained from all 167 SNF residents were negative; one wound swab grew GAS that was the same as the outbreak strain (T2, emm 2.0). The outbreak strain was not identified in any of the 162 staff members. One of six staff members diagnosed with GAS pharyngitis worked while ill and had direct contact with invasive case-patients within a few weeks before their onset of symptoms. Additional minor breaches in infection control were noted. Conclusion: Sick healthcare workers may have introduced GAS into the SNF, with propagation by infection control lapses. "Presenteeism," or working while ill, may introduce and transmit GAS to vulnerable in SNF populations. Identification of an invasive GAS case-patient should trigger a prompt response by facilities to prevent further transmission and workplace culture, and policies should be in place to discourage presenteeism in healthcare settings. |
Epidemiology of Invasive Group A Streptococcal Infections in the United States, 2005-2012
Nelson GE , Pondo T , Toews KA , Farley MM , Lindegren ML , Lynfield R , Aragon D , Zansky SM , Watt JP , Cieslak PR , Angeles K , Harrison LH , Petit S , Beall B , Van Beneden CA . Clin Infect Dis 2016 63 (4) 478-86 BACKGROUND: Invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections cause significant morbidity and mortality. We report the epidemiology and trends of invasive GAS over 8 years of surveillance. METHODS: From January 2005 through December 2012, we collected data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs), a population-based network of 10 geographically diverse U.S. sites (2012 population, 32.8 million). We defined invasive GAS as isolation of GAS from a normally sterile site or from a wound in a patient with necrotizing fasciitis (NF) or streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS). Available isolates were emm typed. We calculated rates and made age- and race-adjusted national projections using census data. RESULTS: We identified 9557 cases (3.8 cases per 100,000 persons per year) with 1116 deaths (case-fatality ratio [CFR]: 11.7%). CFRs for septic shock, STSS and NF were 45%, 38%, and 29%, respectively. Annual incidence was highest among persons aged ≥65 years (9.4 per 100,000), persons aged <1 year (5.3), and blacks (4.7). National rates remained steady over 8 years of surveillance. Factors independently associated with death included increasing age, residence in a nursing home, recent surgery, septic shock, NF, meningitis, isolated bacteremia, pneumonia, emm type 1 or 3, and underlying chronic illness or immunosuppression. An estimated 10,649-13,434 cases of invasive GAS infections occur in the U.S. annually, resulting in 1,136-1,607 deaths. emm types in a 30-valent M-protein vaccine accounted for 91% of isolates. CONCLUSIONS: The burden of invasive GAS infection in the U.S. remains substantial. Vaccines under development could have a considerable public health impact. |
Active bacterial core surveillance for Legionellosis - United States, 2011-2013
Dooling KL , Toews KA , Hicks LA , Garrison LE , Bachaus B , Zansky S , Carpenter LR , Schaffner B , Parker E , Petit S , Thomas A , Thomas S , Mansmann R , Morin C , White B , Langley GE . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2015 64 (42) 1190-3 During 2000-2011, passive surveillance for legionellosis in the United States demonstrated a 249% increase in crude incidence, although little was known about the clinical course and method of diagnosis. In 2011, a system of active, population-based surveillance for legionellosis was instituted through CDC's Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) program. Overall disease rates were similar in both the passive and active systems, but more complete demographic information and additional clinical and laboratory data were only available from ABCs. ABCs data during 2011-2013 showed that approximately 44% of patients with legionellosis required intensive care, and 9% died. Disease incidence was higher among blacks than whites and was 10 times higher in New York than California. Laboratory data indicated a reliance on urinary antigen testing, which only detects Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (Lp1). ABCs data highlight the severity of the disease, the need to better understand racial and regional differences, and the need for better diagnostic testing to detect infections. |
Investigation of a prolonged group A streptococcal outbreak among residents of a skilled nursing facility, Georgia, 2009-2012
Dooling KL , Crist MB , Nguyen DB , Bass J , Lorentzson L , Toews KA , Pondo T , Stone ND , Beall B , Van Beneden C . Clin Infect Dis 2013 57 (11) 1562-7 BACKGROUND: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) is an important bacterial cause of life-threatening illness among the elderly. Public health officials investigated a protracted GAS outbreak in a skilled nursing facility in Georgia housing patients requiring 24-hour nursing or rehabilitation, to prevent additional cases. METHODS: We defined a case as illness in a skilled nursing facility resident with onset after January 2009 with GAS isolated from a usually sterile (invasive) or nonsterile site (noninvasive). Cases were "recurrent" if >1 month elapsed between episodes. We evaluated infection control practices, performed a GAS carriage study, emm-typed available GAS isolates, and conducted a case-control study of risk factors for infection. RESULTS: Three investigations, spanning 36 months, identified 19 residents with a total of 24 GAS infections: 15 invasive (3 recurrent) and 9 noninvasive (2 recurrent) episodes. All invasive cases required hospitalization; 4 patients died. Seven residents were GAS carriers. All invasive cases and resident carrier isolates were type emm 11.0. We observed hand hygiene lapses, inadequate infection documentation, and more frequent wound care staff turnover on wing A versus wing B. Risk factors associated with infection in multivariable analysis included living on wing A (odds ratio [OR], 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], .9-16.4) and having an indwelling line (OR, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.2-36.4). Cases ceased following facility-wide chemoprophylaxis in July 2012. CONCLUSIONS: Staff turnover, compromised skin integrity in residents, a suboptimal infection control program, and lack of awareness of infections likely contributed to continued GAS transmission. In widespread, prolonged GAS outbreaks in skilled nursing facilities, facility-wide chemoprophylaxis may be necessary to prevent sustained person-to-person transmission. |
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