Last data update: Apr 29, 2024. (Total: 46658 publications since 2009)
Records 1-10 (of 10 Records) |
Query Trace: Vang A [original query] |
---|
Mpox cases among cisgender women and pregnant persons - United States, May 11-November 7, 2022
Oakley LP , Hufstetler K , O'Shea J , Sharpe JD , McArdle C , Neelam V , Roth NM , Olsen EO , Wolf M , Pao LZ , Gold JAW , Davis KM , Perella D , Epstein S , Lash MK , Samson O , Pavlick J , Feldpausch A , Wallace J , Nambiar A , Ngo V , Halai UA , Richardson CW , Fowler T , Taylor BP , Chou J , Brandon L , Devasia R , Ricketts EK , Stockdale C , Roskosky M , Ostadkar R , Vang Y , Galang RR , Perkins K , Taylor M , Choi MJ , Weidle PJ , Dawson P , Ellington S . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (1) 9-14 Monkeypox (mpox) cases in the 2022 outbreak have primarily occurred among adult gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM); however, other populations have also been affected (1). To date, data on mpox in cisgender women and pregnant persons have been limited. Understanding transmission in these populations is critical for mpox prevention. In addition, among pregnant persons, Monkeypox virus can be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy or to the neonate through close contact during or after birth (2-5). Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including spontaneous abortion and stillbirth, have been reported in previous mpox outbreaks (3). During May 11-November 7, 2022, CDC and U.S. jurisdictional health departments identified mpox in 769 cisgender women aged ≥15 years, representing 2.7% of all reported mpox cases.(†) Among cases with available data, 44% occurred in cisgender women who were non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black), 25% who were non-Hispanic White (White), and 23% who were Hispanic or Latino (Hispanic). Among cisgender women with available data, 73% reported sexual activity or close intimate contact as the likely route of exposure, with mpox lesions most frequently reported on the legs, arms, and genitals. Twenty-three mpox cases were reported in persons who were pregnant or recently pregnant(§); all identified as cisgender women based on the mpox case report form.(¶) Four pregnant persons required hospitalization for mpox. Eleven pregnant persons received tecovirimat, and no adverse reactions were reported. Continued studies on mpox transmission risks in populations less commonly affected during the outbreak, including cisgender women and pregnant persons, are important to assess and understand the impact of mpox on sexual, reproductive, and overall health. |
SARS-CoV-2 Incidence in K-12 School Districts with Mask-Required Versus Mask-Optional Policies - Arkansas, August-October 2021.
Donovan CV , Rose C , Lewis KN , Vang K , Stanley N , Motley M , Brown CC , Gray FJJr , Thompson JW , Amick BC3rd , Williams ML , Thomas E , Neatherlin J , Zohoori N , Porter A , Cima M . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (10) 384-389 Masks are effective at limiting transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 (1), but the impact of policies requiring masks in school settings has not been widely evaluated (2-4). During fall 2021, some school districts in Arkansas implemented policies requiring masks for students in kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12). To identify any association between mask policies and COVID-19 incidence, weekly school-associated COVID-19 incidence in school districts with full or partial mask requirements was compared with incidence in districts without mask requirements during August 23-October 16, 2021. Three analyses were performed: 1) incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated comparing districts with full mask requirements (universal mask requirement for all students and staff members) or partial mask requirements (e.g., masks required in certain settings, among certain populations, or if specific criteria could not be met) with school districts with no mask requirement; 2) ratios of observed-to-expected numbers of cases, by district were calculated; and 3) incidence in districts that switched from no mask requirement to any mask requirement were compared before and after implementation of the mask policy. Mean weekly district-level attack rates were 92-359 per 100,000 persons in the community* and 137-745 per 100,000 among students and staff members; mean student and staff member vaccination coverage ranged from 13.5% to 18.6%. Multivariable adjusted IRRs, which included adjustment for vaccination coverage, indicated that districts with full mask requirements had 23% lower COVID-19 incidence among students and staff members compared with school districts with no mask requirements. Observed-to-expected ratios for full and partial mask policies were lower than ratios for districts with no mask policy but were slightly higher for districts with partial policies than for those with full mask policies. Among districts that switched from no mask requirement to any mask requirement (full or partial), incidence among students and staff members decreased by 479.7 per 100,000 (p<0.01) upon implementation of the mask policy. In areas with high COVID-19 community levels, masks are an important part of a multicomponent prevention strategy in K-12 settings (5). |
Participation in Fraternity and Sorority Activities and the Spread of COVID-19 Among Residential University Communities - Arkansas, August 21-September 5, 2020.
Vang KE , Krow-Lucal ER , James AE , Cima MJ , Kothari A , Zohoori N , Porter A , Campbell EM . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021 70 (1) 20-23 Preventing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), in colleges and universities requires mitigation strategies that address on- and off-campus congregate living settings as well as extracurricular activities and other social gatherings (1-4). At the start of the academic year, sorority and fraternity organizations host a series of recruitment activities known as rush week; rush week culminates with bid day, when selections are announced. At university A in Arkansas, sorority rush week (for women) was held during August 17-22, 2020, and consisted of on- and off-campus social gatherings, including an outdoor bid day event on August 22. Fraternity rush week (for men) occurred during August 27-31, with bid day scheduled for September 5. During August 22-September 5, university A-associated COVID-19 cases were reported to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH). A total of 965 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases associated with university A were identified, with symptom onset occurring during August 20-September 5, 2020; 31% of the patients with these cases reported involvement in any fraternity or sorority activity. Network analysis identified 54 gatherings among all linkages of cases to places of residence and cases to events, 49 (91%) were linked by participation in fraternity and sorority activities accounting for 42 (72%) links among gatherings. On September 4, university A banned gatherings of ≥10 persons, and fraternity bid day was held virtually. The rapid increase in COVID-19 cases was likely facilitated by on- and off-campus congregate living settings and activities, and health departments should work together with student organizations and university leadership to ensure compliance with mitigation measures. |
Multidisciplinary Community-Based Investigation of a COVID-19 Outbreak Among Marshallese and Hispanic/Latino Communities - Benton and Washington Counties, Arkansas, March-June 2020.
Center KE , Da Silva J , Hernandez AL , Vang K , Martin DW , Mazurek J , Lilo EA , Zimmerman NK , Krow-Lucal E , Campbell EM , Cowins JV , Walker C , Dominguez KL , Gallo B , Gunn JKL , McCormick D , Cochran C , Smith MR , Dillaha JA , James AE . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (48) 1807-1811 By June 2020, Marshallese and Hispanic or Latino (Hispanic) persons in Benton and Washington counties of Arkansas had received a disproportionately high number of diagnoses of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Despite representing approximately 19% of these counties' populations (1), Marshallese and Hispanic persons accounted for 64% of COVID-19 cases and 57% of COVID-19-associated deaths. Analyses of surveillance data, focus group discussions, and key-informant interviews were conducted to identify challenges and propose strategies for interrupting transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Challenges included limited native-language health messaging, high household occupancy, high employment rate in the poultry processing industry, mistrust of the medical system, and changing COVID-19 guidance. Reducing the COVID-19 incidence among communities that suffer disproportionately from COVID-19 requires strengthening the coordination of public health, health care, and community stakeholders to provide culturally and linguistically tailored public health education, community-based prevention activities, case management, care navigation, and service linkage. |
Multistate, population-based distributions of candidate vaccine targets, clonal complexes, and resistance features of invasive Group B Streptococci within the US: 2015-2017.
McGee L , Chochua S , Li Z , Mathis S , Rivers J , Metcalf B , Ryan A , Alden N , Farley MM , Harrison LH , Snippes Vagnone P , Lynfield R , Smelser C , Muse A , Thomas AR , Schrag S , Beall BW . Clin Infect Dis 2020 72 (6) 1004-1013 BACKGROUND: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis and an important cause of invasive infections in pregnant and nonpregnant adults. Vaccines targeting capsule polysaccharides and common proteins are under development. METHODS: Using whole genome sequencing (WGS), a validated bioinformatics pipeline, and targeted antimicrobial susceptibility testing, we characterized 6,340 invasive GBS recovered during 2015-2017 through population-based Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) in eight states. RESULTS: Six serotypes accounted for 98.4% of isolates (21.8% Ia, 17.6% V, 17.1% II, 15.6% III, 14.5% Ib, 11.8% IV). Most (94.2%) isolates were in eleven clonal complexes (CCs) comprised of multilocus sequence types (MLSTs) identical or closely related to STs 1, 8, 12, 17, 19, 22, 23, 28, 88, 452 and 459. Fifty-four isolates (0.87%) had point mutations within pbp2x associated with non-susceptibility to one or more beta-lactam antibiotics. Genes conferring resistance to macrolides and/or lincosamides were found in 56% of isolates; 85.2% of isolates had tetracycline resistance genes. Two isolates carrying vanG were vancomycin-nonsusceptible (MIC 2microg/ml). Nearly all isolates possessed capsule genes, 1-2 of the three main pilus gene clusters, and one of four homologous Alpha/Rib family determinants. Presence of hvgA virulence gene was primarily restricted to serotype III/CC17 isolates (465 isolates), but 8 exceptions (7 IV/CC452 and 1 IV/CC17) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This first comprehensive, population-based quantitation of strain features in the United States suggests current vaccine candidates should have good coverage. Beta-lactams remain appropriate for first line treatment and prophylaxis, but emergence of nonsusceptibility warrants ongoing monitoring. |
A case of Lassa fever diagnosed at a community hospital - Minnesota 2014
Choi MJ , Worku S , Knust B , Vang A , Lynfield R , Mount MR , Objio T , Brown S , Griffith J , Hulbert D , Lippold S , Ervin E , Stroher U , Holzbauer S , Slattery W , Washburn F , Harper J , Koeck M , Uher C , Rollin P , Nichol S , Else R , DeVries A . Open Forum Infect Dis 2018 5 (7) ofy131 Background: In April 2014, a 46-year-old returning traveler from Liberia was transported by emergency medical services to a community hospital in Minnesota with fever and altered mental status. Twenty-four hours later, he developed gingival bleeding. Blood samples tested positive for Lassa fever RNA by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Methods: Blood and urine samples were obtained from the patient and tested for evidence of Lassa fever virus infection. Hospital infection control personnel and health department personnel reviewed infection control practices with health care personnel. In addition to standard precautions, infection control measures were upgraded to include contact, droplet, and airborne precautions. State and federal public health officials conducted contract tracing activities among family contacts, health care personnel, and fellow airline travelers. Results: The patient was discharged from the hospital after 14 days. However, his recovery was complicated by the development of near complete bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Lassa virus RNA continued to be detected in his urine for several weeks after hospital discharge. State and federal public health authorities identified and monitored individuals who had contact with the patient while he was ill. No secondary cases of Lassa fever were identified among 75 contacts. Conclusions: Given the nonspecific presentation of viral hemorrhagic fevers, isolation of ill travelers and consistent implementation of basic infection control measures are key to preventing secondary transmission. When consistently applied, these measures can prevent secondary transmission even if travel history information is not obtained, not immediately available, or the diagnosis of a viral hemorrhagic fever is delayed. |
vanG element insertions within a conserved chromosomal site conferring vancomycin resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus anginosus
Srinivasan V , Metcalf BJ , Knipe KM , Ouattara M , McGee L , Shewmaker PL , Glennen A , Nichols M , Harris C , Brimmage M , Ostrowsky B , Park CJ , Schrag SJ , Frace MA , Sammons SA , Beall B . mBio 2014 5 (4) e01386-14 Three vancomycin-resistant streptococcal strains carrying vanG elements (two invasive Streptococcus agalactiae isolates [GBS-NY and GBS-NM, both serotype II and multilocus sequence type 22] and one Streptococcus anginosus [Sa]) were examined. The 45,585-bp elements found within Sa and GBS-NY were nearly identical (together designated vanG-1) and shared near-identity over an ~15-kb overlap with a previously described vanG element from Enterococcus faecalis. Unexpectedly, vanG-1 shared much less homology with the 49,321-bp vanG-2 element from GBS-NM, with widely different levels (50% to 99%) of sequence identity shared among 44 related open reading frames. Immediately adjacent to both vanG-1 and vanG-2 were 44,670-bp and 44,680-bp integrative conjugative element (ICE)-like sequences, designated ICE-r, that were nearly identical in the two group B streptococcal (GBS) strains. The dual vanG and ICE-r elements from both GBS strains were inserted at the same position, between bases 1328 and 1329, within the identical RNA methyltransferase (rumA) genes. A GenBank search revealed that although most GBS strains contained insertions within this specific site, only sequence type 22 (ST22) GBS strains contained highly related ICE-r derivatives. The vanG-1 element in Sa was also inserted within this position corresponding to its rumA homolog adjacent to an ICE-r derivative. vanG-1 insertions were previously reported within the same relative position in the E. faecalis rumA homolog. An ICE-r sequence perfectly conserved with respect to its counterpart in GBS-NY was apparent within the same site of the rumA homolog of a Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis strain. Additionally, homologous vanG-like elements within the conserved rumA target site were evident in Roseburia intestinalis. IMPORTANCE: These three streptococcal strains represent the first known vancomycin-resistant strains of their species. The collective observations made from these strains reveal a specific hot spot for insertional elements that is conserved between streptococci and different Gram-positive species. The two GBS strains potentially represent a GBS lineage that is predisposed to insertion of vanG elements. |
Measles outbreak associated with adopted children from China - Missouri, Minnesota, and Washington, July 2013
Nyangoma EN , Olson CK , Benoit SR , Bos J , Debolt C , Kay M , Rietberg K , Tasslimi A , Baker D , Feng X , Lippold S , Blumensaadt S , Schembri C , Vang A , Burke H , Wallace G , Zhou W . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2014 63 (14) 301-4 On July 5, 2013, CDC was notified of two cases of laboratory-confirmed measles in recently adopted children from an orphanage in Henan Province, China. To find potentially exposed persons, CDC collaborated with state and local health departments, the children's adoption agency, and airlines that carried the adoptees. Two additional measles cases were identified, one in a family member of an adoptee and one in a third adopted child from China. To prevent further importation of measles, CDC worked with health officials in China, including "panel physicians" contracted by the U.S. Department of State to conduct the overseas medical examinations required for all immigrants and refugees bound for the United States. The following measures were recommended: 1) all adoptees examined at panel physician facilities should be screened for fever and rash illness, 2) measles immunity should be ensured among all adoptees from Henan Province who are scheduled for imminent departure to the United States, and 3) all children at the orphanage in Henan Province should be evaluated for measles. This report summarizes the results of the outbreak investigation and underscores the importance of timely routine vaccination for all international adoptees. |
Thiamine deficiency, beriberi, and maternal and child health: why pharmacokinetics matter
Bowman BA , Pfeiffer CM , Barfield WD . Am J Clin Nutr 2013 98 (3) 635-6 In this issue of the Journal, Coats et al (1) describe short-term thiamine pharmacokinetics in nursing women from Cambodia who received a therapeutic course of oral thiamine for 5 d. Before supplementation, the mothers and infants were biochemically thiamine deficient. Treatment normalized thiamine status in the mothers but not in the infants, although thiamine concentrations in breast milk increased rapidly with supplementation. The authors characterized thiamine status in the mothers and their breastfed infants before and after thiamine administration and compared their findings with blood samples from healthy nursing American mothers who were age-matched to their Cambodian counterparts. The data provide important insights on the nutritional pathophysiology of thiamine depletion, repletion, and therapeutics and a sobering reminder that nutritional deficiency disease, including beriberi, persists as an important cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Several aspects of the study are worth further consideration, including the study design, the analytic approach used to assess thiamine status, and implications for global maternal and child health. | | This study adds to the limited literature on pharmacokinetic data for thiamine; most of the previously published data come from healthy, well-nourished subjects (2). Coats et al used a standard approach to examine thiamine disposition in 16 healthy nursing Cambodian women from a district in Prey Vang Province, where previous work showed endemic thiamine deficiency among mothers and infants (1, 3). The thiamine dose used (100 mg thiamine hydrochloride tablet/d for 5 d, 500 mg total), although far above the Recommended Dietary Allowance (1.4 mg/d for lactating women) and higher than the usual therapeutic regimen for “mild” thiamine deficiency (5–30 mg/d in single or divided doses for 1 mo), was similar to doses typically used for severe deficiency [≤300 mg/d (4)] and within the range used in a previous pharmacokinetics study (2). The present study shows high maternal bioavailability of this pharmacologic dose but only modest improvements in the thiamine status of the infants after 5 d of maternal treatment. The authors appropriately note that supplementation for longer periods or with higher or more frequent doses should be considered and, most importantly, that symptomatic infants should be treated directly (1). |
Impact of port of entry referrals on initiation of follow-up evaluations for immigrants with suspected tuberculosis: Illinois
Bell TR , Molinari NM , Blumensaadt S , Selent MU , Arbisi M , Shah N , Christiansen D , Philen R , Puesta B , Jones J , Lee D , Vang A , Cohen NJ . J Immigr Minor Health 2013 15 (4) 673-9 US-bound immigrants with suspected non-infectious TB are encouraged to be medically re-evaluated after arrival in the United States. We evaluated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's immigrant referral process, designed to facilitate timely post-arrival evaluations. Over 1,200 immigrants with suspected TB arriving during October 1, 2008-September 30, 2010 were identified. In 2011, differences in days to evaluation initiation were assessed by referral type using survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. Among those receiving any referral, median time to post-arrival evaluation was significantly lower compared with immigrants receiving no referral (16 vs. 69 days, respectively; p < 0.0001). After adjusting for the covariates, immigrants receiving any referral initiated follow-up at 4 times the rate (adjusted hazard ratio = 4.0; p < 0.0001) of those receiving no referral. Implementing a referral system at US ports of entry will improve timeliness and increase the proportion of immigrants initiating domestic evaluation. |
- Page last reviewed:Feb 1, 2024
- Page last updated:Apr 29, 2024
- Content source:
- Powered by CDC PHGKB Infrastructure