Last data update: May 13, 2024. (Total: 46773 publications since 2009)
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Large community outbreak of legionnaires disease potentially associated with a cooling tower - Napa County, California, 2022
Grossmann NV , Milne C , Martinez MR , Relucio K , Sadeghi B , Wiley EN , Holland SN , Rutschmann S , Vugia DJ , Kimura A , Crain C , Akter F , Mukhopadhyay R , Crandall J , Shorrock M , Smith JC , Prasad N , Kahn R , Barskey AE , Lee S , Willby MJ , Kozak-Muiznieks NA , Lucas CE , Henderson KC , Hamlin JAP , Yang E , Clemmons NS , Ritter T , Henn J . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (49) 1315-1320 Legionnaires disease is a serious infection acquired by inhalation of water droplets from human-made building water systems that contain Legionella bacteria. On July 11 and 12, 2022, Napa County Public Health (NCPH) in California received reports of three positive urinary antigen tests for Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 in the town of Napa. By July 21, six Legionnaires disease cases had been confirmed among Napa County residents, compared with a baseline of one or two cases per year. NCPH requested assistance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and CDC to aid in the investigations. Close temporal and geospatial clustering permitted a focused environmental sampling strategy of high-risk facilities which, coupled with whole genome sequencing results from samples and investigation of water system maintenance, facilitated potential linking of the outbreak with an environmental source. NCPH, with technical support from CDC and CDPH, instructed and monitored remediation practices for all environmental locations that tested positive for Legionella. The investigation response to this community outbreak illustrates the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration by public health agencies, laboratory support, timely communication with the public, and cooperation of managers of potentially implicated water systems. Timely identification of possible sources, sampling, and remediation of any facility testing positive for Legionella is crucial to interrupting further transmission. |
Notes from the Field: The National Wastewater Surveillance System's Centers of Excellence contributions to public health action during the respiratory virus season - four U.S. Jurisdictions, 2022-23
Valencia D , Yu AT , Wheeler A , Hopkins L , Pray I , Horter L , Vugia DJ , Matzinger S , Stadler L , Kloczko N , Welton M , Bertsch-Merbach S , Domakonda K , Antkiewicz D , Turner H , Crain C , Mulenga A , Shafer M , Owiti J , Schneider R , Janssen KH , Wolfe MK , McClellan SL , Boehm AB , Roguet A , White B , Schussman MK , Rane MS , Hemming J , Collins C , Abram A , Burnor E , Westergaard R , Ricaldi JN , Person J , Fehrenbach N . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2023 72 (48) 1309-1312 Wastewater surveillance (WWS), the systematic detection of infectious agents in wastewater, provided a valuable tool for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 circulation during the COVID-19 pandemic; surveillance has expanded from 20 to 53 jurisdictions across the United States, with increasing capacity to test for more respiratory pathogens (1,2). This report highlights the use of wastewater data by the four National Wastewater Surveillance System’s (NWSS) Centers of Excellence (California; Colorado; Houston, Texas; and Wisconsin) to guide public health action during the 2022–23 respiratory disease season. This activity was reviewed by CDC, deemed not research, and was conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.* |
Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter infections in the United States, 2005-2018
Ford L , Healy JM , Cui Z , Ahart L , Medalla F , Ray LC , Reynolds J , Laughlin ME , Vugia DJ , Hanna S , Bennett C , Chen J , Rose EB , Bruce BB , Payne DC , Francois Watkins LK . Open Forum Infect Dis 2023 10 (8) ofad378 BACKGROUND: Campylobacter is the most common cause of bacterial diarrhea in the United States; resistance to macrolides and fluoroquinolones limits treatment options. We examined the epidemiology of US Campylobacter infections and changes in resistance over time. METHODS: The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network receives information on laboratory-confirmed Campylobacter cases from 10 US sites, and the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System receives a subset of isolates from these cases for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We estimated trends in incidence of Campylobacter infection, adjusting for sex, age, and surveillance changes attributable to culture-independent diagnostic tests. We compared percentages of isolates resistant to erythromycin or ciprofloxacin during 2005-2016 with 2017-2018 and used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association of international travel with resistance. RESULTS: Adjusted Campylobacter incidence remained stable or decreased for all groups analyzed since 2012. Among 2449 linked records in 2017-2018, the median patient age was 40.2 years (interquartile range, 21.6-57.8 years), 54.8% of patients were male, 17.2% were hospitalized, and 0.2% died. The percentage of resistant infections increased from 24.5% in 2005-2016 to 29.7% in 2017-2018 for ciprofloxacin (P < .001) and from 2.6% to 3.3% for erythromycin (P = .04). Persons with recent international travel had higher odds than nontravelers of having isolates resistant to ciprofloxacin (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] varied from 1.7 to 10.6 by race/ethnicity) and erythromycin (aOR = 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-2.1). CONCLUSIONS: Campylobacter incidence has remained stable or decreased, whereas resistance to antimicrobials recommended for treatment has increased. Recent international travel increased the risk of resistance. |
Wastewater Surveillance for Monkeypox Virus in Nine California Communities (preprint)
Wolfe MK , Yu AT , Duong D , Rane MS , Hughes B , Chan-Herur V , Donnelly M , Chai S , White BJ , Vugia DJ , Boehm AB . medRxiv 2022 09 Background: Wastewater represents a composite biological sample from the entire contributing population. People infected with monkeypox virus (MPXV)1 may excrete viral DNA into wastewater via multiple ways such as in feces, urine, skin lesions, and/or saliva. We describe results from rapid establishment of wastewater surveillance in selected regions in California within a month of the first reported case of monkeypox in the United States. Method(s): PCR assays targeting genomic DNA from MPXV were deployed in an ongoing wastewater surveillance program in California. MPXV DNA concentrations were measured daily in settled solids samples from nine wastewater plants. Results over a four-week period were validated across different MPXV assays, compared using influent and solids samples, and correlated using non-parametric methods (Kendall's tau) with the number of monkeypox cases reported from each sewershed. Result(s): MPXV DNA was detected at all nine sites between June 19 and August 1, 2022; 5 of 9 sites detected MPXV DNA prior to or within a day of the first case identified in the source sewershed. At the four sites with >10 positive detections, we observed a positive, statistically significant correlation (p <0.001) between MPXV DNA in wastewater solids and incidence rate of reported cases. Conclusion(s): Our findings suggest wastewater can be used to effectively detect the introduction of MPXV and monitor its circulation in the community to inform public health and clinical response. This flexible wastewater surveillance infrastructure may be rapidly leveraged to monitor other pathogens of public health importance that are shed into wastewater. Copyright The copyright holder for this preprint is the author/funder, who has granted medRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under a CC-BY-ND 4.0 International license. |
Risk factors for non-O157 shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections, United States
Marder EP , Cui Z , Bruce BB , Richardson LC , Boyle MM , Cieslak PR , Comstock N , Lathrop S , Garman K , McGuire S , Olson D , Vugia DJ , Wilson S , Griffin PM , Medus C . Emerg Infect Dis 2023 29 (6) 1183-1190 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes acute diarrheal illness. To determine risk factors for non-O157 STEC infection, we enrolled 939 patients and 2,464 healthy controls in a case-control study conducted in 10 US sites. The highest population-attributable fractions for domestically acquired infections were for eating lettuce (39%), tomatoes (21%), or at a fast-food restaurant (23%). Exposures with 10%-19% population attributable fractions included eating at a table service restaurant, eating watermelon, eating chicken, pork, beef, or iceberg lettuce prepared in a restaurant, eating exotic fruit, taking acid-reducing medication, and living or working on or visiting a farm. Significant exposures with high individual-level risk (odds ratio >10) among those >1 year of age who did not travel internationally were all from farm animal environments. To markedly decrease the number of STEC-related illnesses, prevention measures should focus on decreasing contamination of produce and improving the safety of foods prepared in restaurants. |
Use of Wastewater for Mpox Outbreak Surveillance in California.
Wolfe MK , Yu AT , Duong D , Rane MS , Hughes B , Chan-Herur V , Donnelly M , Chai S , White BJ , Vugia DJ , Boehm AB . N Engl J Med 2023 388 (6) 570-572 In May 2022, cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) virus (MPXV) infection were reported outside regions in Africa where it is endemic. The global spread of MPXV infection, coupled with evidence of human-to-human transmission of a typically zoonotic disease, triggered a rapid scale-up of public health response, including surveillance to identify cases and guide local response.1 However, access to and use of testing has been limited due in part to social stigma, difficulty recognizing a disease that is relatively new outside Africa, and potential for minimally symptomatic cases. A complementary surveillance approach that is independent of individual testing is through monitoring of wastewater, which represents a composite biologic sample from a community. The presence and concentration of pathogens that are shed into wastewater provide information about disease without the need for any involvement at the individual level, thereby offering an attractive means of attaining situational awareness for public health agencies and clinicians. |
Preliminary Incidence and Trends of Infections Caused by Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food - Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2016-2021.
Collins JP , Shah HJ , Weller DL , Ray LC , Smith K , McGuire S , Trevejo RT , Jervis RH , Vugia DJ , Rissman T , Garman KN , Lathrop S , LaClair B , Boyle MM , Harris S , Kufel JZ , Tauxe RV , Bruce BB , Rose EB , Griffin PM , Payne DC . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (40) 1260-1264 To evaluate progress toward prevention of enteric infections in the United States, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) conducts active population-based surveillance for laboratory-diagnosed infections caused by Campylobacter, Cyclospora, Listeria, Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia at 10 U.S. sites. This report summarizes preliminary 2021 data and describes changes in annual incidence compared with the average annual incidence for 2016-2018, the reference period for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Healthy People 2030 goals for some pathogens (1). During 2021, the incidence of infections caused by Salmonella decreased, incidence of infections caused by Cyclospora, Yersinia, and Vibrio increased, and incidence of infections caused by other pathogens did not change. As in 2020, behavioral modifications and public health interventions implemented to control the COVID-19 pandemic might have decreased transmission of enteric infections (2). Other factors (e.g., increased use of telemedicine and continued increase in use of culture-independent diagnostic tests [CIDTs]) might have altered their detection or reporting (2). Much work remains to achieve HHS Healthy People 2030 goals, particularly for Salmonella infections, which are frequently attributed to poultry products and produce, and Campylobacter infections, which are frequently attributed to chicken products (3). |
Notes from the field: Coccidioidomycosis outbreak among wildland firefighters - California, 2021
Donnelly MAP , Maffei D , Sondermeyer Cooksey GL , Ferguson TJ , Jain S , Vugia D , Materna BL , Kamali A . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (34) 1095-1096 Coccidioidomycosis, also known as Valley fever, is caused by inhalation of spores of the soil-dwelling fungi Coccidioides spp. Although most illness is mild, coccidioidomycosis can cause severe disease resulting in hospitalization or death. On July 28, 2021, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) notified the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) of seven wildland firefighters from two crews who had respiratory illness. Crew A (19 members) and crew B (21 members) had worked on wildfires in late June 2021 near the Tehachapi Mountains, a California region with historically high coccidioidomycosis incidence.* Among the seven symptomatic firefighters, three cases of coccidioidomycosis were laboratory-confirmed; two patients developed severe disease. All three firefighters with confirmed coccidioidomycosis reported working in dusty conditions without wearing respiratory protection. Because no vaccine for coccidioidomycosis currently exists, correct use of respiratory protection is important for preventing coccidioidomycosis, especially in regions with high disease incidence. |
Inadequate refrigeration of some commercial foods is a continued cause of foodborne botulism in the United States, 1994-2021
Edmunds S , Vugia DJ , Rosen HE , Wong KK , Dykes JK , Griffin PM , Chatham-Stephens K . Foodborne Pathog Dis 2022 19 (6) 417-422 Foodborne botulism is a rapidly progressive potentially fatal paralyzing illness caused by the consumption of botulinum neurotoxin, which is most commonly produced by Clostridium botulinum. Refrigeration is the primary barrier to botulinum neurotoxin production in many processed foods. C. botulinum toxin production has occurred and caused botulism in the United States when foods that were not processed to destroy spores of C. botulinum were stored in an anaerobic environment and not properly refrigerated. We identified 37 cases, including 4 deaths, that occurred during 1994-2021 in the United States from 13 events associated with inadequate refrigeration of commercially produced products. In 11 events, the patient stored the product unrefrigerated at home; in 2 events, a product was kept unrefrigerated at the store before the consumer purchased it. In three events, refrigeration instructions were inadequate or not easily accessible (one label printed on outer but not inner packaging, one label not clearly visible, and one label was not in English). The number of people affected per event ranged from 1 to 16. Using enhanced cost estimates for foodborne botulism cases from a published economic model, these events were estimated to cost >$79M. Potential solutions to this recurring problem include the addition of a secondary barrier, such as an acidifier, to prevent botulinum toxin production, and better labeling to convey risks of refrigerated foods that have not been processed to destroy spores of C. botulinum and to decrease the occurrence of improper storage and handling. |
Notes from the Field: Early Evidence of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) Variant in Community Wastewater - United States, November-December 2021.
Kirby AE , Welsh RM , Marsh ZA , Yu AT , Vugia DJ , Boehm AB , Wolfe MK , White BJ , Matzinger SR , Wheeler A , Bankers L , Andresen K , Salatas C , Gregory DA , Johnson MC , Trujillo M , Kannoly S , Smyth DS , Dennehy JJ , Sapoval N , Ensor K , Treangen T , Stadler LB , Hopkins L . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022 71 (3) 103-105 The United States designated the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant of SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) a variant of concern on November 30, 2021, and the first U.S. Omicron COVID-19 case was reported on December 1 (1). By December 18, Omicron was estimated to account for 37.9% of U.S. COVID-19 cases.* Early warning systems, such as sewage (wastewater) surveillance,† can help track the spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants across communities (2). | | The National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS) comprises 43 health departments funded by CDC to provide data on presence of and trends in SARS-CoV-2 infections that are independent of clinical testing. In addition to total SARS-CoV-2 testing, some health departments track SARS-CoV-2 variants by detecting variant-associated mutations in wastewater. Health departments in four states (California, Colorado, New York, and Texas) were the first wastewater surveillance programs to detect evidence of Omicron in community wastewater. This report describes the initial detections in wastewater during November 21–December 16, 2021, and the interpretative framework for these types of data. This activity was reviewed by CDC and was conducted consistent with applicable federal law and CDC policy.§ |
Coccidioidomycosis outbreak among inmate wildland firefighters: California, 2017
Laws RL , Jain S , Cooksey GS , Mohle-Boetani J , McNary J , Wilken J , Harrison R , Leistikow B , Vugia DJ , Windham GC , Materna BL . Am J Ind Med 2021 64 (4) 266-273 BACKGROUND: In California, state prison inmates are employed to fight wildfires, which involves performing soil-disrupting work. Wildfires have become more common, including areas where Coccidioides, the soil-dwelling fungus that causes coccidioidomycosis, proliferates. However, work practices that place wildland firefighters at risk for coccidioidomycosis have not been investigated. METHODS: On August 17, 2017, the California Department of Public Health was notified of a cluster of coccidioidomycosis cases among Wildfire A inmate wildland firefighters. We collected data through medical record abstraction from suspected case-patients and mailed a survey assessing potential job task risk factors to Wildfire A inmate firefighters. We described respondent characteristics and conducted a retrospective case-control investigation to assess coccidioidomycosis risk factors. RESULTS: Among 198 inmate firefighters who worked on Wildfire A, 112 (57%) completed the survey. Of 10 case-patients (four clinical and six laboratory-confirmed), two were hospitalized. In the case-control analysis of 71 inmate firefighters, frequently cutting fire lines with a McLeod tool (odds ratio [OR]: 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-37.2) and being in a dust cloud or storm (OR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.1-17.4) were associated with illness. Two of 112 inmate firefighters reported receiving coccidioidomycosis training; none reported wearing respiratory protection on this wildfire. CONCLUSIONS: Wildland firefighters who use hand tools and work in dusty conditions where Coccidioides proliferates are at risk for coccidioidomycosis. Agencies that employ them should provide training about coccidioidomycosis and risk reduction, limit dust exposure, and implement respiratory protection programs that specify where respirator use is feasible and appropriate. |
Outbreak of norovirus illness among wildfire evacuation shelter populations - Butte and Glenn Counties, California, November 2018
Karmarkar E , Jain S , Higa J , Fontenot J , Bertolucci R , Huynh T , Hammer G , Brodkin A , Thao M , Brousseau B , Hopkins D , Kelly E , Sheffield M , Henley S , Whittaker H , Herrick RL , Pan CY , Chen A , Kim J , Schaumleffel L , Khwaja Z , Epson E , Chai SJ , Wadford D , Vugia D , Lewis L . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (20) 613-617 The Camp Fire, California's deadliest wildfire, began November 8, 2018, and was extinguished November 25 (1). Approximately 1,100 evacuees from the fire sought emergency shelter. On November 10, acute gastroenteritis (AGE) was reported in two evacuation shelters; norovirus illness was suspected, because it is commonly detected in shelter-associated AGE outbreaks. Norovirus is highly contagious and resistant to several disinfectants. Butte County Public Health Department (BCPHD), assisted by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), initiated active surveillance to identify cases, confirm the etiology, and assess shelter infection prevention and control (IPC) practices to guide recommendations. During November 8-30, a total of 292 patients with AGE were identified among nine evacuation shelters; norovirus was detected in 16 of 17 unique patient stool specimens. Shelter IPC assessments revealed gaps in illness surveillance, isolation practices, cleaning, disinfection, and handwashing. CDPH and BCPHD collaborated with partner agencies to implement AGE screening, institute isolation protocols and 24-hour cleaning services, and promote proper hand hygiene. During disasters with limited resources, damaged infrastructure, and involvement of multiple organizations, establishing shelter disease surveillance and IPC is difficult. However, prioritizing effective surveillance and IPC at shelter activation is necessary to prevent, identify, and contain outbreaks. |
Preliminary incidence and trends of infections with pathogens transmitted commonly through food - Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. sites, 2016-2019
Tack DM , Ray L , Griffin PM , Cieslak PR , Dunn J , Rissman T , Jervis R , Lathrop S , Muse A , Duwell M , Smith K , Tobin-D'Angelo M , Vugia DJ , Zablotsky Kufel J , Wolpert BJ , Tauxe R , Payne DC . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020 69 (17) 509-514 To evaluate progress toward prevention of enteric illnesses, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) of CDC's Emerging Infections Program monitors the incidence of laboratory-diagnosed infections caused by eight pathogens transmitted commonly through food at 10 U.S. sites.* This report summarizes preliminary 2019 data and describes changes in incidence compared with that during 2016-2018. The incidence of enteric infections caused by these eight pathogens reported by FoodNet sites in 2019 continued to increase or remained unchanged, indicating progress in controlling major foodborne pathogens in the United States has stalled. Campylobacter and Salmonella caused the largest proportion of illnesses; trends in incidence varied by Salmonella serotype. Widespread adoption of whole genome sequencing (WGS) of bacteria has improved the ability to identify outbreaks, emerging strains, and sources of pathogens. To maximize the potential of WGS to link illnesses to particular sources, testing of isolates by clinical and public health laboratories is needed. Reductions in Salmonella serotype Typhimurium suggest that targeted interventions (e.g., vaccinating chickens and other food animals) might decrease human infections. Reducing contamination during food production, processing, and preparation will require more widespread implementation of known prevention measures and of new strategies that target particular pathogens and serotypes. |
Disparities in shigellosis incidence by census tract poverty, crowding, and race/ethnicity in the United States, FoodNet, 2004-2014
Libby T , Clogher P , Wilson E , Oosmanally N , Boyle M , Eikmeier D , Nicholson C , McGuire S , Cieslak P , Golwalkar M , Geissler A , Vugia D . Open Forum Infect Dis 2020 7 (2) ofaa030 Background: Shigella causes an estimated 500 000 enteric illnesses in the United States annually, but the association with socioeconomic factors is unclear. Methods: We examined possible epidemiologic associations between shigellosis and poverty using 2004-2014 Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) data. Shigella cases (n = 21 246) were geocoded, linked to Census tract data from the American Community Survey, and categorized into 4 poverty and 4 crowding strata. For each stratum, we calculated incidence by sex, age, race/ethnicity, and FoodNet site. Using negative binomial regression, we estimated incidence rate ratios (IRRs) comparing the highest to lowest stratum. Results: Annual FoodNet Shigella incidence per 100 000 population was higher among children <5 years old (19.0), blacks (7.2), and Hispanics (5.6) and was associated with Census tract poverty (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 3.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.5-3.8) and household crowding (IRR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.7-1.9). The association with poverty was strongest among children and persisted regardless of sex, race/ethnicity, or geographic location. After controlling for demographic variables, the association between shigellosis and poverty remained significant (IRR, 2.3; 95% CI, 2.0-2.6). Conclusions: In the United States, Shigella infections are epidemiologically associated with poverty, and increased incidence rates are observed among young children, blacks, and Hispanics. |
Surveillance for coccidioidomycosis - United States, 2011-2017
Benedict K , McCotter OZ , Brady S , Komatsu K , Sondermeyer Cooksey GL , Nguyen A , Jain S , Vugia DJ , Jackson BR . MMWR Surveill Summ 2019 68 (7) 1-15 PROBLEM/CONDITION: Coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever) is an infection caused by the environmental fungus Coccidioides spp., which typically causes respiratory illness but also can lead to disseminated disease. This fungus typically lives in soils in warm, arid regions, including the southwestern United States. REPORTING PERIOD: 2011-2017. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: Coccidioidomycosis has been nationally notifiable since 1995 and is reportable in 26 states and the District of Columbia (DC), where laboratories and physicians notify local and state public health departments about possible coccidioidomycosis cases. Health department staff determine which cases qualify as confirmed cases according to the definition established by Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists and voluntarily submit basic case information to CDC through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. RESULTS: During 2011-2017, a total of 95,371 coccidioidomycosis cases from 26 states and DC were reported to CDC. The number of cases decreased from 2011 (22,634 cases) to 2014 (8,232 cases) and subsequently increased to 14,364 cases in 2017; >95% of cases were reported from Arizona and California. Reported incidence in Arizona decreased from 261 per 100,000 persons in 2011 to 101 in 2017, whereas California incidence increased from 15.7 to 18.2, and other state incidence rates stayed relatively constant. Patient demographic characteristics were largely consistent with previous years, with an overall predominance among males and among adults aged >60 years in Arizona and adults aged 40-59 years in California. INTERPRETATION: Coccidioidomycosis remains an important national public health problem with a well-established geographic focus. The reasons for the changing trends in reported cases are unclear but might include environmental factors (e.g., temperature and precipitation), surveillance artifacts, land use changes, and changes in the population at risk for the infection. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION: Health care providers should consider a diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis in patients who live or work in or have traveled to areas with known geographic risk for Coccidioides and be aware that those areas might be broader than previously recognized. Coccidioidomycosis surveillance provides important information about the epidemiology of the disease but is incomplete both in terms of geographic coverage and data availability. Expanding surveillance to additional states could help identify emerging areas that pose a risk for locally acquired infections. In Arizona and California, where most cases occur, collecting systematic enhanced data, such as more detailed patient characteristics and disease severity, could help clarify the reasons behind the recent changes in incidence and identify additional opportunities for focused prevention and educational efforts. |
A multistate outbreak of E Coli O157:H7 infections linked to soy nut butter
Hassan R , Seelman S , Peralta V , Booth H , Tewell M , Melius B , Whitney B , Sexton R , Dwarka A , Vugia D , Vidanes J , Kiang D , Gonzales E , Dowell N , Olson SM , Gladney LM , Jhung MA , Neil KP . Pediatrics 2019 144 (4) BACKGROUND: In 2017, we conducted a multistate investigation to determine the source of an outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7 infections, which occurred primarily in children. METHODS: We defined a case as infection with an outbreak strain of STEC O157:H7 with illness onset between January 1, 2017, and April 30, 2017. Case patients were interviewed to identify common exposures. Traceback and facility investigations were conducted; food samples were tested for STEC. RESULTS: We identified 32 cases from 12 states. Twenty-six (81%) cases occurred in children <18 years old; 8 children developed hemolytic uremic syndrome. Twenty-five (78%) case patients ate the same brand of soy nut butter or attended facilities that served it. We identified 3 illness subclusters, including a child care center where person-to-person transmission may have occurred. Testing isolated an outbreak strain from 11 soy nut butter samples. Investigations identified violations of good manufacturing practices at the soy nut butter manufacturing facility with opportunities for product contamination, although the specific route of contamination was undetermined. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation identified soy nut butter as the source of a multistate outbreak of STEC infections affecting mainly children. The ensuing recall of all soy nut butter products the facility manufactured, totaling >1.2 million lb, likely prevented additional illnesses. Prompt diagnosis of STEC infections and appropriate specimen collection aids in outbreak detection. Child care providers should follow appropriate hygiene practices to prevent secondary spread of enteric illness in child care settings. Firms should manufacture ready-to-eat foods in a manner that minimizes the risk of contamination. |
Notes from the Field: Fatal Naegleria fowleri meningoencephalitis after swimming in hot spring water - California, 2018
Vugia DJ , Richardson J , Tarro T , Vareechon C , Pannaraj PS , Traub E , Cope JR , Balter S . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019 68 (36) 793-794 In October 2018, a previously healthy boy was admitted to an intensive care unit at a southern California hospital after experiencing 2 days of headache, vomiting, and fever and 1 day of altered mental status. He was initially treated empirically for bacterial and viral meningitis and subsequently displayed decreased level of consciousness and experienced respiratory failure, requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Computed tomography scan of the brain showed diffuse cerebral edema. A wet mount of cerebrospinal fluid obtained by lumbar puncture revealed amebic organisms consistent with Naegleria species, and a treatment regimen for Naegleria was added, including miltefosine (1), which is now commercially available.* The infectious disease clinician notified CDC, which then notified state and local public health. Polymerase chain reaction testing of a cerebrospinal fluid specimen at the Mayo Clinic on hospital day 2 identified N. fowleri, a free-living ameba found in warm fresh water that causes primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). The patient’s condition continued to worsen, and he died on hospital day 3. |
Molecular typing of clinical and environmental isolates of Cryptococcus gattii species complex from Southern California, United States.
Hurst S , Lysen C , Cooksey G , Vugia DJ , Litvintseva AP , Lockhart SR . Mycoses 2019 62 (11) 1029-1034 BACKGROUND: Two species complexes (SC) cause the majority of human Cryptococcus infections: Cryptococcus neoformans SC and Cryptococcus gattii SC. Infection is typically thought to be acquired following environmental exposure. In an urban setting, parks and other public spaces are a likely source of contact with C. gattii SC. OBJECTIVES: The goals of this study were to describe the genetic diversity of C. gattii SC in the California environment, to determine the extent of environmental exposure in publicly accessed areas, and to correlate the genotypes of environmental C. gattii SC isolates with those from patients in Southern California. METHODS: Specimens from trees and soil from 13 parks and public areas of seven California counties were examined for C. gattii SC isolates. Isolates were sequence typed and compared to sequence types from human clinical isolates from the same area. RESULTS: Multilocus sequence typing identified C. gattii sensu stricto (VGI molecular type) as well as C. bacillisporus (VGIII molecular type). Several C. bacillisporus but none of the C. gattii sensu stricto isolates shared sequence types with human clinical isolates from Southern California. CONCLUSIONS: C. gattii SC colonies exist in some California public parks. The presence of identical STs in environmental and human isolates of C. bacillisporus is suggestive of an arboreal origin of human infections. Two new tree species were documented as hosts for C. gattii SC in California, adding to the four species previously identified. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. |
Preliminary incidence and trends of infections with pathogens transmitted commonly through food - Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2015-2018
Tack DM , Marder EP , Griffin PM , Cieslak PR , Dunn J , Hurd S , Scallan E , Lathrop S , Muse A , Ryan P , Smith K , Tobin-D'Angelo M , Vugia DJ , Holt KG , Wolpert BJ , Tauxe R , Geissler AL . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019 68 (16) 369-373 Foodborne diseases represent a major health problem in the United States. The Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) of CDC's Emerging Infections Program monitors cases of laboratory-diagnosed infection caused by eight pathogens transmitted commonly through food in 10 U.S. sites.* This report summarizes preliminary 2018 data and changes since 2015. During 2018, FoodNet identified 25,606 infections, 5,893 hospitalizations, and 120 deaths. The incidence of most infections is increasing, including those caused by Campylobacter and Salmonella, which might be partially attributable to the increased use of culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs). The incidence of Cyclospora infections increased markedly compared with 2015-2017, in part related to large outbreaks associated with produce (1). More targeted prevention measures are needed on produce farms, food animal farms, and in meat and poultry processing establishments to make food safer and decrease human illness. |
Differences among incidence rates of invasive listeriosis in the U.S. FoodNet population by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and pregnancy status, 2008-2016
Pohl AM , Pouillot R , Bazaco MC , Wolpert BJ , Healy JM , Bruce BB , Laughlin ME , Hunter JC , Dunn JR , Hurd S , Rowlands JV , Saupe A , Vugia DJ , Van Doren JM . Foodborne Pathog Dis 2019 16 (4) 290-297 Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that disproportionally affects pregnant females, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals. Using U.S. Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) surveillance data, we examined listeriosis incidence rates and rate ratios (RRs) by age, sex, race/ethnicity, and pregnancy status across three periods from 2008 to 2016, as recent incidence trends in U.S. subgroups had not been evaluated. The invasive listeriosis annual incidence rate per 100,000 for 2008-2016 was 0.28 cases among the general population (excluding pregnant females), and 3.73 cases among pregnant females. For adults >/=70 years, the annual incidence rate per 100,000 was 1.33 cases. No significant change in estimated listeriosis incidence was found over the 2008-2016 period, except for a small, but significantly lower pregnancy-associated rate in 2011-2013 when compared with 2008-2010. Among the nonpregnancy-associated cases, RRs increased with age from 0.43 (95% confidence interval: 0.25-0.73) for 0- to 14-year olds to 44.9 (33.5-60.0) for >/=85-year olds, compared with 15- to 44-year olds. Males had an incidence of 1.28 (1.12-1.45) times that of females. Compared with non-Hispanic whites, the incidence was 1.57 (1.18-1.20) times higher among non-Hispanic Asians, 1.49 (1.22-1.83) among non-Hispanic blacks, and 1.73 (1.15-2.62) among Hispanics. Among females of childbearing age, non-Hispanic Asian females had 2.72 (1.51-4.89) and Hispanic females 3.13 (2.12-4.89) times higher incidence than non-Hispanic whites. We observed a higher percentage of deaths among older patient groups compared with 15- to 44-year olds. This study is the first characterizing higher RRs for listeriosis in the United States among non-Hispanic blacks and Asians compared with non-Hispanic whites. This information for public health risk managers may spur further research to understand if differences in listeriosis rates relate to differences in consumption patterns of foods with higher contamination levels, food handling practices, comorbidities, immunodeficiencies, health care access, or other factors. |
Occupational coccidioidomycosis surveillance and recent outbreaks in California
de Perio MA , Materna BL , Sondermeyer Cooksey GL , Vugia DJ , Su CP , Luckhaupt SE , McNary J , Wilken JA . Med Mycol 2019 57 S41-s45 Workers in Coccidioides-endemic areas performing soil-disturbing work or exposed to windy and dusty conditions are at increased risk for coccidioidomycosis. Four occupational coccidioidomycosis outbreaks from 2007 to 2014 in California are described, involving construction workers in a number of excavation projects and an outdoor filming event involving cast and crew. These outbreaks highlight the importance of identifying industries and occupations at high risk for coccidioidomycosis, conducting targeted occupational health surveillance to assess the burden of illness, developing and implementing prevention strategies, and setting research priorities. |
Update on the Epidemiology of coccidioidomycosis in the United States.
McCotter OZ , Benedict K , Engelthaler DM , Komatsu K , Lucas KD , Mohle-Boetani JC , Oltean H , Vugia D , Chiller TM , Sondermeyer Cooksey GL , Nguyen A , Roe CC , Wheeler C , Sunenshine R . Med Mycol 2019 57 S30-s40 The incidence of reported coccidioidomycosis in the past two decades has increased greatly; monitoring its changing epidemiology is essential for understanding its burden on patients and the healthcare system and for identifying opportunities for prevention and education. We provide an update on recent coccidioidomycosis trends and public health efforts nationally and in Arizona, California, and Washington State. In Arizona, enhanced surveillance shows that coccidioidomycosis continues to be associated with substantial morbidity. California reported its highest yearly number of cases ever in 2016 and has implemented interventions to reduce coccidioidomycosis in the prison population by excluding certain inmates from residing in prisons in high-risk areas. Coccidioidomycosis is emerging in Washington State, where phylogenetic analyses confirm the existence of a unique Coccidioides clade. Additional studies of the molecular epidemiology of Coccidioides will improve understanding its expanding endemic range. Ongoing public health collaborations and future research priorities are focused on characterizing geographic risk, particularly in the context of environmental change; identifying further risk reduction strategies for high-risk groups; and improving reporting of cases to public health agencies. |
Coccidioidomycosis outbreak among workers constructing a solar power farm - Monterey County, California, 2016-2017
Laws RL , Cooksey GS , Jain S , Wilken J , McNary J , Moreno E , Michie K , Mulkerin C , McDowell A , Vugia D , Materna B . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018 67 (33) 931-934 In January 2017, two local health departments notified the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) of three cases of coccidioidomycosis among workers constructing a solar power installation (solar farm) in southeastern Monterey County. Coccidioidomycosis, or Valley fever, is an infection caused by inhalation of the soil-dwelling fungus Coccidioides, which is endemic in the southwestern United States, including California. After a 1-3 week incubation period, coccidioidomycosis most often causes influenza-like symptoms or pneumonia, but rarely can lead to severe disseminated disease or death (1). Persons living, working, or traveling in areas where Coccidioides is endemic can inhale fungal spores; workers who are performing soil-disturbing activities are particularly at risk. CDPH previously investigated one outbreak among solar farm construction workers that started in 2011 and made recommendations for reducing risk for infection, including worker education, dust suppression, and use of personal protective equipment (2,3). For the current outbreak, the CDPH, in collaboration with Monterey County and San Luis Obispo County public health departments, conducted an investigation that identified nine laboratory-confirmed cases of coccidioidomycosis among 2,410 solar farm employees and calculated a worksite-specific incidence rate that was substantially higher than background county rates, suggesting that illness was work-related. The investigation assessed risk factors for potential occupational exposures to identify methods to prevent further workplace illness. |
Preliminary incidence and trends of infections with pathogens transmitted commonly through food - Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2006-2017
Marder EP , Griffin PM , Cieslak PR , Dunn J , Hurd S , Jervis R , Lathrop S , Muse A , Ryan P , Smith K , Tobin-D'Angelo M , Vugia DJ , Holt KG , Wolpert BJ , Tauxe R , Geissler AL . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018 67 (11) 324-328 Despite ongoing food safety measures in the United States, foodborne illness continues to be a substantial health burden. The 10 U.S. sites of the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet)* monitor cases of laboratory-diagnosed infections caused by nine pathogens transmitted commonly through food. This report summarizes preliminary 2017 data and describes changes in incidence since 2006. In 2017, FoodNet reported 24,484 infections, 5,677 hospitalizations, and 122 deaths. Compared with 2014-2016, the 2017 incidence of infections with Campylobacter, Listeria, non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Yersinia, Vibrio, and Cyclospora increased. The increased incidences of pathogens for which testing was previously limited might have resulted from the increased use and sensitivity of culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs), which can improve incidence estimates (1). Compared with 2006-2008, the 2017 incidence of infections with Salmonella serotypes Typhimurium and Heidelberg decreased, and the incidence of serotypes Javiana, Infantis, and Thompson increased. New regulatory requirements that include enhanced testing of poultry products for Salmonella(dagger) might have contributed to the decreases. The incidence of STEC O157 infections during 2017 also decreased compared with 2006-2008, which parallels reductions in isolations from ground beef.( section sign) The declines in two Salmonella serotypes and STEC O157 infections provide supportive evidence that targeted control measures are effective. The marked increases in infections caused by some Salmonella serotypes provide an opportunity to investigate food and nonfood sources of infection and to design specific interventions. |
Notes from the field: Increase in coccidioidomycosis - California, 2016
Cooksey GS , Nguyen A , Knutson K , Tabnak F , Benedict K , McCotter O , Jain S , Vugia D . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017 66 (31) 833-834 Coccidioidomycosis, or Valley Fever, is an infectious disease caused by inhalation of Coccidioides spp. spores. This soil-dwelling fungus is endemic in the southwestern United States, with most (97%) U.S. cases reported from Arizona and California. Following an incubation period of 1-3 weeks, symptomatic patients most often experience self-limited, influenza-like symptoms, but coccidioidomycosis also can lead to severe pulmonary disease and to rare cases of disseminated disease, including meningitis. Those at increased risk for severe disease include persons of African or Filipino descent, pregnant women, adults in older age groups, and persons with weakened immune systems. In 2016, a large increase in coccidioidomycosis incidence was observed in California compared with previous years. Using data reported by health care providers and laboratories via local health departments to the California Department of Public Health as of May 9, 2017, incidence rates were calculated by estimated year of illness onset as the number of confirmed coccidioidomycosis cases per 100,000 population. Estimated year of illness onset was extracted from the closest date to the time when symptoms first appeared for each patient. From 1995, when coccidioidomycosis became an individually reportable disease in California, to 2009, annual incidence rates ranged from 1.9 to 8.4 per 100,000, followed by a substantial increase to 11.9 per 100,000 in 2010 and a peak of 13.8 per 100,000 in 2011 (Figure). Annual rates decreased during 2012-2014, but increased in 2016 to 13.7 per 100,000, with 5,372 reported cases, the highest annual number of cases in California recorded to date. |
Increased coccidioidomycosis among inmates at a California prison: Initial investigation in 2005 to 2006
Lee LA , Yuan J , Vugia D , Wheeler C , Chapnick R , Mohle-Boetani J . J Correct Health Care 2017 23 (3) 1078345817716451 Since 2005, coccidioidomycosis has increased among inmates at a California prison. Our initial investigation found an incidence of 3,323 cases/100,000 persons. Black race, age ≥41 years, and residence on Yard C were significantly associated with coccidioidomycosis ( p < .05). Inmates at this prison have continued to be at risk for coccidioidomycosis. |
Dust exposure and coccidioidomycosis prevention among solar power farm construction workers in California
Sondermeyer Cooksey GL , Wilken JA , McNary J , Gilliss D , Shusterman D , Materna BL , Vugia DJ . Am J Public Health 2017 107 (8) e1-e8 OBJECTIVES: To investigate if work activities, dust exposure, and protection measures were associated with a 2011 to 2014 coccidioidomycosis outbreak among workers constructing 2 solar farms in California. METHODS: In 2013, we mailed self-administered questionnaires to employees who were onsite at the solar farms where the outbreak occurred to identify cases of clinical coccidioidomycosis and compare with asymptomatic workers by using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: When we compared 89 workers with clinical coccidioidomycosis to 325 asymptomatic workers, frequently being in a dust cloud or storm (odds ratio [OR] = 5.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.18, 11.06) significantly increased the odds of clinical coccidioidomycosis, whereas frequently wetting soil before soil-disturbing activity (OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.24, 0.75) was protective. When we controlled for being in a dust cloud or storm, frequent soil disturbance significantly increased the odds of clinical coccidioidomycosis only among those who reported wearing a respirator infrequently (OR = 2.31; 95% CI = 1.27, 4.21). CONCLUSIONS: Utilization of personal and employer-driven safety practices and increased coccidioidomycosis awareness among construction workers should be considered during the planning of any construction work in coccidioidomycosis-endemic regions to prevent occupational infections and outbreaks. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print June 22, 2017: e1-e8. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2017.303820). |
Incidence and Trends of Infections with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food and the Effect of Increasing Use of Culture-Independent Diagnostic Tests on Surveillance - Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2013-2016.
Marder EP , Cieslak PR , Cronquist AB , Dunn J , Lathrop S , Rabatsky-Ehr T , Ryan P , Smith K , Tobin-D'Angelo M , Vugia DJ , Zansky S , Holt KG , Wolpert BJ , Lynch M , Tauxe R , Geissler AL . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017 66 (15) 397-403 Foodborne diseases represent a substantial public health concern in the United States. CDC's Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) monitors cases reported from 10 U.S. sites* of laboratory-diagnosed infections caused by nine enteric pathogens commonly transmitted through food. This report describes preliminary surveillance data for 2016 on the nine pathogens and changes in incidences compared with 2013-2015. In 2016, FoodNet identified 24,029 infections, 5,512 hospitalizations, and 98 deaths caused by these pathogens. The use of culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs) by clinical laboratories to detect enteric pathogens has been steadily increasing since FoodNet began surveying clinical laboratories in 2010 (1). CIDTs complicate the interpretation of FoodNet surveillance data because pathogen detection could be affected by changes in health care provider behaviors or laboratory testing practices (2). Health care providers might be more likely to order CIDTs because these tests are quicker and easier to use than traditional culture methods, a circumstance that could increase pathogen detection (3). Similarly, pathogen detection could also be increasing as clinical laboratories adopt DNA-based syndromic panels, which include pathogens not often included in routine stool culture (4,5). In addition, CIDTs do not yield isolates, which public health officials rely on to distinguish pathogen subtypes, determine antimicrobial resistance, monitor trends, and detect outbreaks. To obtain isolates for infections identified by CIDTs, laboratories must perform reflex culturedagger; if clinical laboratories do not, the burden of culturing falls to state public health laboratories, which might not be able to absorb that burden as the adoption of these tests increases (2). Strategies are needed to preserve access to bacterial isolates for further characterization and to determine the effect of changing trends in testing practices on surveillance. |
Investigation of and response to 2 plague cases, Yosemite National Park, California, USA, 2015
Danforth M , Novak M , Petersen J , Mead P , Kingry L , Weinburke M , Buttke D , Hacker G , Tucker J , Niemela M , Jackson B , Padgett K , Liebman K , Vugia D , Kramer V . Emerg Infect Dis 2016 22 (12) 2045-53 In August 2015, plague was diagnosed for 2 persons who had visited Yosemite National Park in California, USA. One case was septicemic and the other bubonic. Subsequent environmental investigation identified probable locations of exposure for each patient and evidence of epizootic plague in other areas of the park. Transmission of Yersinia pestis was detected by testing rodent serum, fleas, and rodent carcasses. The environmental investigation and whole-genome multilocus sequence typing of Y. pestis isolates from the patients and environmental samples indicated that the patients had been exposed in different locations and that at least 2 distinct strains of Y. pestis were circulating among vector-host populations in the area. Public education efforts and insecticide applications in select areas to control rodent fleas probably reduced the risk for plague transmission to park visitors and staff. |
Infection with Pathogens Transmitted Commonly Through Food and the Effect of Increasing Use of Culture-Independent Diagnostic Tests on Surveillance - Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network, 10 U.S. Sites, 2012-2015
Huang JY , Henao OL , Griffin PM , Vugia DJ , Cronquist AB , Hurd S , Tobin-D'Angelo M , Ryan P , Smith K , Lathrop S , Zansky S , Cieslak PR , Dunn J , Holt KG , Wolpert BJ , Patrick ME . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016 65 (14) 368-71 To evaluate progress toward prevention of enteric and foodborne illnesses in the United States, the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) monitors the incidence of laboratory-confirmed infections caused by nine pathogens transmitted commonly through food in 10 U.S. sites.* This report summarizes preliminary 2015 data and describes trends since 2012. In 2015, FoodNet reported 20,107 confirmed cases (defined as culture-confirmed bacterial infections and laboratory-confirmed parasitic infections), 4,531 hospitalizations, and 77 deaths. FoodNet also received reports of 3,112 positive culture-independent diagnostic tests (CIDTs) without culture-confirmation, a number that has markedly increased since 2012 (1). Diagnostic testing practices for enteric pathogens are rapidly moving away from culture-based methods. The continued shift from culture-based methods to CIDTs that do not produce the isolates needed to distinguish between strains and subtypes affects the interpretation of public health surveillance data and ability to monitor progress toward prevention efforts. Expanded case definitions and strategies for obtaining bacterial isolates are crucial during this transition period. |
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