West Virginia will report the highest number of Lyme disease cases on record in 2017. As of November 8, 2017, 571 confirmed and probable Lyme disease cases have been reported compared to the previous record of 368 cases in 2016. The geographic distribution of cases has also increased. As of November 8, 2017, 45 counties have reported at least one confirmed or probable Lyme disease case, up from 11 counties in 2012. This increase could be the result of increased reporting, increase in the number of Ixodes scapularis ticks infected with Borrelia burgdorferi in West Virginia, or a recent change in the national surveillance case definition for Lyme disease. Based on the change, West Virginia is considered a high incidence Lyme disease state, and the presence of an erythema migrans (EM) with known exposure in the state is sufficient for a patient to be classified as a confirmed surveillance case.
Advice for Health Care Providers Treating Patients in or Recently Returned from Hurricane-Affected Areas
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with federal, state, territorial, and local agencies and global health partners in response to recent hurricanes. CDC is aware of media reports and anecdotal accounts of various infectious diseases in hurricane-affected areas, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands (USVI). Because of compromised drinking water and decreased access to safe water, food, and shelter, the conditions for outbreaks of infectious diseases exist.
Rifampin/Penicillin-Resistant Strain of RB51 Brucella Contracted from Consumption of Raw Milk
The Texas Department of State Health Services, with assistance from CDC, is investigating Brucella RB51 exposures and illnesses that may be connected to the purchase and consumption of raw (unpasteurized) milk from K-Bar Dairy in Paradise, Texas. Symptoms of brucellosis can include: fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, fatigue, muscle & joint pain, and potentially more serious complications (e.g., swelling of heart, liver, or spleen, neurologic symptoms).
Hurricane Harvey – Clinical Guidance for Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that can cause sudden illness and death if present in sufficient concentration in the ambient air. During a significant power outage, persons using alternative fuel or power sources such as generators or gasoline powered engine tools such as pressure washers might be exposed to toxic CO levels if the fuel or power sources are placed inside or too close to the exterior of the building causing CO to build up in the structure. The purpose of this HAN advisory is to remind clinicians evaluating persons affected by the storm to maintain a high index of suspicion for CO poisoning. Clinicians are advised to consider CO exposure and take steps to discontinue exposure to CO. Clinicians are also advised to ask a patient with CO poisoning about other people who may be exposed to the same CO exposure, such as persons living with or visiting them so they may be treated for possible CO poisoning.
Increase in West Nile Virus Activity in Mosquitoes
Based on data collected from May 24, 2017 to July 26, 2017, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health Mosquito Surveillance Program is reporting several West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito pools across West Virginia with the greatest number of infected mosquitoes from Cabell County. WNV positive mosquito pools have also been detected in Berkeley, Fayette, Kanawha, Putnam, Wayne, Wetzel, and Wood counties this season.
Increase in Reported cases of Cyclospora Cayetanensis Infection, United States, Summer 2017
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), State and Local Health Departments, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating an increase in reported cases of cyclosporiasis. The purpose of this HAN Advisory is to notify public health departments and healthcare facilities and to provide guidance to healthcare providers of the increase in reported cases. Please disseminate this information to healthcare providers in hospitals and emergency rooms, to primary care providers, and to microbiology laboratories.
Increase in New HIV Infections Reported in West Virginia
The Bureau for Public Health is investigating an increase in newly diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases in the State among persons at high risk for infection. In addition to syphilis (reported among several of the cases), this at-risk population remains at high risk for hepatitis B and C infection.
Health departments giving back-to-school vaccinations
School students entering school for the 2017-2018 school year are required to have up-to-date vaccinations in most cases before they will be allowed to attend classes. The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department is offering walk-in vaccination clinics at the health department on Aug 7-11, 8:30 am-3:00 pm
Health Department giving back-to-school vaccinations
School students entering school for the 2017-2018 school year are required to have up-to-date vaccinations in most cases before they will be allowed to attend classes. The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department is offering walk-in vaccination clinics at the health departments. Kanawha County clinics are scheduled Aug. 7-11 from 8:30 a.m. – 3: p.m.
Food Safety Training
KCHD offers online Food Manager and Food Handler Safety Classes to food service employees through http://kchdwv.statefoodsafety.com.
2017 National Boy Scout Jamboree
This Health Advisory serves as a reminder to all healthcare providers and laboratorians to report outbreaks, communicable diseases, and unusual conditions or emerging infectious diseases during the National Boy Scout Jamboree as required by the West Virginia Legislative Rule for Reportable Diseases, Events and Conditions (64CSR7). West Virginia will host the 2017 National Boy Scout Jamboree from July 19-28, 2017 at the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in Mount Hope, West Virginia
HEALTH ADVISORY #137 Legionnaire’s Disease in West Virginia
During the months of May and June 2017, West Virginia experienced more cases than expected of Legionnaire’s Disease (Legionella pneumonia).
Patients Receiving Eculizumab (Soliris®) at High Risk for Invasive Meningococcal Disease Despite Vaccination
Summary
Eculizumab (Soliris®) recipients have a 1,000 to 2,000-fold greater risk of invasive meningococcal disease compared to the general U.S. population. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescribing information for eculizumab includes a black box warning for increased risk of meningococcal disease, and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends meningococcal vaccination for all patients receiving eculizumab. Recent data show that some patients receiving eculizumab who were vaccinated with the recommended meningococcal vaccines still developed meningococcal disease, most often from nongroupable Neisseria meningitidis, which rarely causes invasive disease in healthy individuals.
KCHD uses Sterilis device for syringe disposal
The Sterilis device is a safer, more sustainable, proven alternative to the decades-old method of hauling regulated medical waste, like the returned syringes, off-site to be incinerated. According to Dr. Michael Brumage, KCHD health officer, “The best way to treat medical waste is as close to the point of generation as possible.”
Potential for Falsely Low Blood Lead Test Results from LeadCare Analyzers
Children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure due to the effect on their developing brains and organ systems. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are warning Americans that certain lead tests manufactured by Magellan Diagnostics may provide inaccurate results for some children and adults in the United States. FDA is now warning that M age llan Dia gn ostics’ Le adC are® ana l yzer s (LeadCare, LeadCare II, LeadCare Ultra and LeadCare Plus) should no longer be used with venous blood samples due to the potential for falsely low test results.