MMWR News Synopsis for December 18, 2014

 

Outbreak of Cryptosporidiosis Among Responders to the Rollover of a Truck Carrying Calves — Kansas, April 2013

Sara Belfry
Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment
(785) 296-5795
sbelfry@kdheks.gov

This outbreak highlights the need for awareness of zoonotic transmission among those handling calves, including emergency responders. Education of responders is important to prevent future outbreaks of zoonoses that might result from agricultural emergencies. An outbreak of cryptosporidiosis occurred following the response to a rollover of a tractor-trailer carrying approximately 350 preweaned calves. Cryptosporidium transmission is fecal-oral and can occur through ingestion of contaminated recreational water, untreated drinking water, or food; or by contact with infected persons or animals, most notably preweaned calves. Contact with livestock, particularly young calves, is a risk factor for zoonotic transmission recognized by health professionals and animal industry workers; however, professional and volunteer emergency responders might be less aware of the potential risk. This outbreak is the first report of both law enforcement and volunteer emergency responders becoming infected with Cryptosporidium for which only direct contact with animals and their feces was identified as the source of transmission.

Update: Influenza Activity — United States, September 28–December 6, 2014

CDC Media Relations
404-639-3286

Influenza activity is increasing in the United States with influenza A (H3N2) viruses being most frequently identified. A large proportion of the H3N2 viruses characterized thus far have reduced reactivity to the H3N2 component of this season’s influenza vaccine. Despite a less-than-optimal match between the circulating and vaccine viruses, it is recommended that all unvaccinated persons 6 months of age or older get vaccinated to prevent influenza and its complications. Treatment with influenza antiviral medications can also reduce severe outcomes of influenza when initiated as early as possible in patients with confirmed or suspected influenza. During September 28–December 6, 2014, influenza activity in the United States has been increasing. Influenza A (H3N2) viruses were the most frequently identified and more than half of the influenza A (H3N2) viruses characterized thus far have evidence of reduced reactivity to the H3N2 component of this season’s influenza vaccine. Despite less-than-optimal match between circulating viruses and the vaccine virus, vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent influenza and its complications. Health care providers should recommend vaccination to all unvaccinated persons 6 months of age or older now and throughout the influenza season. Treatment with influenza antiviral medications can also reduce severe outcomes of influenza when initiated as early as possible in patients with confirmed or suspected influenza.

Illnesses and Deaths Among Persons Attending an Electronic Dance-Music Festival — New York City, 2013

NYC Health Department Press Office
(347) 396-4061
pressoffice@health.nyc.gov

Establishing surveillance and effective public health messages and strategies may help reduce adverse health consequences at electronic dance-music festivals. This article describes an investigation by the New York City (NYC) health department to identify and characterize adverse events — including emergency department (ED) visits, intensive care unit admissions, and deaths — among attendees of an electronic dance-music festival held in NYC during 2013 and to determine what drugs were associated with these events. The investigation identified 22 adverse events requiring transfer to an ED, including five intensive care unit admissions and two deaths. Ninety-five percent of the attendees transported to an ED had used drugs or alcohol. Blood toxicology testing was available for 17 patients and identified MDMA (street name of ecstasy or molly) and other compounds, most frequently methylone.

Notes from the Field: 

• Fatal Rat-Bite Fever in a Child — San Diego County, California, 2013
• Measles Transmission at a Domestic Terminal Gate in an International Airport — United States, January 2014

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES