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Mycoplasma pneumoniae Outbreak in Gilmer County, West Virginia

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  • Mycoplasma pneumoniae Outbreak in Gilmer County, West Virginia

    THIS IS AN OFFICIAL WEST VIRGINIA HEALTH ADVISORY NUMBER WV0057-11-11-14
    Distributed via the WV Health Alert Network – November 14, 2011
    Mycoplasma pneumoniae Outbreak in Gilmer County, West Virginia
    TO: West Virginia Healthcare Providers, Local Health Departments, Hospitals and other
    Healthcare Facilities
    FROM: Marian L. Swinker, MD, MPH, Commissioner for Public Health and State Health
    Officer, WVDHHR, Bureau for Public Health
    DATE: November 14, 2011
    LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS: PLEASE DISTRIBUTE TO COMMUNITY HEALTH
    PROVIDERS, HOSPITAL-BASED PHYSICIANS, INFECTION CONTROL
    PREVENTIONISTS, LABORATORY DIRECTORS, AND OTHER APPLICABLE PARTNERS
    OTHER RECIPIENTS: PLEASE DISTRIBUTE TO ASSOCIATION MEMBERS, STAFF, ETC.
    An outbreak of pneumonia due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae has recently been confirmed in
    Gilmer County, West Virginia. As of November 3, 2011 there were 27 confirmed cases, and 3
    of those cases required hospitalization. An outbreak of pneumonia and upper respiratory
    illness has been reported from Calhoun County as well.
    Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumonia in school-age children and young
    adults. It is transmitted by respiratory droplets and close contact with an infected person.
    The incubation period can range from 1-4 weeks. Symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore
    throat, headache, malaise and chest discomfort. Radiologically confirmed pneumonia
    develops in 3-13% of cases. Treatment with macrolide antimicrobial agents such as
    erythromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin is preferred for children younger than 8 years of
    age. Tetracycline and doxycycline are effective and may be used in children 8 years of age
    and older.
    Outbreaks or clusters of pneumonia should be immediately reported to your local health
    department or the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health, Division of Infectious Disease
    Epidemiology at 1-800-423-1271 (www.dide.wv.gov) in order to assist with monitoring the
    scope of this outbreak.

    This message was directly distributed by the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health to local health departments and professional
    associations. Receiving entities are responsible for further disseminating the information to the targeted audiences noted.
    Categories of Health Alert messages:
    Health Alert: Conveys the highest level of importance, warrants immediate action or attention.
    Health Advisory: Provides important information for a specific incident or situation. May not require immediate action.
    Health Update: Provides updated information regarding an incident or situation. Unlikely to require immediate action.

    Last edited by Ronan Kelly; December 26, 2011, 06:59 AM. Reason: fixed link
    Twitter: @RonanKelly13
    The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

  • #2
    Re: Mycoplasma pneumoniae Outbreak in Gilmer County, West Virginia

    The November Outbreak Report gives gives no further details, but confirms one outbreak in a school setting.

    Twitter: @RonanKelly13
    The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Mycoplasma pneumoniae Outbreak in Gilmer County, West Virginia

      Earlier news report - may be about this outbreak;

      CommunityConcerns?: Increasing Number of Illnesses at GCHS! Why? Maybe Mold!



      Gilmer County citizens have become increasingly concerned about health issues in local schools.

      Reportedly, an unprecedented number of students and staff have become ill in the last few weeks.

      Many of those cases are at Gilmer County High School.

      Although upper respiratory infections generally occur this time of year, the number of pneumonia cases is unusual and many readers want to know if the questionable air quality at the high school has anything to do with it.

      Following on the heels of widespread mold at Gilmer County High School and the difficulty in controlling it, some talk has developed among those who have fallen ill with Upper Respiratory Infection, Strep Throat, Pneumonia, and Urinary Tract Infections.

      Pneumonia most often affects the elderly, cigarette smokers, alcoholics, and people suffering from other diseases such as the flu.

      Healthy teenagers contracting pneumonia is not common, and as the majority of pneumonia cases were found at the high school, it is no wonder parents are worried that the mold may have something to do with it.

      ...
      Twitter: @RonanKelly13
      The views expressed are mine alone and do not represent the views of my employer or any other person or organization.

      Comment

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