Mycoplasma pneumoniae Outbreak in Gilmer County, West Virginia

[Ronan Kelly]

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.

http://www.dhhr.wv.gov/oeps/disease/Documents/WV_HAN_57.pdf

 

[Ronan Kelly]

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.

http://www.dhhr.wv.gov/oeps/disease/ob/Documents/Outbreak Monthly_November.pdf

 

[Ronan Kelly]

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.

...
http://www.gilmerfreepress.net/xyz....ng_number_of_illnesses_at_gchs_why_maybe_mol/