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Outbreak of pertussis in a neonatal intensive care unit--Louisiana, 2004
Peter Vranken1, Michelle Pogue, Christine Romalewski
1Epidemic Intelligence Service assigned to the Louisiana Office of Public Health, Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. pbv7@cdc.gov
Insights
A pertussis outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infected three infants despite control measures. The source was likely an adult visitor or staff member, highlighting infection control challenges.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- A 5-month-old infant in a Louisiana NICU was diagnosed with pertussis (whooping cough) in November 2004.
- Immediate infection control measures were implemented to prevent further spread within the NICU and community.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of pertussis in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
- To identify the source and extent of pertussis transmission.
- To highlight challenges in controlling pertussis in vulnerable infant populations.
Main Methods:
- Identified potentially exposed individuals, including NICU patients, healthcare workers, and family members.
- Offered pertussis testing and prophylactic treatment to all identified contacts.
Main Results:
- The outbreak's source remained unidentified but was suspected to be an adult.
- 37 additional NICU patients, 198 healthcare workers, and 15 family members were exposed.
- Three more infants contracted pertussis, with one case occurring after transfer to another NICU.
Conclusions:
- The pertussis outbreak likely originated from an adult, possibly hospital staff or a visitor.
- This incident underscores significant infection control difficulties in NICUs, especially with evolving pertussis epidemiology.
Background:
On November 12, 2004, a 5-month-old infant, admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a Louisiana regional hospital since birth, was diagnosed with pertussis. Measures to prevent further transmission, in the NICU and beyond, were immediately put into place.
Methods:
Exposed contacts were identified among other patients of the NICU, health care workers, and family members. All were offered pertussis testing and prophylactic treatment.
Results:
The source of the outbreak was not identified. Despite the immediate implementation of control measures, a total of 37 additional NICU patients, 198 health care workers, and 15 family members were identified as potentially exposed contacts. Three more infants were diagnosed with pertussis, one of them after having been transferred to the NICU of another hospital in the state.
Conclusion:
The source of this outbreak was believed to be an adult, either a hospital worker or an outside visitor. The incident clearly illustrates the infection control challenges for hospital units serving newborns and young infants in an era of changing epidemiology of pertussis.
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