Pneumonia cases following an EF-5 tornado

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Natural disasters like EF-5 tornadoes can lead to unusual infections.
• Respiratory illnesses following tornadoes are understudied.
• Atypical infections present treatment challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence of pneumonia following a tornado.
• To identify characteristics of pneumonia patients in tornado-affected zones.
• To assess microbial patterns in post-tornado pneumonia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of pneumonia patients admitted between May 2009 and May 2012.
• Comparison of pneumonia cases in tornado zone residents/workers versus controls.
• Analysis of monthly pneumonia case counts and isolated microbial pathogens.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in pneumonia cases was observed in the tornado zone.
• Pneumonia patients from the tornado zone were younger than control patients.
• Uncommon microbial pathogens were isolated from tornado zone patients.

Conclusions:

• Tornado events may be associated with an increased incidence of pneumonia.
• Current community-acquired pneumonia guidelines may require adjustment post-tornado.
• Broader antimicrobial spectrum may be necessary for treating post-tornado pneumonia.