Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Author Spotlight: A Multi-Depth Porcine Model for Comprehensive Study of Burn Injuries and Healing Processes
02:49

Author Spotlight: A Multi-Depth Porcine Model for Comprehensive Study of Burn Injuries and Healing Processes

Published on: February 23, 2024

2.1K

A polymicrobial fungal outbreak in a regional burn center after Hurricane Sandy

Geeta Sood1, Dhananjay Vaidya2, Lisa Dam3

  • 1The Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Baltimore, MD.

American Journal of Infection Control
|April 4, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A fungal outbreak occurred in burn patients following Hurricane Sandy, linked to hospital environmental contamination. Changes in facility design successfully resolved the nosocomial fungal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Environmental Health
  • Hospital Epidemiology

Background:

  • Hurricane Sandy caused significant environmental disruptions.
  • Severe weather events can impact healthcare facilities and patient safety.
  • Nosocomial fungal infections pose a risk to vulnerable patient populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe a polymicrobial fungal outbreak in a burn intensive care unit.
  • To investigate the association between Hurricane Sandy and fungal infections.
  • To identify factors contributing to the outbreak and its resolution.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted an observational outbreak investigation.
  • Performed a retrospective descriptive review of non-Candida fungal isolates (2009-2016).
  • Analyzed patient data from a regional burn intensive care unit.

Main Results:

  • A polymicrobial fungal outbreak was temporally associated with Hurricane Sandy.
  • Hospital air and water permeations were linked to the outbreak.
  • Modifications to the facility design led to the abatement of the outbreak.

Conclusions:

  • Severe weather events, such as hurricanes, may be associated with nosocomial fungal outbreaks.
  • Environmental contamination following natural disasters can lead to healthcare-associated infections.
  • Facility design and maintenance are critical in preventing fungal outbreaks in healthcare settings.
Keywords:
Burn unitFungal infectionFungal outbreak

More Related Videos

Rat Burn Model to Study Full-Thickness Cutaneous Thermal Burn and Infection08:40

Rat Burn Model to Study Full-Thickness Cutaneous Thermal Burn and Infection

Published on: August 23, 2022

6.2K
Development of a Polymicrobial Colony Biofilm Model to Test Antimicrobials in Cystic Fibrosis07:16

Development of a Polymicrobial Colony Biofilm Model to Test Antimicrobials in Cystic Fibrosis

Published on: September 20, 2024

1.9K

Related Concept Videos

Burn Injuries01:22

Burn Injuries

Burn injuries occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or friction. They can vary in severity, from minor superficial burns to severe deep burns that can be life-threatening.
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
4.6K
Lattice Centering and Coordination Number02:33

Lattice Centering and Coordination Number

The structure of a crystalline solid, whether a metal or not, is best described by considering its simplest repeating unit, which is referred to as its unit cell. The unit cell consists of lattice points that represent the locations of atoms or ions. The entire structure then consists of this unit cell repeating in three dimensions. The three different types of unit cells present in the cubic lattice are illustrated in Figure 1.
Types of Unit Cells
Imagine taking a large number of identical...
12.2K
Steps in Outbreak Investigation01:18

Steps in Outbreak Investigation

In the ever-evolving field of public health, statistical analysis serves as a cornerstone for understanding and managing disease outbreaks. By leveraging various statistical tools, health professionals can predict potential outbreaks, analyze ongoing situations, and devise effective responses to mitigate impact. For that to happen, there are a few possible stages of the analysis:
597
Center of Gravity00:58

Center of Gravity

The center of gravity (COG) of an object is the point where the object's total weight is considered to be concentrated. Knowing the location of the center of gravity is useful when predicting the behavior of a moving object or designing static structures. In a uniform gravitational field, the center of gravity is similar to the center of mass (COM); yet, these two points can be positioned differently. For example, the Moon's center of mass lies very close to its geometric center, but...
6.8K
Center of Gravity01:15

Center of Gravity

The center of gravity is the point at which an object's weight appears to be concentrated and can be used to balance the object perfectly. This point is essential in mechanics as it provides information regarding a body's stability and moments of inertia. The center of gravity does not always have to fall within the shape or boundaries of the body; it may also lie outside the body in certain cases.
To determine its location, the principle of moments can be utilized by dividing the object into...
2.2K
Fungal Group Zygomycota01:29

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
1.4K