Publications by authors named "Kayla Vanden Esschert"

Background: Shigellosis is diarrheal disease caused by highly infectious Shigella bacteria. Shigella can spread in multiple ways, including sexual contact. Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are particularly at risk for shigellosis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Shigellosis is an acute diarrheal disease with various transmission routes, including contaminated food and water, but healthcare providers (HCP) lack awareness about some of these routes and the importance of antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST).
  • A web-based survey to HCP in the U.S. revealed that while many recognized food and water as transmission sources, fewer acknowledged person-to-person contact or sexual activity, particularly in men who have sex with men (MSM).
  • The findings highlight knowledge gaps among HCP regarding shigellosis transmission and antibiotic usage, suggesting that enhanced education could help prevent the spread of shigellosis and drug-resistant strains among at-risk populations.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

During October 2021, the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency identified five cases of shigellosis among persons experiencing homelessness (PEH). We conducted an outbreak investigation and developed interventions to respond to shigellosis outbreaks among PEH. Confirmed cases occurred among PEH with stool-cultured ; probable cases were among PEH with -positive culture-independent diagnostic testing.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In June 2021, Kansas state and county public health officials identified and investigated three cases of shigellosis (a bacterial diarrheal illness caused by Shigella spp.) associated with visiting a wildlife park. The park has animal exhibits and a splash pad.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Shigella species, which cause acute diarrheal disease, are transmitted via fecal-oral and sexual contact. To better understand the overlapping populations affected by Shigella infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, we examined the occurrence of reported STIs within 24 months among shigellosis case-patients.

Methods: Culture-confirmed Shigella cases diagnosed from 2007 to 2016 among residents of 6 US jurisdictions were matched to reports of STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and all stages of syphilis) diagnosed 12 months before or after the shigellosis case.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Tap water that is safe to consume may cause respiratory illness (e.g., Legionnaires' disease) when water conditions allow for proliferation and aerosolization of biofilm-associated pathogens.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Harmful algal bloom events can result from the rapid growth, or bloom, of photosynthesizing organisms in natural bodies of fresh, brackish, and salt water. These events can be exacerbated by nutrient pollution (e.g.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Investigating antecedents of behaviors, such as wearing face coverings, is critical for developing strategies to prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine associations between theory-based behavioral predictors of intention to wear a face covering and actual wearing of a face covering in public.

Methods: Data from a cross-sectional panel survey of U.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess self-reported hygiene precautions taken by U.S. adults during spring 2020 to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to identify demographic characteristics associated with these hygiene precautions.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

On April 3, 2020, the White House Coronavirus Task Force and CDC announced a new behavioral recommendation to help slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by encouraging the use of a cloth face covering when out in public (1). Widespread use of cloth face coverings has not been studied among the U.S.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Outbreaks associated with fresh or marine (i.e., untreated) recreational water can be caused by pathogens or chemicals, including toxins.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Pool chemicals are added to water in treated recreational water venues (e.g., pools, hot tubs/spas, and water playgrounds) primarily to protect public health.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF