Publications by authors named "Mary E Chamberland"
Article Synopsis
- * Out of 17 studies, most randomized controlled trials showed no significant difference in infection rates between those using masks/respirators and those who did not, though some specific instances showed potential benefits when combined with hand hygiene.
- * While some observational studies suggested masks may lower the risk of viral infections like SARS, no conclusive evidence established their effectiveness against influenza specifically, indicating that proper use and additional protective measures are important.
Article Synopsis
- * Medical investigations revealed the recipients developed rapid neurological deterioration due to rabies virus, which was traced back to the organ donor who had been bitten by a bat prior to his death.
- * The study highlights the importance of improved methods for detecting rare pathogens like rabies in organ donors to prevent transmission to transplant recipients.
In response to the emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), the United States established national surveillance using a sensitive case definition incorporating clinical, epidemiologic, and laboratory criteria. Of 1,460 unexplained respiratory illnesses reported by state and local health departments to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from March 17 to July 30, 2003, a total of 398 (27%) met clinical and epidemiologic SARS case criteria. Of these, 72 (18%) were probable cases with radiographic evidence of pneumonia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: During the 2002 West Nile virus epidemic in the United States, patients were identified whose West Nile virus illness was temporally associated with the receipt of transfused blood and blood components.
Methods: Patients with laboratory evidence of recent West Nile virus infection within four weeks after receipt of a blood component from a donor with viremia were considered to have a confirmed transfusion-related infection. We interviewed the donors of these components, asking them whether they had had symptoms compatible with the presence of a viral illness before or after their donation; blood specimens retained from the time of donation and collected at follow-up were tested for West Nile virus.
Article Synopsis
- - A 24-year-old woman developed West Nile virus (WNV) infection after receiving 18 units of blood transfusions post-hemorrhage, showing symptoms like fever and chills.
- - Investigation revealed that three out of 15 blood donor samples tested positive for WNV, and one blood component linked to the donor contained the virus.
- - The findings underscore the importance of blood safety, as the evidence pointed to a symptomatic donor as the source of the infection during the transfusion process.
Background: In August 2002, fever and mental-status changes developed in recipients of organs from a common donor. Transmission of West Nile virus through organ transplantation was suspected.
Methods: We reviewed medical records, conducted interviews, and collected blood and tissue samples for testing with a variety of assays.
Article Synopsis
- The 2001 anthrax bioterrorist attacks impacted many mail workers, highlighting the need for effective communication about health safety.
- In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention created a short educational video in December 2001 for these workers.
- The report emphasizes the video’s role in quickly sharing public health guidelines during an emergency situation.
Objective: To examine a comprehensive approach for preventing percutaneous injuries associated with phlebotomy procedures.
Design And Setting: From 1993 through 1995, personnel at 10 university-affiliated hospitals enhanced surveillance and assessed underreporting of percutaneous injuries; selected, implemented, and evaluated the efficacy of phlebotomy devices with safety features (ie, engineered sharps injury prevention devices [ESIPDs]); and assessed healthcare worker satisfaction with ESIPDs. Investigators also evaluated the preventability of a subset of percutaneous injuries and conducted an audit of sharps disposal containers to quantify activation rates for devices with safety features.
To estimate the incidence of and assess risk factors for occupational Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission to health care personnel (HCP) in 5 New York City and Boston health care facilities, performance of prospective tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) was conducted from April 1994 through October 1995. Two-step testing was used at the enrollment of 2198 HCP with negative TST results. Follow-up visits were scheduled for every 6 months.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- The blood supply is currently among the safest it has ever been, with minimal risks linked to blood transfusions compared to other healthcare issues.
- Improvements in blood collection, testing, processing, and transfusion practices have led to this heightened safety, but new infectious threats still exist.
- Continuous monitoring for emerging infections and educating both clinicians and patients on the risks and benefits of blood products are essential for maintaining blood supply safety.