Development and validation of a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assay specific for the detection of Rickettsia felis and not Rickettsia felis-like organisms.

Human infections with Rickettsia felis have been reported worldwide. Recent studies have revealed the presence of many closely related but unique rickettsiae, referred to as Rickettsia felis-like organisms (RFLO), identified in various arthropods. Due to the recent discovery of the lack of specificity of earlier R.

Public health emergencies and responses: what are they, how long do they last, and how many staff does your agency need?

Responding to outbreaks is one of the most routine yet most important functions of a public health agency. However, some outbreaks are bigger, more visible, or more complex than others, prompting discussion about when an "outbreak" becomes a "public health emergency." When a public health emergency is identified, resources (eg, funding, staff, space) may need to be redirected from core public health programs to contribute to the public health emergency response.

SARS: mobilizing and maintaining a public health emergency response.

During the spring and summer of 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mobilized the resources of the entire agency in a concerted effort to meet the challenges posed by the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Over the 133 days that comprised the emergency response phase of the SARS outbreak, CDC utilized the skills of more than 850 people. These staff were deployed from every Center, Institute, and Office within CDC and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.