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Few data are available on incidence of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) colonization and infections in mechanically ventilated patients, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We retrospectively evaluated all patients admitted to the COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) of Hub Hospital in Milan, Italy, during October 2020‒May 2021. Microbiologic surveillance was standardized with active screening at admission and weekly during ICU stay. Of 435 patients, 88 (20.2%) had MDROs isolated ≤48 h after admission. Of the remaining patients, MDRO colonization was diagnosed in 173 (51.2%), MDRO infections in 95 (28.1%), and non-MDRO infections in 212 (62.7%). Non-MDRO infections occurred earlier than MDRO infections (6 days vs. 10 days; p

We analyzed surveillance data for 2 sentinel hospitals to estimate the influenza-associated severe acute respiratory infection hospitalization rate in Beijing, China. The rate was 39 and 37 per 100,000 persons during the 2014–15 and 2015–16 influenza seasons, respectively. Rates were highest for children

We report 1,327 probable cases of dengue in Burkina Faso in 2016. Of 35 serum samples tested by a trioplex test, 19 were confirmed dengue virus (DENV)‒positive: 11 DENV-2, 6 DENV-3, 2 nontypeable, and 1 DENV-2/DENV-3 co-infection. Molecular testing should be conducted to correctly identify causative agents in this complex infectious disease landscape.

Few data are available on incidence of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) colonization and infections in mechanically ventilated patients, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We retrospectively evaluated all patients admitted to the COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) of Hub Hospital in Milan, Italy, during October 2020-May 2021. Microbiologic surveillance was standardized with active screening at admission and weekly during ICU stay. Of 435 patients, 88 (20.2%) had MDROs isolated =48 h after admission. Of the remaining patients, MDRO colonization was diagnosed in 173 (51.2%), MDRO infections in 95 (28.1%), and non-MDRO infections in 212 (62.7%). Non-MDRO infections occurred earlier than MDRO infections (6 days vs. 10 days; p<0.001). Previous exposure to antimicrobial drugs within the ICU was higher in MDRO patients than in non-MDRO patients (116/197 [58.9%] vs. 18/140 [12.9%]; p<0.001). Our findings might serve as warnings for future respiratory viral pandemics and call for increased measures of antimicrobial stewardship and infection control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious disease dynamic modeling can support outbreak emergency responses. We conducted a workshop to canvas the needs of stakeholders in Australia for practical, real-time modeling tools for infectious disease emergencies. The workshop was attended by 29 participants who represented government, defense, general practice, and academia stakeholders. We found that modeling is underused in Australia and its potential is poorly understood by practitioners involved in epidemic responses. The development of better modeling tools is desired. Ideal modeling tools for operational use would be easy to use, clearly indicate underlying parameterization and assumptions, and assist with policy and decision making.

Dengue is an emerging viral disease mainly found in the tropical and subtropical zones, and a major public health concern worldwide (1-3). Dengue fever is a mosquitoborne viral infection caused [...]

To rapidly describe the epidemiology of influenza-like illness (ILI) during the 2009 winter epidemic of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus in New South Wales, Australia, we used results of a continuous population health survey. During July–September 2009, ILI was experienced by 23% of the population. Among these persons, 51% were unable to undertake normal duties for

In temperate countries, death rates increase in winter, but influenza epidemics often cause greater increases. The death rate time series that occurs without epidemic influenza can be called a seasonal baseline. Differentiating observed death rates from the seasonally oscillating baseline provides estimated influenza-associated death rates. During 2003–2009 in New South Wales, Australia, we used a Serfling approach with robust regression to estimate age-specific weekly baseline all-cause death rates. Total differences between weekly observed and baseline rates during May–September provided annual estimates of influenza-associated death rates. In 2009, which included our first wave of pandemic (H1N1) 2009, the all-age death rate was 6.0 (95% confidence interval 3.1–8.9) per 100,000 persons lower than baseline. In persons >80 years of age, it was 131.6 (95% confidence interval 126.2–137.1) per 100,000 lower. This estimate is consistent with a pandemic virus causing mild illness in most persons infected and sparing older persons.

In autumn 2002, an outbreak of probable psittacosis occurred among residents of the Blue Mountains district, Australia. We conducted a case-control study to determine independent risk factors for psittacosis by comparing exposures between hospitalized patients and other residents selected randomly from the telephone directory. Of the 59 case-patients with laboratory results supportive of psittacosis, 48 participated in a case-control study with 310 controls. Independent risk factors were residence in the upper Blue Mountains (odds ratio [OR] = 15.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.6–41.7), age of 50–64 years (OR = 3.9, 95% CI 1.5–10.5), direct contact with wild birds (OR = 7.4, 95% CI 2.5–22), and mowing lawns without a grass catcher (OR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.3–8.0). Protective equipment is recommended for residents in areas frequented by free-ranging birds if contact with birds and their droppings is likely when performing outdoor activities such as lawn mowing.

During winter 2009, Australia experienced a strong influenza epidemic, caused by the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus. In New South Wales (NSW), the most populous state of Australia ([approximately equal to]7 [...]

Influenza epidemics can be associated with large increases in all-cause and cause-specific death rates (1-4). Increases have been observed in the rate of deaths attributed to influenza, pneumonia, circulatory disease, [...]

In autumn 2002, an outbreak of probable psittacosis occurred among residents of the Blue Mountains district, Australia. We conducted a case-control study to determine independent risk factors for psittacosis by [...]