Discussion Question 1

Outbreak of Cyclosporiasis in the United States

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a single-celled parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. As of August 26, 2014 (5pm EDT), CDC had been notified of 304 ill persons with confirmed Cyclospora infection in 2014; of these, 207 ill persons from the following states had no history of international travel within two weeks before onset of illness: Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York (and New York City), Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Washington.

Most (133; 64%) of the cases were reported from Texas.

Most (133; 64%) of the cases were reported in July 2014.

Most (176; 85%) of the illness onset dates occurred in June and July.

To date, 133 ill persons with Cyclospora infection have been reported among Texas residents who did not travel outside of the country within the two weeks before becoming ill.

Epidemiologic and traceback investigations conducted in Texas by state and local public health and regulatory officials and the FDA indicated that some illnesses among Texas residents were linked to fresh cilantro from Puebla, Mexico.

Reported cases of cyclosporiasis in Texas have returned to baseline levels in August; therefore, it is likely that the outbreak has ended.

To date, there is no evidence to suggest that any illnesses outside of Texas are linked to cilantro from Puebla, Mexico.

Source of Most Cyclospora Cases in Current Outbreak Unknown

Investigate this food borne outbreak or other similar outbreaks.

Write a response to the following discussion question in the Discussion forum:

Why is this outbreak particularly difficult to identify the cause?

What methods are used to identify this parasite in an intestinal infection?

Note. Initial answers to the discussion question must be substantive and in the range of 300-500 words. Any references used should be properly cited following APA formatting guidelines.

Discussion 2

Multistate Fungal Meningitis Outbreak Investigation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with state and local health departments and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is continuing to investigate a multistate outbreak of fungal meningitis and other infections among patients who received contaminated steroid injections. This form of meningitis is not contagious. CDC is investigating medications and products that are associated with this outbreak of these fungal infections. Three lots of preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate, an injectable steroid medication recalled on September 26, 2012, from the New England Compounding Center (NECC), have been linked to the outbreak. To view the final case counts and final updates go to the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/clinicians/index.html

Write a response to the following discussion question in the Discussion forum:

How could such an outbreak have occurred?

What are the loopholes in our regulatory system that allowed it to occur?

What should be done to fix it so it does not happen again?

Feel free to investigate any other food or drug borne outbreak and report on it. Be sure to include appropriate citations.

Note. Initial answers to the discussion question must be substantive and in the range of 300-500 words. Any references used should be properly cited following APA formatting guidelines.

Discussion 3

Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report for 2014/2015

Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. The upcoming season’s flu vaccine will protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and one or two influenza B viruses, depending on the flu vaccine. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/

Here is a great talk on TED by Laurie Garrett on lessons from the 1918 flu.

Write a response to the following discussion question in the Discussion forum:

Why do influenza viruses constantly change?

What are the possible influenza Types and Sub-Types that are causing disease right now in the United States?

How does this flu season compare to previous flu seasons so far?

What do we know about how we can stop the spread of these types of viruses?

Note. Initial answers to the discussion question must be substantive and in the range of 300-500 words. Any references used should be properly cited following APA formatting guidelines.

Discussion 4

Virus Sleuths Chip Away at Ebola Mysteries

The unprecedented Ebola outbreak probably has more virologists thinking about Ebola than ever before. And while scientists have learned a lot about this virus since it was discovered almost four decades ago, there’s still a lot left to wonder about. http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/10/31/359837446/virus-sleuths-chip-away-at-ebola-mysteries

Pick an aspect of Ebola and share your research with other students. You may want to research and discuss:

What is the reservoir for the Ebola virus? Can it spread to household pets?

What cells does it attack in our bodies?

Exactly how does it gain access to our bodies? How does it get through intact skin?

How long does the virus remain infectious after it is outside the body on an inanimate surface?

Update the class on one of the experimental drugs or vaccines.

Describe the methodology used in the latest laboratory test. If an individual tests negative after returning from West Africa after coming in contact with Ebola patients, can they still be infectious to others?

Describe the epidemiology of the Ebola virus. Which countries case load are declining and which countries are increasing?

Describe the current case-fatality rates for this current outbreak.

Write a 300- to 500-word response on the aspect of Ebola you selected from above. Include at least two quality references. Any references used should be properly cited following APA formatting guidelines.