Subject(s)
Chiroptera/virology , Rabies virus , Rabies/transmission , Viral Zoonoses/transmission , Animals , Cause of Death , Humans , Male , Rabies/mortality , United States , Viral Zoonoses/mortalityABSTRACT
Tickborne relapsing fever (TBRF) is a zoonosis caused by spirochetes of the genus Borrelia and transmitted to humans by ticks of the genus Ornithodoros. TBRF is endemic in the western United States, predominately in mountainous regions. Clinical illness is characterized by recurrent bouts of fever, headache, and malaise. Although TBRF is usually a mild illness, severe sequelae and death can occur. This report summarizes the epidemiology of 504 TBRF cases reported from 12 western states during 1990-2011. Cases occurred most commonly among males and among persons aged 10â14 and 40â44 years. Most reported infections occurred among nonresident visitors to areas where TBRF is endemic. Clinicians and public health practitioners need to be familiar with current epidemiology and features of TBRF to adequately diagnose and treat patients and recognize that any TBRF case might indicate an ongoing source of potential exposure that needs to be investigated and eliminated.
Subject(s)
Borrelia/isolation & purification , Endemic Diseases , Ornithodoros , Relapsing Fever/epidemiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Animals , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Middle Aged , Relapsing Fever/diagnosis , United States/epidemiology , Young AdultABSTRACT
In 1999 and 2000, 3 state health departments reported 4 outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness due to Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium in employees, clients, and client animals from 3 companion animal veterinary clinics and 1 animal shelter. More than 45 persons and companion animals became ill. Four independent investigations resulted in the testing of 19 human samples and >200 animal samples; 18 persons and 36 animals were culture-positive for S. Typhimurium. One outbreak was due to multidrug-resistant S. Typhimurium R-type ACKSSuT, while the other 3 were due to multidrug-resistant S. Typhimurium R-type ACSSuT DT104. This report documents nosocomial transmission of S. Typhimurium and demonstrates that companion animal facilities may serve as foci of transmission for salmonellae between animals and humans if adequate precautions are not followed.
Subject(s)
Cat Diseases/microbiology , Cross Infection/veterinary , Disease Outbreaks , Salmonella Infections, Animal/epidemiology , Salmonella Infections/epidemiology , Salmonella typhimurium/isolation & purification , Zoonoses/microbiology , Adolescent , Adult , Animal Technicians , Animals , Cat Diseases/epidemiology , Cats , Child , Child, Preschool , Cross Infection/epidemiology , Cross Infection/microbiology , Dogs , Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field/veterinary , Feces/microbiology , Hospitals, Animal , Humans , Idaho/epidemiology , Infant , Minnesota/epidemiology , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Occupational Diseases/microbiology , Salmonella Infections/microbiology , Salmonella Infections, Animal/microbiology , Washington/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Psittacosis, also known as parrot fever and ornithosis, is a bacterial infection of humans that can cause severe pneumonia and other serious health problems. It is caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, formerly known as Chlamydia psittaci. From 1988 through 2003, 935 human cases of psittacosis were reported to the CDC and most resulted from exposure to infected pet birds, usually cockatiels, parakeets, parrots, and macaws. In birds, C. psittaci infection is referred to as avian chlamydiosis. Infected birds shed the bacteria through feces and nasal discharges, and humans become infected from exposure to these materials. This compendium provides information about psittacosis and avian chlamydiosis to public health officials, physicians, veterinarians, the pet bird industry, and others concerned with controlling these diseases and protecting public health. The recommendations in this compendium provide standardized procedures for controlling avian chlamydiosis in birds, a vital step to protecting human health. This document will be reviewed and revised as necessary.