Georgia health officials investigate 3 MDR-TB cases
The Georgia Department of Public Health (GDPH) tuberculosis program is assisting with the investigation of two confirmed multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) cases in the northeastern part of the state, according to Nancy Nydam, a communications official with the GDPH.
The two patients are receiving treatment, and a third possible case is under evaluation. Contacts, including children, are undergoing screening with blood tests and x-rays.
Out of an abundance of caution, the GDPH has alerted hospital emergency departments and health providers who may see patients from Hart, Franklin, or Stephens counties, or areas nearby. "This is a proactive, precautionary step to screen individuals with signs and symptoms of TB, especially due to the number of influenza-like illnesses that so many people are experiencing," Nydam told CIDRAP News. Symptoms of can include prolonged cough, coughing up blood or blood-stained mucus, fever, night sweats, weight loss, or malaise.
CDC MDR-TB fact sheet
CDC closes investigation into puppy-related Campylobacter outbreak
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday announced an end to its investigation into a multistate outbreak of multidrug-resistant Campylobacter linked to puppies from Petland pet stores.
Since the last update in mid-December, the agency confirmed 16 more cases, bringing the totals to 113 cases in 17 states. Although the investigation is over, the CDC said there could still be more cases reported because people could be unaware of the risks after coming into contact with infected puppies and dogs.
No deaths were reported during this outbreak, but there were 22 hospitalizations. Illnesses started from Jan 12, 2017 to Jan 7, 2018. Bacteria isolated from 5 ill people and 7 puppies showed that the Campylobacter was resistant to common, first-line antibiotics, including azithromycin, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, erythromycin, nalidixic acid, telithromycin, and tetracycline.
Almost all patients (99%) reported contact with a puppy in the week prior to illness, 87% reported contact with a puppy from a Petland store, and 25 were employees of Petland stores. Whole-genome sequencing during the outbreak showed that Campylobacter isolates were closely related.
"Pet owners should be aware that any puppy or dog, regardless of where it is purchased or adopted, may carry germs like Campylobacter that can make people sick," the CDC said. "Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water right after touching puppies and dogs or after picking up their poop."
Jan 30 CDC notice