Jannifer Anderson

Epidemiology of 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Deaths in the United States, April–July 2009

During the spring of 2009, pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus (pH1N1) was recognized and rapidly spread worldwide. To describe the geographic distribution and patient characteristics of pH1N1-associated deaths in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention requested information from health departments on all laboratory-confirmed pH1N1 deaths reported from 17 April through 23 July 2009. Data were collected using medical charts, medical examiner reports, and death certificates. A total of 377 pH1N1-associated deaths were identified, for a mortality rate of .12 deaths per 100,000 population. Activity was geographically localized, with the highest mortality rates in Hawaii, New York, and Utah. Seventy-six percent of deaths occurred in persons aged 18-65 years, and 9% occurred in persons aged ≥ 65 years. Underlying medical conditions were reported for 78% of deaths: chronic lung disease among adults (39%) and neurologic disease among children (54%). Overall mortality associated with pH1N1 was low; however, the majority of deaths occurred in persons aged <65 years with underlying medical conditions.

Severe Illness Associated with Reported Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids - Mississippi, April 2015.

On April 2, 2015, four patients were evaluated at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, Mississippi, for agitated delirium after using synthetic cannabinoids. Over the next 3 days, 24 additional persons went to UMMC with illnesses suspected to be related to synthetic cannabinoid use; one patient died. UMMC notified the Mississippi State Department of Health, which issued a statewide alert via the Health Alert Network on April 5, requesting that health care providers report suspected cases of synthetic cannabinoid intoxication to the Mississippi Poison Control Center (MPCC). A suspected case was defined as the occurrence of at least two of the following symptoms: sweating, severe agitation, or psychosis in a person with known or suspected synthetic cannabinoid use. A second statewide alert was issued on April 13, instructing all Mississippi emergency departments to submit line lists of suspected patients to MPCC each day. By April 21, 16 days after the first alert was issued, MPCC had received reports of approximately 400 cases, including eight deaths possibly linked to synthetic cannabinoid use; in contrast, during April 2012–March 2015, the median number of telephone calls to MPCC regarding synthetic cannabinoid use was one per month (range = 0–11). The Mississippi State Department of Health, with the assistance of CDC, initiated an investigation to better characterize the outbreak, identify risk factors associated with severe illness, and prevent additional illnesses and deaths.

Notes from the Field: Botulism Outbreak from Drinking Prison-Made Illicit Alcohol in a Federal Correctional Facility — Mississippi, June 2016

Botulism Outbreak from Drinking Prison-Made Illicit Alcohol in a Federal Correctional Facility — Mississippi, June 2016 Lindsey McCrickard, DVM1,2; Mariel Marlow, PhD1,2; Julie L. Self, PhD1,2; Louise Francois-Watkins, MD2; Kevin Chatham-Stephens, MD2; Jannifer Anderson3; Sheryl Hand3; Kathryn Taylor, MD3; Jennifer Hanson3; Keiundria Patrick3; Carolina Luquez, PhD2; Janet Dykes, MS2; Suzanne R. Kalb, PhD4; Kaitlin Hoyt4; John R. Barr, PhD4; Todd Crawford, MSN5; Anthony Chambers, MD5; Brian Douthit5; Robert Cox, MD6; Matt Craig, MD6; John Spurzem, MD6; Joseph Doherty, MD6; Michael Allswede, DO7; Paul Byers, MD3; Thomas Dobbs, MD3

Miniature fibre optic pressure sensor for high-resolution measurements in turbomachinery applications

There is considerable demand in the field of turbomachinery research to make in-situ measurements of temperature, heat flux, and pressure in large-scale flow rigs. This is driven by the desire to increase engine efficiency and reliability by improving our understanding of the flow regimes within compressors and turbines.

Multistate Epidemiology of Histoplasmosis, United States, 2011–20141

Increased awareness could lead to appropriate diagnosis, prompt treatment, and better patient outcomes.

Optical fibre probes for total pressure and total temperature measerement in a turbine test rig

We describe two probes which incorporate interferometric optical fibre sensors for gas total temperature and pressure measurements in transient flow rigs for turbomachinery research. Experimental results are presented from both probes deployed downstream of a turbine rotor.