Occupational risk of human parvovirus B19 infection for school and day-care personnel during an outbreak of erythema infectiosum

Article Abstract:

Human parvovirus B19 causes erythema infectiosum, a contagious rash that is common among school children. Erythema infectiosum, sometimes referred to as fifth disease, has also been associated with arthritis and may cause serious reactions in persons with conditions such as sickle cell anemia. Previous studies have indicated that there is a link between parvovirus B19 infection during pregnancy and fetal death. While most women who become infected during pregnancy do not experience a miscarriage, the possibility has raised concerns. The transmission of the infection in adults and, in particular, to women of childbearing age, has received much attention. The precise mode of transmission of this virus is still unknown. A survey of 571 school and day-care workers was conducted during an outbreak of erythema infectiosum to assess their risk for B19 infection. Two classes of children were studied after the occurrence of an outbreak in the school. A questionnaire was given to the school personnel who were employed during the peak time of the outbreak of erythema infectiosum. Questions concerned amount of exposure to children, symptoms of B19 infection, and pregnancy. Serological tests were performed, which showed that 58 percent of the adults had been infected previously and were immune to the virus. Of those who were susceptible to B19 infection, 19 percent got the infection during the outbreak. Workers having contact with younger children and with larger numbers of children had higher rates of infection. In general, high rates of infection among teachers indicate that exposure to this illness occurs in these work environments. It was concluded that B19 infection is an occupational risk for day-care workers and school personnel. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Risk factors, Environmental aspects, Communicable diseases, Disease transmission, Parvoviruses, Pregnancy, Fetal death, Erythema infectiosum, Communicable diseases in pregnancy

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Adamantane resistance among influenza A viruses isolated early during the 2005-2006 influenza season in the United States

Article Abstract:

A study to investigate the frequency of adamantane-resistant influenza A viruses circulating in the US during the initial months of the 2005-2006 influenza season is illustrated. Results indicate that the drugs should not be used for the treatment of prophylaxis of influenza in the US until susceptibility to adamantanes is reestablished among circulating influenza A isolates.

United States, Care and treatment, Usage, Antiviral agents, Prophylaxis

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Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccination of Day Care Children in Reducing Influenza-Related Morbidity Among Household Contacts

Article Abstract:

Vaccinating children in day care centers against influenza can reduce the rate of influenza among their families, according to a study of 127 children and 328 household contacts. This was especially true among school-aged children who came into contact with the vaccinated children.

Evaluation, Prevention, Children, Vaccination of children, Vaccination, Influenza

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