eis e-bulletin issue june 2007 - cdc foundation · eis e-bulletin issue june–september 2010 ......

EIS e-Bulletin, Vol. e5, Issues e2 and e3

EIS e-Bulletin Issue June–September 2010 Vol. e5, Issues 2 and 3

Contents Director’s Notes

Epi-Aids

EISO Investigations

EISO Publications

EISO Presentations

Notes from the Field

2010 EISO Class Assignments

Job Notices

What’s Happening? News of Current Officers

Alumni Notes

Mystery Cases

Send submissions to Doug Hamilton ([email protected])

mailto:[email protected]�

EIS e-Bulletin, Vol. e5, Issues e2 and e3 2

Director’s Notes (Return to top)

We’ve had a pretty hectic spring since the EIS Conference. (Note: This was supposed to be the June edition, but it has now morphed into the June–September edition!) On the epi front, the involvement of officers in CDC's response to the Haiti earthquake has been steady and was described in several sessions at the conference. Initially, we helped staff the epi group in CDC's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) as well as helped staff teams in the field. After we moved past the initial response phase and the staffing needs in the EOC stabilized, the primary involvement of EISOs was with the teams in the field. We used most of our French speakers and began tapping our Spanish-speaking officers, managing to meet all requests for assistance — but just barely. It looks like this is going to be an ongoing activity for the foreseeable future. Please see the Notes from the Field section in this issue of the eBulletin for reports from two of the first officers deployed to Haiti. The next big event was the BP Oil Platform disaster and the massive Gulf oil spill. Although we have been waiting to be called, involvement of EISOs has been minimal. Some officers have been working on the problem in their regular assignments (e.g., National Center for Environmental Health or field officers in the affected states), and we had a small team in a Gulf state in August doing a community needs assessment. However, the biggest challenge for the EIS Program this spring came from an unexpected source, America’s Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009! Among the many new provisions in the act was one that abolishes the Reserve Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and made everyone part of the Regular Corps. For those of you who have been away from CDC for a while, here’s a brief explanation of what this means. · Until recently, the Commissioned Corps of the USPHS has had two separate tracks in

which officers were enrolled: the Reserve Corps, and the Regular Corps. · Traditionally, new officers enlisted as members of the Reserve Corps, and after a 3-

year probationary period, they could apply for assimilation into the Regular Corps. · A Reserve Corps appointment is a presidential appointment, and a Regular Corps

appointment is a Congressional appointment, which apparently adds complexity to the appointment process for the Regular Corps.

· The number of Regular Corps slots had been capped at a predefined level; therefore, assimilation was not an automatic process, and some Corps officers spend their entire careers as Reserve Corps members.

For officers in the Corps on active duty, this was a good thing. Although the new law changed the status all of the current Reserve Corps officers to Regular Corps, it did not


address the appointment of new officers into the Regular Corps. A whole slew of potential logistical problems were raised by the transition, and the Corps responded by placing a pause on all new call-to-duty orders. This pause occurred in May at the very time the new officers were preparing to close out their previous jobs, move, and start EIS. For weeks it looked as if the new officers who had selected the Corps would not be allowed to join. For many, this would have meant a significant financial impact, and we were worried that we would lose officers at the last minute. Many staff at CDC, from Director Frieden to RADM Castro on down, worked tirelessly to help get an exemption to allow the new EISOs to come in through the Corps. We had looked at the time required to get officers into the program and picked a drop-dead date when we would have to switch all of the Corps officers to a civilian fellowship. The Presidential Executive Order to permit the new officers to come in through the Corps was signed on the day we had scheduled to make the change — Whew! Doug Hamilton (EIS '91) Epi-Aids (Return to top) The following Epi-Aids have been issued since February 1, 2010: Number Title Location Officer

2010-048 Legionnaires disease outbreak, Cozumel, Quintana Roo Mexico Lee Hampton

2010-049

Evaluation of an intervention to control a mumps outbreak among a highly vaccinated population, Orange County

NY Ikechukwu Ogbuanu

2010-050 Hepatitis E investigation Uganda and Kenya Roxanne Williams

2010-051

Collection of clinical information from anthrax case-patients hospitalized in Scotland for anthrax immune globulin (AIG) E-IND protocol, Glasgow

Scotland Kendra Stauffer

2010-052 Increase in number of early syphilis cases among heterosexual African-American women, Miller County

AR La’Shan Taylor Bob Kirkcaldy

2010-053

Survey of adoptive parents and medical providers regarding the health status of Haitian orphans entering the United States after the January 12, 2010, Haiti earthquake

Nationwide Tarissa Mitchell


Number Title Location Officer 2010-054 Mumps outbreak investigation Guam George Nelson

2010-055 Strengthening of influenza surveillance in Dominican Republic; Santo Domingo

Dominican Republic James Colborn

2010-056

Strengthening of influenza surveillance in El Salvador; Santa Ana, San Miguel, Cojutepeque, and San Salvador

El Salvador Monica Roy

2010-057 Strengthening of influenza surveillance in Masaya Nicaragua Teeb Al-Samarrai

2010-058 Outbreak of Escherichia coli O145 infections, Columbus OH Ethel Taylor

Minal Patel

2010-059

Epidemiologic and toxicologic support to determine the etiology of an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness at a Louisiana state mental health facility, Pineville

LA Ellen Yard Armand Sprecher

2010-060 Community outbreak of pertussis in the central valley of California, Merced and Madera Counties

CA Michael Jackson

2010-061

Strengthening of influenza surveillance in South Africa; Johannesburg and Klerksdorp/Tshepong

South Africa Alicia Siston

2010-062 Assessment of reports of death among children attributable to lead exposure in Bukkuyum

Nigeria Carrie Dooyema Phillip Lo

2010-063 Strengthening of influenza surveillance Argentina Loretta Chang

2010-064 Assessment of opportunities for enhanced gonorrhea and chlamydia control

AK Elizabeth Torrone

2010-065 Assessment of childhood lead poisoning in San Juan

Puerto Rico Andreea Creanga

2010-066

Investigation of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections among residents of a long-term care facility, Durham County

NC Roxanne Williams

2010-067 Outbreak of acute hepatitis B in long-term care facilities, multiple counties TX Yenlik Zheteyeva

Pritish Tosh

2010-068 Assessment of chemical exposure of chlorine attributable to release at a workplace, Tulare County

CA Ekta Choudhary


Number Title Location Officer

2010-069 Aflatoxin contamination in the Eastern and Coast Provinces Kenya Ellen Yard

2010-070

Evaluation of present on admission codes (POAs) for classification of MRSA infections as part of public health reporting in Illinois hospitals

IL Agam Rao Susan Hocevar

2010-071

Characterization of injuries and surgical procedures performed after the 2010 Haiti earthquake — Miami, Florida, 2010

FL Monica Selent

2010-072 Surveillance for public health problems during the 2010 Rainbow Family annual gathering

PA Parvathy Pillai

2010-073 Strengthening of influenza surveillance in Johannesburg and Pietermaritzburg

South Africa Steven Grube

2010-074 Investigation of an increased rate of blastomycosis among persons in Marathon County

WI Monika Roy

2010-075 Mercury exposure in Madre de Dios communities at high risk Peru Ellen Yard

2010-076 Legionnaires disease outbreak associated with travel to a hotel, Starkville

MS Andrew Medina-Marino

2010-077 2010 National Scout Jamboree, Fort A.P. Hill VA Chad Cox

Thomas Bender

2010-078 Vibrio mimicus infection after consumption of crayfish, Spokane WA Emily Cartwright

Meagan Kay

2010-079 Statewide epidemic of pertussis — vaccine program evaluation CA Andrew Terranella

2010-080 Outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) infection, Maricopa County AZ

Katherine Gibney Steven Baty James Colborn

2010-081 Investigation of outbreak of rabies among deer PA Brett Petersen

2010-082 Outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections among Indiana residents IN Katherine O’Connor

2010-083 Legionellosis outbreak associated with an Air National Guard base MI

Lee Hampton Katherine Fleming-Dutra

2010-084 Outbreak of Salmonella enteriditis infections among Texas residents TA Joanna Gaines


Number Title Location Officer

2010-085 Pan-resistant VIM-type metallo-beta-lactamase–producing Klebsiella pneumoniae

WA Neil Gupta Susan Hocevar

2010-086 Firearm-related injuries in Alaska AK Asha Ivey

2010-087 Outbreak of Serratia marcescens infections in a skilled nursing facility CO Amit Chitnis

Agam Rao

2010-088

Community assessment for public health emergency response (CASPER) regarding physical and mental health needs of two Gulf Coast communities after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill incident

AL Danielle Buttke Nancy Fleischer

2010-089 Assessment of chemical exposure of ammonia attributable to a release at a refrigeration facility

AL Ekwutosi Okoroh Evelyn Davila

2010-090 Characterization of anthrax patients hospitalized in Scotland for anthrax immune globulin (AIG) E-IND

Scotland Mark Lehman Christopher Taylor Bryan Christensen

Other Investigations Recently Conducted by EISOs (Return to top) Officer Investigation Location Dates Andria Apostolou

Investigation of blood transfusion-associated babesiosis cases NJ 2/2010–

Present Andria Apostolou Investigation of a mumps outbreak NJ and NY 8/2009–

11/2009

Andria Apostolou

Investigation of Nocardia infection outbreak resulting from cosmetic injections by an unlicensed provider

NJ 2/2010–Present

Andria Apostolou Health care–associated hepatitis C infection NJ 5/2010–

Present N. Janine Dailey

Outbreak of acute gastroenteritis during a youth conference NC 2/2010

N. Janine Dailey

2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) outbreak in a long-term–care facility in Morganton

NC 11/2009

N. Janine Dailey

Outbreak of norovirus infection related to a casino NC 1/2010

Eva Suarthana

The indoor environmental quality at an Oak Ridge elementary school (HHE 09-0172)

NC 3/2010


Officer Investigation Location Dates Eva Suarthana

Surveillance for influenza-like illness among staff at schools in NY State (HETA 2009-0237)

NY 9/2009–1/2010

Eva Suarthana

Health problems related to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of an office building (HETA 2010-0020)

SC 11/2009–2/2010

Eva Suarthana

Health hazard evaluation request concerning problems related to exposure to metalworking fluid and secondhand tobacco smoke (HETA 2010-0033)

IN 11/2009–3/2010

Recent Publications by Current Officers (Return to top) CDC. Mumps outbreak—New York, New Jersey, Quebec, 2009. MMWR 2009;58:1270–4. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5845a5.htm. (Reported and submitted by Andria Apostolou). CDC. Update: mumps outbreak—New York and New Jersey, June 2009–January 2010. MMWR 2010:59;125–9. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5905a1.htm. (Reported and submitted by Andria Apostolou). Sleet DA, Ballesteros MF, Borse NN. A review of unintentional injuries in adolescents. Annu Rev Public Health 2010;31:195–212; 4 pages following 212. Huitric MA, Borse NN, Sleet DA. Empowering parents to prevent unintentional childhood injuries. Am J Lifestyle Med 2010;4:100–1. Borse NN, Sleet DA. CDC childhood injury report: patterns of unintentional injuries among 0- to 19-year olds in the United States, 2000–2006. Fam Community Health 2009;32:189. Sleet DA, Ballesteros MF, Borse NN. Preventing and controlling injuries among adolescents. Encyclopedia of Adolescence. In press. Sleet DA, Ballesteros MF, Borse NN, Baldwin G. Epidemiology of unintentional injuries among adolescents. Encyclopedia of Adolescence. In press. Espitia-Hardeman V, Borse NN, Betancourt CE, Villarea AN, Caicedo LD, Portillo C. Burden of childhood injuries and lessons learned from past injury surveillance, 2003–2007. Inj Prev. In press.

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5845a5.htm�

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5905a1.htm�


CDC. 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in pregnant women requiring intensive care—New York City, 2009. MMWR. 26;59:321–6. Reprinted in JAMA 2010;303:1688–90. (Reported and submitted by Andreea Creanga). Creanga AA, Johnson TF, Graitcer SB, Hartman LK, Al-Samarrai T, Schwarz AG, Chu SY, Sackoff JE, Jamieson DJ, Fine AD, Shapiro-Mendoza CK, Jones LE, Uyeki TM, Balter S, Bish CL, Finelli L, Honein MA. Severity of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in pregnant women. Obstet Gynecol 2010;115:717–26. CDC. Congenital syphilis—United States, 2003–2008. MMWR 2010;59:413–7. (Reported and submitted by Robert Kirkcaldy). Perrine CG, Herrick K, Serdula MK, Sullivan KM. Some sub-groups of reproductive age women in the U.S. may be at risk for iodine deficiency. J Nutr 2010;140:1489–94. Siston AM, Rasmussen SA, Honein MA, Fry AM, Seib K, Callaghan WM, Louie J, Doyle TJ, Crockett M, Lynfield R, Moore Z, Wiedeman C, Anand M, Tabony L, Nielsen CF, Waller K, Page S, Thompson JM, Avery C, Springs CB, Jones T, Williams JL, Newsome K, Finelli L, Jamieson DJ. Pandemic 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus illness among pregnant women in the United States. JAMA 2010;303:1517–25. Ribeiro IC, Torres A, Parra DC, et al. Using logic models as iterative tools for planning and evaluating physical activity promotion programs in Curitiba, Brazil. J Phys Act Health 2010;7(Suppl 2):S155–62. Ribeiro IC, Parra DC, Hoehner CM, et al. School-based education programs: evidence-based physical activity interventions for youth in Latin America. Glob Health Promot 2010;17(2):5–15. Recent Presentations by Current Officers at National or International Meetings (Return to top) Officer Presentation Meeting Date Andria Apostolou

Epidemiology of babesiosis, New Jersey 2006–2009

Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) Conference (Portland, OR)

6/2010

Andria Apostolou

Mumps outbreak, New Jersey 2009–2010


6/2010


Officer Presentation Meeting Date Andria Apostolou

Mumps outbreak, New Jersey 2009–2010

National Immunization Conference (AAttllaannttaa,, GGAA)

4/2010

Andria Apostolou

Epidemiology of babesiosis, New Jersey 2006–2009

NJ Mosquito Control Association Annual Conference (Atlantic City, NJ)

3/2010

Ekta Choudhary

Improving coordination of natural disaster surveillance among federal, state, and local public health agencies

2010 Integrated Medical, Public Health, Preparedness and Response Training Summit (Las Vegas, NV)

6/2010

Ekta Choudhary

Evaluation of active mortality surveillance following Hurricane Ike—Texas, 2008


6/2010

Andreea Creanga

Age, period and cohort effects on contraceptive practices in Honduras and Nicaragua

Population Association of America Annual Meeting, (Dallas, TX)

4/2010

N. Janine Dailey

Review of surveillance and response standard operating procedure

CDC-SA World Cup Technical Assistance Training (South Africa)

5/2010

Mary Fournier

Perceived family support associated with decreased alcohol use among Iowa youth

Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine Conference (Toronto, Canada)

4/2010

Robert Kirkcaldy

Persistent congenital syphilis among Hispanic infants despite declining syphilis rates among women: Maricopa County, Arizona, 2004–2008

National STD Prevention Conference (Atlanta, GA)

3/2010

Robert Kirkcaldy

Trends in congenital syphilis: United States, 2000—2008


6/2010


Notes from the Field (Return to top) In January 2010, the focus of the public health community was shifted from the pandemic influenza A (H1N1) response to the tragedy in Haiti. Early on, CDC teams joined the international relief efforts, and as expected, EIS officers were a part of those teams. Here are "Notes from the Field" from two participating officers. Afterthoughts of an EIS Officer: Behind the Mountains of Haiti During the Postearthquake Response Submitted by W. Roodly Archer, EIS '08 Thrill-seeker, I am not, but like most of us who have completed or are currently in the EIS Program, I get an adrenaline rush, an indescribable excitement, when I am called to the field either for an outbreak investigation or for an emergency response. On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, when the magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti, I watched the catastrophe unfold in my home country. It was heartbreaking to hear the news about the thousands of people affected by the earthquake. I had worked in Haiti before, but I knew I was needed more than ever during this time of devastation. On Tuesday, January 26, 2010, CAPT Doug Hamilton (EIS '91) gave me the green light to participate in the Haiti relief efforts. I definitely experienced that adrenaline rush and a whirlwind of emotions. I was going back to Haiti, my country of birth, to help my people. The reality is that I was fortunate to be an EIS officer during this unique and tragic time. My excitement quickly crumbled though after I attended the security briefing at CDC’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The briefing was intended to prepare us for the worst scenario, but the pictures presented were not at all reassuring. So, with a bit of fear and insecurity, I packed for my long stay in Haiti. I was anxious and restless, but my nerves calmed once I boarded the CDC plane on Sunday, January 31, 2010. For 26 days, I camped on the second floor of the Laboratoire National de Santé Publique (LNSP; Haitian National Public Health Laboratory). I sent e-mails every day to CAPT Hamilton to let him know how and what I was doing, as he requested. It was hard and yet very rewarding to be helping with the postearthquake National Surveillance Sentinel System. I consider the emergency response in Haiti as the Olympics of humanitarian aid. Major organizations sent their teams to support the efforts: CDC, Pan American Health Organization, U.S. Agency for International Development, United Nations, Red Cross, and Doctors without Borders, to name a few. A plethora of other organizations also arrived to help. It was encouraging to see the outpouring of assistance but sometimes a bit


concerning as well. In the middle of the chaos, planning and logistics were often a challenge. So many workers arrived from other countries and organizations willing to help, but many of them did not speak French or Creole (Haiti's official languages). I questioned how they would be able to communicate effectively with these people in need without sufficient translators or persons who understand Haitian culture. Traveling to the affected areas gave me a better sense of the situation in Haiti. I felt a bit hopeful after I saw for myself the daily reality of the people in Haiti, stripped from all the frenzied media sensation. Life goes on amidst the rubble. The local merchants continue to sell food on the roadside; families go to church and pray; children play with their makeshift kites — a stick, a piece of thread, and a plastic bag. However, everywhere I looked around the capital, Port-au-Prince, I was reminded of what this earthquake had caused: illness, injury, death, and destruction. Buildings were demolished as if a giant had put his hands on the rooftops and smashed them down. Countless tents were everywhere, made of every possible type of material, bed sheets, plastic, and other scraps.

Buildings were demolished as if a giant had put his hands on the rooftops and smashed them down. Photo courtesy of David Snyder. credit: David Snyder) Witnessing such dire conditions was difficult, but some moments were uplifting. Working with the Puerto Rican doctors who had a clinic on the front lawn of the LNSP, we provided food and vitamins to a child with pellagra and saw her health improve over time. We found an orthopedic doctor at a nearby camp who agreed to perform a debridement on a woman’s arm. I laughed with the information technology employee at the CDC-Haiti office who shared his experience during the earthquake and the ways in which he was coping. Yes, you read correctly: there were laughable moments. I was


impressed by his resilience and his sense of humor. Like the old adage says, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade." Haiti certainly has its share of lemons. Meanwhile, everyday, I see how many Haitians make lemonade. Here are their ingredients: resilience, sense of humor, cooperation, hard work, and residing faith.

Life goes on. A young girl eats a mango at one of the camps in Port-au-Prince. Photo courtesy of David Snyder. While in Haiti, I shared my meals, sleeping quarters, and rides to the field with a great CDC team, many of whom were current or former EIS officers: Kay M. Tomashek (EIS '97), Eric Mintz (EIS '89), Karidia Diallo, Michael Dillon, Michael Humphrys, Gerry Gomez, Jim Pruckler, Jeanette Rainey, Stefan Wiktor (EIS '91), Geoff Beckett, Nathalie Roberts, and Charbel El Bcheraoui (EIS '09). We were all dedicated to supporting the people of Haiti and to fulfilling a public health mission. We shared moments of frustration, compassion, and laughs. In a sense, we also made our own lemonade.


Site visit at the Aviation Camp. In the center is Nathalie Roberts (sunglasses on top of her head) with Kay M. Tomashek (EIS '97) to her right (wearing a hat). Gerry Gomez is standing to Kay's right, with Michael Humphrys to Gerry's right and Charbel El Bcheraoui (EIS '09) next to Nathalie. Photo courtesy of David Snyder.

Gerry Gomez and Jeanette Rainey in our living quarters at the Laboratoire National de Santé Publique (LNSP) (Haitian National Laboratory). Photo courtesy of David Snyder. I experienced many things for the first time while deployed to Haiti. I camped for the first time in my life; I flew in the CDC jet; and I ate my first Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE). I witnessed horror and yet beauty in life and in my fellow human beings. All this because I had the opportunity to contribute as an EIS officer during this unique and terrible time in my home country.


Writing my last e-mail to CAPT Hamilton while waiting to return to Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Mike Humphrys. Disaster-Borne Epidemiologists Submitted by Charbel El Bcheraoui (EIS '09) The January 2010 Haiti earthquake is one true example of applied epidemiology. That event was a disaster where both scientific and human-centered approaches were required to accomplish the best possible public health response and outcome. The impact of the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Haiti was increased because of the public health context in which the event occurred: Haiti has long suffered an inadequate infrastructure and a weak public health system with nonexistent surveillance, a lack of disease vector control, and absence of governmental health services. The country has relied primarily on nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to provide health services. Hence, the impact of the disaster was magnified considerably. After the earthquake struck, millions of Haitians were resettled into false shelters known as Internally Displaced Persons Camps (IDPCs). The crowded living conditions, the scarcity of food and water, and the inadequate latrines and waste management were a serious public health threat. Infectious diseases could have reached epidemic levels quickly. CDC's response was immediate, and we, the EISOs, were requested by Haiti's Ministry of Public Health to assist in public health surveillance and investigation. Epidemiology means "science of what’s among the people," and that is exactly what surveillance was all about in Haiti. We surveyed what was occurring among the people to determine their health needs and to protect the community's health.


Charbel El Bcheraoui (EIS '09) (on right) helps carry supplies as he moves with the surveillance team through an Internally Displaced Persons Camp. On February 15, I arrived at Port-au-Prince as part of the CDC response team. Haiti's high temperatures were a stark contrast from the snow storm that was hitting CDC headquarters in Atlanta as I left that morning. The epidemiology and surveillance team was occupying part of the 2nd floor and the roof of the National Laboratory of Public Health (NLPH), which was one of the few buildings left standing after the earthquake. A shocking and massive scene of destruction haunted me on my way from the airport to the laboratory where I would stay for the next 10 days before we were moved to "tents land" at the American Embassy. There, about 30 tents with five beds each were occupied by different American organizations’ employees. The CDC team worked on developing a useful and comprehensive surveillance form, and on February 18, the Ministry of Public Health adopted it. This form was meant to be used at the IDPCs to track priority infectious diseases. I was assigned to implement the Internally Displaced Persons Surveillance System (IDPSS) by delivering copies of the form and training the healthcare providers on its use.


Our focus was on visiting the 21 designated priority camps and introducing the IDPSS to healthcare providers. Although initially our team benefitted from having several members, I learned quickly that I would need to make some visits on my own. Implementation varied extensively from one camp to another. Some camps had highly experienced NGO staff, whereas others were less organized or had only limited resources. Of the 21 camps, nine did not have any healthcare assistance. The director of the epidemiology branch from NLPH explained that the Haitian government was hoping to have all of these camps participate in the IDPSS in the future. He requested that I keep on visiting the camps even if no healthcare was available at the camp to collect basic information. In that manner, I continued my stay in Haiti for 4 weeks. Some days I visited more than one camp and some days I had to return to previously visited IDPCs for more coordination and training.

Kay Tomashek (EIS '97) and Charbel El Bcheraoui (EIS '09) discuss strategy with a Red Cross worker. Although intended for our own security, the logistics sometimes became a limitation to our implementing the surveillance system. Some zones in Haiti were not to be visited unless I had two armored cars and an armed escort. These had to be requested and approved 48 hours before the camp visit. In addition, communication was a major barrier. Different workers spoke different languages with a predominance of English, Portuguese, and Spanish, but not all spoke French or Creole, Haiti’s two official languages.


Therefore, additional efforts were required for everyone to deliver and receive the same message. In contrast, NGOs working in IDPCs cooperated by expanding the IDPSS to other sites where they had clinics I had not visited. On a personal level, I was deeply affected by the heart-wrenching scenes around me. People were sick; children were starving; and everywhere everyone was sad. Still, the sounds of prayers in the night were reassuring, even for an atheist like me. The Haitian people proved to be extremely resilient during this difficult situation. Moreover, the camps reminded me of my childhood. As a Lebanese born and raised in Beirut in the 1980s, I spent many nights during my early years sleeping in underground shelters, hiding from bombs. Hoping for better days is all you can do in these situations. Helping to ensure that the IDPSS would prevent outbreaks in this situation is all that occupied me in Haiti, and I vowed to do an even better job each day I was there. By the 23rd day of my deployment to Haiti, my job was almost complete. On that day, we had the first meeting for NGOs reporting to the IDPSS. The meeting was the team lead’s successful idea to enhance the providers’ engagement in the system. On March 12, with mixed emotions, I flew back to Atlanta. Meanwhile, IDPSS is still operating and maintained by excellent EISOs who have gone to and returned from Haiti while others are getting ready for a similar experience there. 2010 EISO Class Assignments (Return to top) Officer Assignment Agarwal, Aarti Center for Global Health/Division of Parasitic

Diseases/Malaria Branch Azofeifa, Alejandro National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental

Disabilities/Division of Birth Defects and Development Disabilities/Prevention Research Branch

Azonobi, Ijeoma National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities/Division of Blood Disorders/Epidemiology and Surveillance Team

Baker, Brian National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, and TB Prevention/Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Outbreak Investigations Branch

Barbour, Kamil National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion/Division of Adult and Community Health/Arthritis Program, Arthritis, Epilepsy and Quality-of-Life

Bartholomew, Michael Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Wisconsin


Officer Assignment Beau De Rochars, Valery Scientific Education and Professional Development

Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Florida Bennett, Sarah National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious

Diseases/Division of Foodborne, Bacterial, and Mycotic Diseases/Outbreak Response and Prevention Branch

Bjork, Adam National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases/Rickettsial Zoonoses Branch

Bradley, Heather National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, and TB Prevention/Division of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Prevention/Surveillance and Special Studies Team, Epidemiology and Surveillance Branch

Brett, Meghan National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases/Bacterial Diseases Branch

Brown, Allison National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Foodborne, Bacterial, and Mycotic Diseases/Waterborne Diseases Prevention Branch

Bunga, Sudhir Center for Global Health/Division of Global Preparedness and Program Coordination/International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch

Buttke, Danielle National Center for Environmental Health/Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects/Health Studies Branch

Cardemil, Cristina National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases/Global Immunization Division/Disease Elimination and Eradication Branch

Chitnis, Amit National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion/Surveillance Branch (Healthcare Associated Infection)

Christensen, Bryan National Center for Environmental Health/Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects/Air Pollution and Respiratory Health Branch

Clayton, Heather National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion/Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity/Nutrition Branch

Coleman King, Sallyann National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion/Division of Cancer Prevention and Control/Epidemiology and Applied Research Branch

Collier, Melissa Gerhart Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Indiana


Officer Assignment Cunningham, Timothy National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health

Promotion/Division of Reproductive Health/Applied Sciences Branch

Davila, Evelyn Center for Global Health/Division of Global Public Health Capacity Development/Capacity Development Branch

Demissie, Zewditu National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion/Division of Adolescent and School Health/Surveillance and Evaluation Research Branch

Desai, Rishi National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases/Division of Viral Diseases/Viral Gastroenteritis Team

Dunkle, Stacie National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Global Migration and Quarantine/Immigrant Refugee and Migrant Health Branch

Fairlie, Tarayn National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases/Division of Bacterial Diseases/Respiratory Diseases Branch

Farag, Noha Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Texas (Chronic)

Fleischer, Nancy National Center for Environmental Health/Division of Environmental Hazards and Health Effects/Health Studies Branch

Fleming-Dutra, Katherine National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases/Division of Bacterial Diseases/Respiratory Diseases Branch

Gaines, Joanna National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Foodborne, Bacterial, and Mycotic Diseases/Waterborne Diseases Prevention Branch

Garg, Shikha National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases/ Influenza Division/Epidemiology and Prevention Branch

Gill, Simerpal National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities/Division of Birth Defects and Development Disabilities/Epidemiology Team, Birth Defects Branch

Glidewell, Melissa National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities/Division of Birth Defects and Development Disabilities/Pediatric Genetics Team

Goodman, Alyson National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion/Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity/Obesity Prevention and Control Branch


Officer Assignment Gounder, Prabhu Scientific Education and Professional Development

Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/New York City

Gupta, Neil National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion/Prevention and Response Branch

Hollis, Natasha National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion/Division of Adult and Community Health/Health Disparities Activity, Community Health and Program Services Branch

Hudson, Naomi National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/ Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies/Surveillance Branch

Ibraheem, Mam Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/New Mexico

Ishida, Kanako Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Puerto Rico

Ivey, Asha National Center for Injury Prevention and Control/Division of Violence Prevention/Etiology and Surveillance Branch

Jackson, Brendan National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Foodborne, Bacterial, and Mycotic Diseases/FoodNet and Outbreak Surveillance Team

Jacobson, Lara Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Indian Health Service

Kemble, Sarah Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Minnesota (ID)

Kim, Lindsay National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, and TB Prevention/Division of Tuberculosis Elimination/International Research and Programs Branch

King, Brian National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion/Office on Smoking and Health/Epidemiology Branch

Ko, Jean National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion/Division of Reproductive Health/Research and Evaluation Team

Kolwaite, Amy Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Kentucky

Kwan, Candice National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, and TB Prevention/Division of HIV-AIDS Prevention/Clinical Epidemiology Team, Epidemiology Branch


Officer Assignment Lehman, Mark National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious

Diseases/Division of Foodborne, Bacterial, and Mycotic Diseases/Bacterial Zoonoses Branch

Longenberger, Allison Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Pennsylvania

Mahamud, Abdirahman National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases/Division of Viral Diseases/Epidemiology Branch

Maxted, Angela Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/New York State

Mbaeyi, Chukwuma National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion/Prevention and Response Branch

Mba-Jonas, Adamma National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Foodborne, Bacterial, and Mycotic Diseases/Waterborne Diseases Prevention Branch

McCollum, Jeffrey Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Colorado

McDaniel, Dawn National Center for Injury Prevention and Control/Division of Violence Prevention/Etiology and Surveillance Branch

Meyers, Alysha National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/ Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations and Field Studies/Industrywide Studies Branch

Meza, Francisco Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/California (Environmental)

Minniear, Timothy National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, and TB Prevention/Division of HIV-AIDS Prevention/Clinical Epidemiology Team, Epidemiology Branch

Neblett Fanfair, Robyn National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Foodborne, Bacterial, and Mycotic Diseases/Mycotic Diseases Branch

O'Connor, Katherine National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Foodborne, Bacterial, and Mycotic Diseases/National Surveillance Team, Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch

Odom, Erika National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion/Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity/Nutrition Branch

Okoroh, Ekwutosi National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities/Division of Blood Disorders/Epidemiology and Surveillance Team


Officer Assignment Oramasionwu, Gloria National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, and

TB Prevention/Division of Tuberculosis Elimination/International Research and Programs Branch

Peterson, Amy Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Kansas

Porter, Kimberly Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Alaska

Rodgers, Loren Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Ohio

Routh, Janell National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Foodborne, Bacterial, and Mycotic Diseases/Outbreak Response and Prevention Branch

Samuels, Aaron Center for Global Health/Division of Parasitic Diseases/Parasitic Diseases Branch

Shahpar, Cyrus Center for Global Health/Division of Global Preparedness and Program Coordination/International Emergency and Refugee Health Branch

Sharp, Tyler National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases/Dengue Branch

Song, Minkyoung National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion/Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity/Physical Activity Environment Position

Steinhardt, Laura Center for Global Health/Division of Parasitic Diseases/Malaria Branch

Storms, Aaron National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases/ Influenza Division/Epidemiology and Prevention Branch

Swaminathan, Mahesh Center for Global Health/Division of Global HIV-AIDS/Surveillance Team, Epidemiology and Strategic Information Branch

Tack, Danielle National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases/Poxvirus Team, Poxvirus and Rabies Branch

Tartof, Sara National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases/Division of Bacterial Diseases/Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch

Taylor, Christopher National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases/Division of Viral and Rickettsial Diseases/Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch

Taylor, Tegwin Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/West Virginia


Officer Assignment Terranella, Andrew National Center for Immunization and Respiratory

Diseases/Division of Bacterial Diseases/Meningitis and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Branch

Tourdjman, Mathieu Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Oregon

Webeck, Jenna Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office/EIS Field Assignments Branch/Michigan

Woodhall, Dana Center for Global Health/Division of Parasitic Diseases/Parasitic Diseases Branch

Job Notices (Return to top) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health —Epidemiologist Potential Duty Stations Baghdad, Iraq Sanaa, Yemen Kabul, Afghanistan Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Rabat, Morocco Primary Purpose Serves as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resident technical advisor to the Ministry of Health (MOH) and its Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP). Supports the MOH with prevention and control of adverse health events; disaster preparedness and response; improvement or establishment of effective and sustainable public health surveillance; and the application of best public health practices. Specific Tasks • Serves as the lead technical advisor for development and implementation of an

institutionalized FETP. • Implements mentored training to strengthen outbreak detection and response and

disease surveillance. • Assists faculty and trainees in the design and implementation of epidemiologic

research projects. • Supervises trainees during field activities, including outbreak investigations,

surveillance system evaluations, and similar actions. • Assists trainees in preparing written and oral scientific communications. • Assists FETP graduates in becoming mentors for future trainees.


Requirements • Doctoral degree or equivalent education in medicine, epidemiology, or related

public health field and at least 2 years’ experience in field epidemiology. • Experience training other professionals in field epidemiology. • Experience working in developing countries with ministries of health. • Ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate health programs. • Mastery of the application of public health methods. • Ability to plan, organize, and direct teams, and to work effectively with colleagues

to develop sound, evidence-based recommendations for higher-level decision-makers.

• Fluency in one or more local languages is highly desirable. Interested persons should send their CV with cover letter to Steven Becknell at [email protected]. New York State Department of Health — Public Health Physician 2 The New York State (NYS) Department of Health is recruiting for a Public Health Physician 2 (PHP2) to serve as the Director of the Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Control Program. The PHP2 will oversee investigations and provide epidemiologic consultation for prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and outbreaks in healthcare settings; develop policy and document clinical guidelines for new and emerging pathogens; and direct surveillance of HAI outbreaks. The PHP2 will supervise and provide technical oversight to staff; be responsible for the development, execution, and dissemination of investigation results, evaluations, and research projects; and foster effective collaborations to advance the field of HAI prevention. Minimum Qualifications Current license and registration to practice medicine in NYS and board-certified or board-eligible in a medical specialty and either an MPH or 1 year experience in a public health program. Preferred Qualifications Three years of professional work experience in public health, healthcare epidemiology, or preventive medicine within a health department, academic, or clinical setting. Familiarity with communicable diseases, HAI, and response activities. Conditions of Employment Permanent, noncompetitive, full-time appointment. Travel throughout NYS, including locations not served by public transportation, is required. Salary $119,042–$132,785/year



Application Procedure Submit résumé to Human Resources Management Group, PHP2/JC/22714 Room 2276, Corning Tower Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237-0012, or by e-mail to [email protected] with a subject line of PHP2/JC/22714 or by fax to 518-474-6771. Applications accepted until position filled. NYS is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer; women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. University of Nebraska Medical Center — Research Assistant Professor The College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) seeks qualified candidates for the position of Research Assistant Professor who will serve as the Director of Health Disparities Research in the Center for Reducing Health Disparities. We are requesting your assistance in disseminating the attached position description through your networks. The candidate will need to have a doctorate in public health, health promotion, social or behavioral sciences, epidemiology, or related public health field; work collaboratively with underserved communities and transdisciplinary research teams; have 3 years of work experience conducting research in the area of health disparities research; and a track record in obtaining extramural research grant funding. The applicant will be expected to apply technical expertise and experience to planning and coordinating collaborative research projects, particularly community engaged and/or community-based participatory research (CBPR) projects, identify funding opportunities, and develop grant applications, supervise ongoing research projects, present findings of research projects at professional meetings and community groups, and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Collaborative partnerships are possible with racial/ethnic minorities, underserved urban and rural communities, including immigrant and refugee communities, and with faculty at UNMC, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and other area universities. Health disparities areas of foci include, STI/HIV, lead poisoning, maternal child health, cancer, heart disease, tobacco/smoking, obesity, infectious disease, and other. UNMC is located on an 80-acre campus in the center of Omaha, Nebraska, a rapidly growing ethnically and racially diverse metropolitan area. UNMC’s environment facilitates a growing research enterprise with net research funding of > $100 million and a target of $200 million in 2012.



Applicants should send a letter of application, résumé, and a list of three professional references to Shireen Rajaram, PhD, Director of the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, College of Public Health, 984040 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 98108-4040. Any questions should be addressed to her at 402-559-5345 or by e-mail to [email protected]. Review of applications will continue until suitable candidates are selected and recommended for appointment. UNMC is an AA/EOE employer. Sanofi Pasteur — Director of Epidemiology Overview This position is designed to represent the Global Epidemiology Group within the Sanofi Pasteur organization in the United States. The Global Epidemiology Group supports various departments within the Sanofi Pasteur organization from an epidemiologic perspective and represents Sanofi Pasteur in regulatory, scientific, and other settings within the United States and globally. This includes the design, execution, analysis, and publication of studies and results to support the development and marketing of the company's approved and pipeline of vaccines. The epidemiology function within Sanofi Pasteur is critical to providing support to the lifecycle and licensing decisions of all vaccines within the organization. The groups supported by the Global Epidemiology team include the Clinical, Commercial (Marketing and Medical Affairs), Regulatory Affairs, and Pharmacovigilance departments. The right person must believe in the positive impact that industry can make in the advancement of vaccines to improve public health. The Global Epidemiology Team presents one consistent voice within the organization and the vaccines community. This person will continue to deliver this message. Position Location This position will be based in Swiftwater, Pennsylvania. Compensation This role will consist of a competitive overall package, including base and bonus. Education · MD with MPH or equivalent experience, or PhD or DrPH, focusing on epidemiology. · Infectious disease training or experience with clinical and research background

preferred.



Specific Skills and Experience · 2–4 years of epidemiology experience. · Vaccine or related public health/research experience required. · Public health (governmental, local, state, or regional), nongovernmental organization,

and industry experience all acceptable. · Ability to work independently, while contributing to and aligning with project teams. · Experience in implementation of field studies strongly desirable. · Track record of intellectual accomplishment, as evidenced by publications, research,

public health leadership, or similar activities. · Strong written and oral communication skills. Contact Solomon-Page Group, LLC 630 Freedom Business Center 3rd Floor King of Prussia, PA 19406 Tel: 610-768-7766 Fax: 610-768-7701 What’s Happening? — Births, Marriages, and Other Significant Events in the Lives of Current Officers (Return to top) · Matthey Ritchey (EIS '08) writes, "We'd like to introduce you to Hudson Russell

Ritchey. Hudson was born Monday afternoon at 3:51 p.m. He weighed 7 lbs., 11 oz. and was 21.5 inches long. Mom and baby are doing well!"

Hudson Russell Ritchey.


· Marie de Perio (EIS '08) gave birth to her second child 3½ weeks early. Beckett Joseph Brinkman arrived at 7:41 a.m. on May 12, 2010. He weighed 7 lbs., 3 oz., and Beckett and his new family are all doing well.

Beckett Joseph Brinkman (de Perio) and older sister. · Several EISOs attended the annual Commissioned Officers Association Conference

held in San Diego on May 24–27, 2010, where a few of them took on additional duties. Christina Khaokham (EIS '09) served as aide-de-camp to RADM Ann Knebel (Assistant Secretary for Personnel Administration), and Thomas Bender (EIS '09) was aide-de-camp to RADM Boris Lushniak (EIS '88).

2009 EISOs Erin Koers, Christina Khaokham, and Thomas Bender with U.S. Surgeon General Benjamin.


· Eva Suarthana (EIS '09) writes, "Our baby girl, Hana Suarthana Hapidudin, was born on Thursday, May 6, 2010, at 6:30 a.m. at West Virginia University Hospital, Morgantown, West Virginia. She was 6 lbs., 7 oz. and 19 inches long. The meaning of the name Hana is 'happiness'. The baby and the mother are in good condition."

The Suarthana family. Alumni Notes — Publications or Significant Events Submitted by Alumni (Return to top) · Denise Koo (EIS '91) and Stephen B. Thacker (EIS '76) recently published a

commentary of interest to current and former EISOs, "In Snow's Footsteps: Commentary on Shoe-Leather and Applied Epidemiology" (Am J Epidemiol;172:737–9). The full text is available free-of-charge at http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/172/6/737.full). Drs. Koo and Thacker also were officially appointed Director, Scientific Education and Professional Development Program Office, CDC, and Deputy Director for Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Laboratory Services, CDC, respectively, during the past few months.

· Sam Shekar (EIS '87) has been appointed chief medical officer of Northrop

Grumman Corporation's Information Systems sector. Before joining Northrop Grumman, Shekar served as a physician consultant after 21 years with the U.S. Public Health Service. A former assistant surgeon general and rear admiral, Shekar has held executive-level health policy management positions at the Office of Public Health and Science, the National Institutes of Health, and the Health Resources and Services Administration. He also worked as a medical officer at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/172/6/737.full�


· Reena Gulati (EIS '06) submitted the following: "Rani is thrilled to announce the arrival of her little sister, Jaya Bella Gulati Jacobs, who joined us yesterday (July 8, 2010) at 3:08 p.m. Jaya weighed in at 7 lbs., 13 oz. and measured 19.5 inches long. Mommy, Daddy, and Rani couldn't be happier."

Jaya and Rani Gulati. Ishha and Nhoor Sandhu, or maybe Nhoor and Ishha Sandhu. · Sukhminder Sandhu (EIS '04) is now the proud parent of twin girls. "I wanted to let

you know that Haar and I just had twin girls. Ishha and Nhoor were born on December 18, 2009. They were preemies at birth but are doing well. Life is extremely busy, but we are all doing well and feel very blessed."

· David Sencer (EIS '75) reports that Paul H. Langmuir, son of Alexander D.

Langmuir, died unexpectedly at home in Providence on April 30, 2010, at age 67. Born in Albany, New York, Paul was a life-long summer resident of Martha's Vineyard. He held a BFA degree from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and was an award-winning artist, spending many of his years working at advertising agencies in Providence and Boston, before establishing his own studio in 1980. He also taught in the Illustration Department at RISD where he was known among the students as, "the teacher in the suit." He remained a dedicated collector of art and music, and he and his wife Jane were frequent travelers to Scotland. He is survived by Jane, their two children, Karl Langmuir and Christian Foster, and six grandchildren, as well as his two sisters, Susan and Lynn Langmuir.


· Vincent F. Guinee (EIS '61) died on July 12, 2010, after serving public health since his graduation from Cornell Medical School in 1959. He also earned an MPH from Harvard in 1966. During his long career, he was a professor at the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas Medical School, and University of Texas School of Public Health. His government service included both CDC and the Food and Drug Administration, where he was the director of the Division of Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology, and later the New York City Health Department. His devotion to public health extended across the Atlantic where he organized the International Cancer Patient Data System for both the United States and Europe. He was a prolific author as well as being active in his community and professional affairs. He is survived by his wife, Nancy.

Can You Identify the CDC Investigators of These Cases? Were They EISOs? (Return to top) Sally Brown (EIS '97) reports on an interesting telephone conversation she had recently,

I just got off the phone with a woman who we're going to order window shades from. She said CDC saved her life (and her kidney). In 1973 when she was 18, she was hiking in the Grand Canyon and unbeknownst to her was bitten by a tick. When she returned home to Colorado, she got sick, was hospitalized, and then quarantined for over a month with a fever of unknown origin. They couldn't figure out what was wrong. She's allergic to penicillin. She got sicker and sicker, and was a day away from having a kidney removed when her parents received a letter from CDC notifying persons thought to have visited the Grand Canyon of a tickborne outbreak of relapsing fever and signs and symptoms of the disease. So, because of that letter, she got proper treatment, got to leave the hospital, and got to keep her kidney. She credits CDC for saving her life since no one had thought to look for something like relapsing fever. Isn't that a great story?

The following might jog your memory: CDC. Epidemiologic notes and reports: relapsing fever—Georgia, Arizona. MMWR;22(29):242, 247 — In July 1973, two related cases of relapsing fever were reported to CDC from Georgia and Arizona, both involving visits to the Grand Canyon National Park. Epidemiologic investigation of the case in Arizona revealed that 46 of 290 employees and their families living at the park had experienced similar illnesses during the preceding month. Laboratory analysis of blood specimens from 10 of these patients demonstrated that all 10 were infected with Borrelia organisms. Tourists were warned about the outbreak, and vector control measures were initiated to eliminate ticks around the tourist areas.


The following week, MMWR reported on two additional suspect cases. CDC. Follow-up on relapsing fever—Arizona. MMWR;22(30):249, 256. — Both of these patients also had visited Grand Canyon National Park and had stayed in cabins on the North Rim. A postal survey to notify tourists at risk about their possible exposure and to ascertain additional cases was undertaken. In both MMWRs, as was the practice then, the identifies of those reporting the cases from the states were provided, but not the names of those contributing to the reports from CDC. Can you provide additional information regarding who from CDC, especially any EISOs, participated in these investigations? If so, please contact Steve Thacker at [email protected] or C. Kay Smith ([email protected]).



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