Thursday, June 19, 2014

Reminder: COCA Call Today On Naegleria Fowleri & Cryptosporidium

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L & R: Trophozoites of N. fowleri in brain tissue, stained with H&E. Center: Ameboflagellate trophozoite of N. fowleri. Credit: DPDx

 

 

#8760

 

A reminder that later today (June 19th) at 2pm EDT, the CDC will conduct an online COCA call on two important waterborne pathogens;  Naegleria Fowleri – which, while rare, can cause an almost always fatal brain infection - and Cryptosporidium.

 

This call is particularly important for clinicians, as last year, for the first time – two children who received an investigational drug called miltefosine  - survived. (see MMWR: CDC Imports Investigational Drug For Amoebic Infections).

 

But to be effective, this infection must be recognized early, and treatment initiated as soon a possible.  Hence the need to get the world out to clinicians on this important development.

 

Healthy Swimming: Prevent and Treat Infections Caused by Brain-Eating Amebas and Chlorine-Tolerant Parasites

Image of Continuing Education Credits abbreviation. = Free Continuing Education

Date:Thursday, June 19, 2014

Time:2:00 – 3:00 PM (Eastern Time)

Dial:888-233-9077 (U.S. Callers)
             773-799-3915 (International Callers)

Passcode:4972213

Webinar:https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PW2017964&p=4972213&t=c

Presenter(s)

Jennifer Cope, MD, MPH
Medical Epidemiologist
Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases ─ CDC

Michele Hlavsa, RN, MPH
Epidemiologist
Waterborne Disease Prevention Branch
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases ─ CDC

Overview

Swimming and other water-related activities are popular during the summer. However, Naegleria fowleri, known as the brain-eating ameba, may be present in warm freshwater and can result in primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) – a rare disease that is almost always fatal. Additionally, the chlorine-tolerant parasite Cryptosporidium, is one of the most frequent causes of waterborne disease among humans in the United States. During this COCA call, clinicians will learn about PAM and diarrhea resulting from Cryptosporidium, how to prevent these diseases, and what to do if you suspect your patient has one of them.

(Continue . . . )

 

 

For some of my earlier blogs on Naegleria Fowleri, you may wish to check out:

 

Naegleria Fowleri: Rare, Deadly & Avoidable

Louisiana: St. Bernard Parish Water Supply Tests Positive For Naegleria Fowleri

Florida Reports Naegleria fowleri Infection

 

And for more on Cryptosporidium, you may wish to revisit these blogs:

Eurosurveillance: More Tales From The Crypto

More Tales From The Crypto

UK: Return To The Crypto