 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Anna Mandalakas, MD, MS1, Asha Garg, MD, MPH2, Jeffrey Kile, MD1, Christopher Kippes, MS3, John McLeod, RS4, Tim Eppich, RN, MPA5, and Joe Sedransk, PhD6. (1) Pediatrics, University Hospital Health Systems, 11000 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, (216) 844-6246, amm13@po.cwru.edu, (2) Preventive Medicine, University of South Carolina, 3209 Colonial Dr, Columbia, SC 29203, (3) Division of Community Health Services, The Cuyahoga County Board of Health, 1375 Euclid Ave, Suite 522, Cleveland, OH 44115, (4) MPH Program, Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, 4209 State Route 44, Rootstown, OH 44272, (5) Division of Nursing, Cuyahoga County Board of Health, 1375 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115, (6) Statistics, Case Western Reserve University, 11000 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106
Background: In 2002, there were 434 human cases of WNV in Ohio, including 31 deaths. Cuyahoga County accounted for 50% of the human cases and 30% of the deaths. Compared to previous WNV outbreaks, Cuyahoga's outbreak appeared to affect a wider age range and to be associated with more passively identified human cases. A better understanding of factors favoring WNV transmission is critical to a successful WNV control program. Objective: To measure the full public health impact of the WNV epidemic, identify host and environmental factors associated with human infection, and collect data to strengthen future WNV control programs. Methods: Stratified multi-stage cluster sampling was used to obtain a representative sample of households across Cuyahoga County. Residents aged 5 years or older, living in the household since July 1st, 2002, were eligible to participate by providing a blood sample and responding to individual and household questionnaires. Serum samples were analyzed for IgM and IgG antibodies to WNV. Results: Over 1,200 individuals (including 168 children) from 800 households agreed to participate. Individuals were characterized based on demographics, household characteristics, and individual factors, including knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding mosquito-borne diseases. Data are currently being analyzed. Conclusion: Based on the nature of the 2002 Cuyahoga County WNV outbreak, host and environmental factors unique to certain areas may differentially impact the severity and age distribution of WNV outbreaks. Future research is needed to better understand these factors and their utility in developing WNV control programs.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.