Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #115254

Martha A. Underwood, RN, School of Nursing, University of Maryland, Baltimore, 655 W. Lombard St., Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-787-4136, ndrwd@earthlink.net

Since introduction in the United States, the instances of WNV have steadily increased in the human population. Aggressive detection and response have limited fatalities. Maryland first experienced the disease in 2001 with 6 cases causing 3 fatalities By 2003, Maryland had 73 cases with 8 fatalities. The year 2004 brought an alteration to that steady upward graph of reported cases. The question arose, did the decline in incidence reflect decreased testing or had the incidence of WNV actually declined.

Disease control and prevention is primarily surveillance dependent. Making certain of a strong process is essential. Recommendations for improvement only serve to strengthen this outcome in preparation for other infectious disease incidences. This project demonstrated the effectiveness collaboration of the local health department with the Emergency Department had on increasing testing and thus increasing the likelihood of disease detection.

Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives At the completion of this educational opportunity the learner will

• Understand the transmission of West Nile Virus.
• Understand the importance of testing patients who meet clinical criteria.
• Identify how one Emergency Department improved its testing for West Nile Virus.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commertial supporters WITH THE EXCEPTION OF Employment at the hospital in which the Emergency Department was involved..