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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Shannon Moody, BSN/PHN¹, Diana Samuelson, BSN/PHNS¹, and Joanne Hobbs, PHN². (1) Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Service Planning Area 2, 5300 Tujunga Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91601, (2) Public Health, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, 5300 Tujunga Street, North Hollywood, CA 91601, 818-766-3986, jhobbs@ladhs.org

The number of M. tuberculosis cases has increased in the West Valley Public Health District in 2004 and 2005. The average incidence rate for TB cases occurring from 2000-2003 was 7.97 per 100,000 population (66.5 cases ). In 2004, a TB outbreak occurred, and the incidence rate increased to 8.73 per 100,000 population (74 cases). Five of the cases were outbreak related. Although all cases have not been confirmed for 2005, there are currently 71 confirmed cases, of these 4 were outbreak related. The 2005 outbreak revealed 10 TB suspects, 4 confirmed, 40 contacts, and 3 converters.

Based on the increase, the outcome objective is: By 12/31/06, the TB incidence rate in West Valley Public Health District will decrease to the previously expected rate of 7.97 or less per 100,000 population. The intermediate objective was: The contacts will increase their knowledge of disease entity and transmission. The DPHN, assisted by the Public Health Team, will complete the initial investigation with screening and education of contacts within 3 months of outbreak onset. Efforts will target identifying high risk contacts and ensuring preventive medication is taken to prevent their subsequent diagnosis of TB, thereby decreasing the potential of additional TB cases.

The objectives will be evaluated by analyzing 2006 data to see if there has been a decrease in the number of confirmed cases (or the number of high risk contacts that have been confirmed).

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the essential elements in the assessment of a M.tuberculosis outbreak.
• Articulate the Public Health nursng interventions that are necessary to prevent the spread of M. tuberculosis in an outbreak.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered