APHA
Back to Annual Meeting
 		APHA 2006 APHA
Back to Annual Meeting
APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Disease surveillance in Boston biological research laboratories: Monitoring among persons with potential exposure to “high risk pathogens”

M. Anita Barry, MD, MPH, Julia Gunn, RN, MPH, and Justin Pendarvis, MPH. Communicable Disease Control Division, Boston Public Health Commission, 1010 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, 617 534-5611, abarry@bphc.org

Background: We report on a tularemia outbreak related to a research laboratory and describe newly introduced Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) regulations governing medical surveillance related to biological research labs.

Outbreak: In 2004, three tularemia cases were confirmed among workers in a single research laboratory in Boston. The outbreak investigation included case interviews, a risk factor and laboratory practice questionnaire, serologic survey of other lab workers, and review of biosafety practices. None of the serosurvey participants were seropositive. Review of laboratory practices identified several areas of concern, including practices and equipment.

Response: The laboratory modified protocols, retrained laboratory workers, and made environmental modifications. BPHC introduced regulations on medical surveillance in research laboratories working with specified pathogens which require: 1) research laboratories must have an Occupational Health (OH) Officer; 2) episodes of illness, exposure, and absenteeism must be reported to and promptly evaluated by OH; 3) conditions potentially related to an organism used in the laboratory must be reported to BPHC; 4) BPHC must conduct an epidemiological investigation regarding potential exposure and transmission, provide education to suspect or confirmed cases, and perform additional follow-up as indicated; 5) BPHC and OH assess when an individual may return to work. BPHC has conducted mandatory training on these new regulations for laboratory, Institutional Biosafety Committee, and Human Resources representatives.

Conclusions: As work using highly pathogenic organisms increases, a robust medical surveillance system will be important to protect the health of laboratory workers and the surrounding community. Surveillance findings can help ensure safe laboratory practices.

Learning Objectives:

  • At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner)in this session will be able to

    Keywords: Infectious Diseases, Occupational Exposure

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:

    Any relevant financial relationships? No

    What's Happening at the Boston Public Health Commission?

    The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA