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Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) in the United States — The Role of Armadillos and the Increasing Incidence in Florida

The evidence linking armadillos to human Hansen’s disease is increasing and the range of infected armadillos and potentially related human cases has expanded into Florida where the incidence of this infection is increasing.

Oral Fluconazole During Pregnancy Increases Risk for Spontaneous Abortion

A nationwide cohort study from Denmark found a significantly increased risk of spontaneous abortion associated with oral fluconazole usage. Caution with this medication during pregnancy is advised.

Human Paraechovirus Encephalitis in Children

Human paraechovirus (HPeV) causes encephalitis and is more common in very young or premature female infants. Affected children commonly present with seizures. Diffusion restriction on MRI in the absence of CSF pleocytosis is seen. Neurodevelopmental sequelae are common after long-term follow up.

Zika!

Zika virus infection has prompted international emergency responses due to its rapid spread in the Americas and its potential to alter brain development in pre-born children. Even as research progresses, prevention of infection depends on avoiding bites from Aedes mosquitoes.

Infectious Disease Alert Updates

Diagnostic Puzzle? Solved by The New York Times; Glucometers as Culprit; Shorter Isolation Times for TB

Clinicians Are Skeptical of Early Warning Systems for Sepsis

While early warning systems for sepsis lead to clinical action, clinicians are skeptical and do not perceive them to be beneficial.

Posaconazole Dosing — Beware!

The availability of two different oral formulations of posacozaole (oral suspension, delayed release tablets) with differing bioavailability and dosing requires great care by both prescribers and dispensing pharmacists in their use.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common infection caused by several different viruses; 20% of children in the United States seek medical care for respiratory syncytial virus , a common cause of bronchiolitis, during the first year of life. Supportive care is effective, but many children still receive pharmacologic treatments that have been proven to be ineffective.

Outbreaks of Salmonellosis Associated with Turtles

Eight outbreaks with 473 cases of salmonellosis associated with small turtles occurred in the United States from 2011-2013, despite the 1975 ban of the sale and distribution of small pet turtles. The outbreaks disproportionately affected children younger than 5 years of age (55% of case-patients) and Hispanics (45% of case-patients).

Both Azithromycin and Doxycycline Achieve a High Rate of Cure for Chlamydia

Although a well-conducted randomized clinical trial did not show that azithromycin was non-inferior to doxycycline for the treatment of chlamydia, both treatments resulted in a high rate of cure (97% and 100%, respectively).