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Dengue in Paradise

Dengue virus has infected more than 250 individuals on the island of Hawaii since September 2015.

Some Professions Are More Dangerous Than Others: HIV Transmission in the Adult Film Industry

Routine HIV testing failed to prevent HIV transmission, with an attack rate of 29% in male adult film performers.

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.

Vaccinated HCWs Can Still Acquire Measles, Expose Patients

Even workers with a history of measles vaccination or immunity should wear an N95 or equivalent respiratory protection when examining or caring for patients with suspected or confirmed measles, says Shruti K. Gohil, MD, lead author of a recent study on the issue and associate medical director of Epidemiology & Infection Prevention at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine.

25% of HCWs May Refuse to Treat Patients in Next Pandemic Threat

Based on the historical precedents of HIV/AIDS and Ebola, some 25% of healthcare workers may refuse to treat patients with the next novel pandemic pathogen that is perceived as life-threatening, researchers report in a fascinating new attitudinal study.

Preventing Sexual Transmission of Zika, Case in Dallas Prompts CDC guidelines

It was not entirely unexpected that emerging Zika virus could transmit sexually — as it has now done in the first case acquired in the U.S. — but it jolted a public health narrative that was primarily focused on mosquitoes, pregnancy, and birth defects.

Puerto Rico Bracing for Possible Zika Epidemic

Zika is establishing a foothold in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which has ongoing transmission of the virus and spread is projected to increase, the CDC reports.

Zika Questions Abound, but Standard Precautions Will Stop it

The Zika virus outbreak spreading through the Americas is raising a host of questions for U.S. infection preventionists, who are trying to keep staff informed on the unfolding public health aspects while emphasizing that standard precautions and safe injection practices will prevent transmission in healthcare settings.

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.