Sailors Death Attributed to Malaria
LA MARQUE, Texas -- Malaria was the cause of death for a 36-year-old sailor who died aboard a ship sailing to the Galveston area last week, according to Dr. Mark Guidry of the Galveston County Health Authority. The man who was returning from a trip to West Africa, had symptoms suggestive of Lassa fever and malaria.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on Sept. 10 that tests from Wednesdays autopsy indicate the death was due to malaria infection. The autopsy was performed by Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Pustilnik, a UTMB associate professor of pathology, and Dr. Judy Aronson, also of UTMB.
The ship which has been in voluntary quarantine offshore has been given permission to proceed to its original destination.
Guidry said malaria is common in many developing countries and travelers who visit these areas risk getting malaria. About 1,200 cases of malaria are diagnosed in the United States each year. Cases in the United States are typically among travelers and immigrants returning from malaria-risk areas, many from sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
Dr. Dana Beckham, chief epidemiologist for the Galveston County Health District, says the district played an important role in the investigation. Beckham says, We played a support role to many agencies by developing a risk assessment being completed by crew members onboard the ship, and monitoring the health of the remaining crew during this voluntary quarantine.
Multiple agencies worked together during the course of the investigation, including the Galveston County Health District, the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services, and the CDC. These agencies work regularly with hospitals and medical providers in the community to protect the publics health. The Overseas Shipholding Group, Inc. owners of the ship also worked cooperatively with authorities involved in the investigation.
Source: Galveston County Health District
Understanding NHSN's 2022 Rebaseline Data: Key Updates and Implications for HAI Reporting
December 13th 2024Discover how the NHSN 2022 Rebaseline initiative updates health care-associated infection metrics to align with modern health care trends, enabling improved infection prevention strategies and patient safety outcomes.
Tackling Health Care-Associated Infections: SHEA’s Bold 10-Year Research Plan to Save Lives
December 12th 2024Discover SHEA's visionary 10-year plan to reduce HAIs by advancing infection prevention strategies, understanding transmission, and improving diagnostic practices for better patient outcomes.
Environmental Hygiene: Air Pressure and Ventilation: Negative vs Positive Pressure
December 10th 2024Learn more about how effective air pressure regulation in health care facilities is crucial for controlling airborne pathogens like tuberculosis and COVID-19, ensuring a safer environment for all patients and staff.
Revolutionizing Hospital Cleanliness: How Color Additives Transform Infection Prevention
December 9th 2024Discover how a groundbreaking color additive for disinfectant wipes improved hospital cleanliness by 69.2%, reduced microbial presence by nearly half, and enhanced cleaning efficiency—all without disrupting workflows.
