Agritourism and Kidding Season: A Large Outbreak of Human Shiga Toxin-Producing O157 (STEC O157) Infections Linked to a Goat Dairy Farm-Connecticut, 2016.

The objective of this study was to determine sources of Shiga toxin-producing O157 (STEC O157) infection among visitors to Farm X and develop public health recommendations. A case-control study was conducted. Case-patients were defined as the first ill child (aged <18 years) in the household with laboratory-confirmed STEC O157, or physician-diagnosed hemolytic uremic syndrome with laboratory confirmation by serology, who visited Farm X in the 10 days prior to illness.

Estimating the True Burden of Legionnaires' Disease.

Over the past decade, the reported incidence of Legionnaires' disease (LD) in the northeastern United States has increased, reaching 1-3 cases per 100,000 population. There is reason to suspect that this is an underestimate of the true burden, since LD cases may be underdiagnosed. In this analysis of pneumonia and influenza (P&I) hospitalizations, we estimated the percentages of cases due to Legionella, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) by age group.

Multistate analysis of prospective Legionnaires' disease cluster detection using SaTScan, 2011-2015.

Detection of clusters of Legionnaires' disease, a leading waterborne cause of pneumonia, is challenging. Clusters vary in size and scope, are associated with a diverse range of aerosol-producing devices, including exposures such as whirlpool spas and hotel water systems typically associated with travel, and can occur without an easily identified exposure source. Recently, jurisdictions have begun to use SaTScan spatio-temporal analysis software prospectively as part of routine cluster surveillance.

Association Between Sporadic Legionellosis and River Systems in Connecticut.

Background: There has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of sporadic legionnaires' disease in Connecticut since 1999, but the exact reasons for this are unknown. Therefore, there is a growing need to understand the drivers of legionnaires' disease in the community. In this study, we explored the relationship between the natural environment and the spatial and temporal distribution of legionellosis cases in Connecticut.

Assessment of postarrival tuberculosis examinations among immigrants and refugees screened overseas.

Background: Immigrants and refugees screened overseas and found to have Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection (TB arrivers) are either treated fortuberculosis (TB) or, if disease is not found these arrivers are given a TB classification of latent TB infection (LTBI) and are referred for reexamination after arriving in the United States.

Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed of TB arrivers in Connecticut to determine the proportion of TB arrivers documentedwith their postarrival domestic medical examination and to determine the proportion of TB arriverswho started and completed LTBI treatment.

Results: Of 184TB arrivers, 109 (59%) were evaluated for TB after arrival and four (4%) were diagnosed withTB.

Opportunities to improve colorectal cancer screening in Connecticut through Medicare claims data.

Colorectal cancer represents a serious public-health problem in the United States, with important geographic differences and disparities of care evident in its detection and treatment. While effective screening tests exist, Connecticut lacks current data about rates of colorectal cancer screening. The Connecticut Department of Public Health commissioned Qualidigm, the federally designated Quality Improvement Organization, to conduct an analysis of 2008 fee-for-service Medicare claims data to determine screening rates.

A 2009 varicella outbreak in a Connecticut residential facility for adults with intellectual disability.

We investigated a varicella outbreak in a residential facility for adults with intellectual disabilities. A case of varicella was defined as a generalized maculopapular rash that developed in a facility resident or employee. Immunoglobulin M testing was conducted on serologic samples, and polymerase chain reaction testing was performed on environmental and skin lesion samples.

Tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene and alcohol use among college students.

Genes that regulate serotonin activity are regarded as promising predictors of heavy alcohol use. Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) plays an important role in serotonergic neurotransmission by serving as the rate-limiting enzyme for serotonin biosynthesis in the midbrain and serotonergic neurons. Despite the link between TPH2 and serotonergic function, TPH2's role in the pathogenesis of alcohol-use disorders remains unclear.