Biomedical subjects

Hugh M Mainzer

Publications and source records attributed to Hugh M Mainzer.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Beyond compliance: environmental health problem solving, interagency collaboration, and risk assessment to prevent waterborne disease outbreaks.

A systems approach to environmental health problem solving was used to investigate two waterborne norovirus outbreaks in Wyoming and can serve in the development of improved prevention strategies. An interagency collaboration to prevent waterborne disease involving local, state, and federal partners was designed to coordinate response to outbreak investigations. Improved risk assessment and reporting procedures were also integrated to ensure better availability of necessary data. Public health entities should implement sustainable intersectoral interventions to prevent waterborne disease that not only improve regulatory compliance but also have a positive impact on community health outcomes. Collaborative preventive health and water system protection activities should receive priority attention for implementation in state and local jurisdictions.

Cooperative Behavior↗

PubMed2002

A waterborne outbreak of Norwalk-like virus among snowmobilers-Wyoming, 2001.

In February 2001, episodes of acute gastroenteritis were reported to the Wyoming Department of Health from persons who had recently vacationed at a snowmobile lodge in Wyoming. A retrospective cohort study found a significant association between water consumption and illness, and testing identified Norwalk-like virus (NLV) in 8 of 13 stool samples and 1 well. Nucleotide sequences from the positive well-water specimen and 6 of the positive stool samples were identical. This multistrain NLV outbreak investigation illustrates the importance of NLV as a cause of waterborne illness and should encourage monitoring for NLVs in drinking water.

Caliciviridae Infections↗

PubMed2002

Understanding physician agreement with varicella immunization guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Although varicella vaccine was licensed in 1995, immunization rates are only moderate. This study identifies factors associated with physician self-reported likelihood of recommending varicella vaccination to patients. METHODS: Two hundred eighty-one Minnesota and Pennsylvania primary care physicians who participated in surveys on barriers to vaccination in 1990-1991 and 1993 were surveyed in 1999, assessing physicians' beliefs about varicella disease and vaccine and their self-reported likelihood of recommending varicella vaccine to three age groups of children. RESULTS: Most (79, 80, and 83%) were likely to recommend varicella vaccine for 12- to 18-month old, 4- to 6-year-old, and 11- to 12-year old children, respectively, and most (78%) agreed with national recommendations to vaccinate. If physicians believed that the vaccine would fail, they were less likely to recommend varicella vaccination for 12- to 18-month-old (70% vs 85%, P = 0.001) and 4- to 6-year-old (83% vs 85%, P = 0.001) children, than if they believed in its efficacy. Pediatricians were more likely to recommend varicella vaccine than were family physicians and general practitioners (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Physicians, especially pediatricians, report that they recommend varicella vaccination when they agree with national recommendations, believe in the efficacy of the vaccine, and perceive that parents want the vaccine for their children.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Impact of 2003 power outages on public health and emergency response.

INTRODUCTION: In 2003, a major power outage occurred in the midwest and northeast United States affecting some 50 million people. The power outages affected multiple systems in state and local municipalities and, in turn, affected public health. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted using open-ended questionnaires, with a convenience sample of state- and locally selected subject matter experts from Ohio, Michigan, and New York. Respondents were interviewed in groups representing one of five areas of interest, including: (1) emergency preparedness; (2) hospital and emergency medical services; (3) municipal environmental systems; (4) public health surveillance and epidemiology; and (5) psychosocial and behavioral issues. The reported positive and negative impacts of the power outage on public health, medical services, and emergency preparedness and response were documented. Responses were categorized into common themes and recommendations were formulated. RESULTS: The amount of time that the respondents' locations were without power ranged from <1 hour to 52 hours. Many common themes emerged from the different locations, including communications failures, alternate power source problems, manpower and training issues, and psychosocial concerns. There was minimal morbidity and mortality reported that could be attributed to the event. CONCLUSION: Power outages negatively impacted multiple municipal infra-structures, and affected medical services, emergency response, and public health efforts. Previous federal funding positively impacted public health and emergency response capabilities. Recommendations were made based upon the common themes identified by the respondents. Recommendations may assist state and local health departments, medical service providers, and emergency responders in planning for future power outage problems.

Disaster Planning↗