On 5 Sep 2013, a patient suspected to have leishmaniasis from Lamphun, a northern province of Thailand, was reported to the Bureau of Epidemiology. An investigation was carried out to identify reservoirs and vectors. Active case finding was carried out among those who lived within 200-meter radius from the patient’s residence. Blood samples were collected from humans, domestic mammals and rodents, and adult sandfly trapping was conducted by light traps. The patient was a 38-year-old man infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who had worked as a lumberjack and a woodcraftsman. In addition to many kinetoplasts in the bone marrow and amastigote form of Leishmania, Leishmania martiniquensis was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 12 suspected cases out of 123 surveyed villagers were identified. However, all human specimens were tested negative by direct agglutination test and PCR. Female Sergentomyia sandflies were found. Deltamethrin fogging was done to control the vectors. Visceral leishmaniasis was confirmed in an HIV positive male from northern Thailand. Awareness of leishmaniasis among immunocompromised people should be raised for timely appropriate medical attention and specific vector control for sandflies in the area should be implemented.
On 27 Jul 2013, the Bureau of Epidemiology, Thailand was notified by a private hospital in Bangkok of abnormally increasing number of neonates with Staphylococcus aureus skin infection. An investigation was conducted to determine source of infection and risk factors. Medical records of 101 neonates born during 29 Jun to 31 Aug 2013 were reviewed. The workplaces, including a delivery room, an operating room, a nursery ward and a washing area, were inspected. Clinical and environmental samples were obtained and examined for bacterial culture. Total 40 neonates had clinical features that met the case definition, giving an attack rate of 39.6%. Methicillin susceptible S. aureus was isolated from seven (87.5%) out of eight specimens from skin lesions and three (10.7%) out of 28 nasal swab samples from health care personnel. The infection rate was significantly higher in male neonates (50.0%) than females (27.7%). The outbreak rapidly curtailed after massive control measures, including strengthening contact precaution among health care personnel, provision of health education to mothers and improving the hospital environment.
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