Emerging infectious disease outbreaks: Old lessons and new challenges for obstetrician-gynecologists

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Denise Jamieson, Emory University; Jane Ellis, Emory University; Daniel B. Jernigan, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Tracee A. Treadwell, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Language: English
• Date: 2006-06-01
• Publisher: Elsevier Inc.
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © 2006 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2005.06.062
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Volume: 194
• Issue: 6
• Start Page: 1546
• End Page: 1555
• Keywords: Life Sciences & Biomedicine; emerging infectious diseases; BIOLOGICAL WEAPON; CORONAVIRUS; SYNDROME SARS; anthrax; ACUTE-RESPIRATORY-SYNDROME; CLINICAL PRESENTATION; BIOTERRORISM; Science & Technology; INHALATIONAL ANTHRAX; Obstetrics & Gynecology; West Nile virus; PREGNANCY; severe acute respiratory syndrome; OUTCOMES; WEST-NILE-VIRUS
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to summarize 3 recent high-profile infectious disease threats that have affected the United States: severe acute respiratory syndrome, West Nile virus, and anthrax. Study design: A systematic review was conducted with the use of Medline searches, searches of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, and review by experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results: The 3 emerging infectious diseases pose very different threats: Severe acute respiratory syndrome is a newly identified pathogen that caused an international pandemic; the West Nile virus investigation involved an old pathogen that was identified in a new location; and the anthrax attacks involved the intentional introduction of a pathogen. Conclusion: All 3 outbreaks highlight the importance of obstetrician-gynecologists keeping current with new information as it emerges. In this global environment, it is likely that novel disease threats will continue to emerge in the United States.