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. 2021 Jul;27(7):1949-1952.
doi: 10.3201/eid2707.203678.

Pneumococcal Disease Outbreak at a State Prison, Alabama, USA, September 1-October 10, 20181

Pneumococcal Disease Outbreak at a State Prison, Alabama, USA, September 1-October 10, 20181

Guillermo V Sanchez et al. Emerg Infect Dis. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

A pneumococcal disease outbreak caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 12F occurred in a state prison in Alabama, USA. Among 1,276 inmates, 40 cases were identified (3 confirmed, 2 probable, 35 suspected). Close living quarters, substance use, and underlying conditions likely contributed to disease risk. Prophylaxis for close contacts included azithromycin and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine.

Keywords: Alabama; PPSV23; Streptococcus pneumoniae; USA; azithromycin; correctional facility; meningitis/encephalitis; outbreak; pneumococcal disease; pneumococcus.

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Figures

Figure
Figure
Epidemic curve of identified cases among inmates in study of pneumococcal disease outbreak at a state prison, Alabama, USA, September 1–October 10, 2018. Date of first symptom onset is shown. Healthcare unit visit date was used when symptom onset date was not known. Two suspected cases without a clear onset date were excluded from this graph.

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