Infectious disease experts from the Pediatric Pandemic Network (PPN) – a group that includes Seattle Children’s and other children’s hospitals – have created a provider focused FAQ to help mitigate the risk and spread of malaria in pediatric patients and pregnant women.
The CDC recently issued a malaria health advisory after four individuals in Florida and one in Texas contracted the disease from mosquitos this spring – the first time in 20 years that locally acquired mosquito-borne malaria has appeared in the United States.
CDC is encouraging providers to consider a malaria diagnosis in any individual with fever of unknown origin regardless of their travel history.
“Malaria is a medical emergency and should be treated accordingly,” the CDC said. “Patients suspected of having malaria should be urgently evaluated in a facility that is able to provide rapid diagnosis and treatment, within 24 hours of presentation.”
The CDC says there is no evidence that the case in Texas is related to the four cases in Florida, and that the risk of locally acquired malaria remains extremely low in the United States. Active surveillance is continuing.
From: Dr. Jeff Ojemann, SVP and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ruth McDonald, VP and Associate Chief Medical Officer (Hospital Operations) and Dr. Tony Woodward, ED Medical Director
Measles infection
We want to let you know that a pediatric patient who has tested positive for measles is receiving treatment at Seattle Children’s. The hospital was made aware before the patient arrived. Upon the patient’s arrival on Thursday, May 18, staff and faculty members immediately implemented appropriate infection control procedures, which included isolating the patient and reporting the case to public health authorities. No workforce members or other patient families at Seattle Children’s were exposed.
Seattle and King County public health officials are looking into the source and any potential spread of the measles case. You can find further details in a Seattle Times article here.
Reminders for healthcare providers:
- Isolation is the key to preventing transmission of measles infection. If a patient or family has a fever and rash, isolate them right away using appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Remind any patients and families with a fever or rash to NOT show up unannounced at their local healthcare provider or Seattle Children’s. If sending a patient to Seattle Children’s with measles symptoms please be sure to coordinate with our Mission Control Center in advance at 206-987-8899.
Emergency Department Continues to Experience Extremely High Volumes
Seattle Children’s Emergency Department (ED) is operating under extreme constraints with high acuity patient demand and significant boarding. Our leadership and teams are addressing these constraints with multiple, simultaneous approaches.
To help ensure we are able to provide timely, safe care to patients in the ED:
- We ask for your continued support in managing patients in primary care whenever possible and appropriate. This will help the hospital maintain the capacity to care for the sickest patients.
- When sending families to the ED, please call our Mission Control team first (206-987-8899) to help us with staffing and space planning. Advise families to expect longer-than-typical wait times and that we are triaging to see the sickest patients first.
We want to recognize the extraordinary efforts of our provider colleagues in supporting ED care over the last several years, and thank you for your continued partnership.
