Pneumonia outbreak in Iturraspe treatment: two patients remain hospitalized and one remains in intensive care
The Ministry of Health reported that six cases of pneumonia were progressing well and stressed that no new cases had been detected so far. The search for possible sources of infection continues.
The Department of Health of Santa Fe Province reports that six cases of pneumonia confirmed by staff in the intensive care unit of the Nuevo Iturasppe Hospital are progressing smoothly.
Four of them have been discharged from the hospital and two are still hospitalized: one is in the general ward and the other is in the intensive care unit (ICU) with mechanical respiratory assistance and is progressing well.
The patient was diagnosed on February 29; staff in various hospital service departments quickly learned about the situation and took actions to control the epidemic. No new cases have been detected so far.
Epidemiological Investigation
They show from health portfolios that these days 86 people working in the ICU were contacted by phone during a possible infectious period, in whichSixty-three people had no symptoms of the illness and 20 had or had been ill. Two positive cases of COVID-19 were found among those with symptoms, none of whom showed symptoms of damage to the lower respiratory tract (lungs). 16 people did not answer the call. During the shift, there were no new pneumonia-related patients in the hospital.
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Laboratory analysis excluded dengue, leptospirosis, hantavirus, mycoplasma, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and respiratory viruses.
Among the samples analyzed by the Central Laboratory of the Province and the National Agency for Laboratories and Health Institutions (ANLIS), “Dr. Carlos Malbran”, from Buenos Aires, One case of COVID-19 and one case of Psittacosis were detected, and both patients were admitted to the ICU. Diagnostic analysis is continuing, taking into account that new samples may be needed to arrive. The patient was treated with antimicrobials appropriate to the bacteria found.
Psittacosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci. It is transmitted to humans through contact with birds., by inhaling airborne particles of respiratory secretions, dried feces, or their feathers. The main spreaders are parrot birds of the family Psittacidae, but canaries, pigeons, and other birds can also spread it. Generally, psittacosis presents as a moderately severe illness with fever, headache, myalgia, and dry cough. Symptoms appear 5 to 14 days after exposure. If treated adequately and promptly, the mortality rate is low.
Environmental samples and prevention
As for the environmental samples sent to the Malbrandt Institute, they have yet to return results.
We are analyzing all cases and their epidemiological background, as well as assessing the hospital’s infrastructure and maintenance to search for possible sources of infection.
Precautionary measures continue in the intensive care unit, with alert guidelines indicating the use of full protective equipment and timely notification of symptoms; as well as restrictions on visits, reduced staff turnover and the entry of new patients into affected areas in this part of the hospital.
Hospital staff are informed every day about the progress of the cases, the preventive measures in place and once the laboratory results are communicated by the Malbran Institute, they communicate with the heads of hospital services in meetings attended by the secretary. Health Department Andrea Uboldi; Provincial Epidemiology Director Carolina Cudós; and Hospital Director Dr. Francisco Sánchez Guerra.