Anticipated Increase in Legionella Infections |
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has issued a health update to provide the health care community with updated information about legionellosis.
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DPH is providing heightened awareness to an anticipated seasonal increase in Legionella infections and increase in cases resulting from changing building occupancies. Legionellosis cases follow a seasonal pattern in Delaware. Legionella bacteria grow best in warm, humid, and wet weather, and most Legionella infections occur between May and November each year. Legionella grows well in stagnant water. For this reason, reductions in water usage due to reduced operation, temporary shutdowns, or changes in building occupancy due to COVID-19 may increase Legionella growth in building water systems. Buildings or areas within a building that reopen without thoroughly flushing and disinfecting their water systems or cleaning and maintaining other devices that use water (such as decorative fountains or cooling towers) may expose individuals to the bacteria. CDC has also posted information on Legionella and building reopenings on its website.
- Physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion in adult patients with pneumonia.
- The preferred diagnostics tests for Legionnaires' disease are a culture of lower respiratory secretions (eg., sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage) on selective media and the Legionella urinary antigen test. DPH is encouraging physicians to submit lower respiratory secretions if possible. Sputum should ideally be obtained prior to antibiotic administration, but antibiotic treatment should not be delayed to facilitate this process. Serologic assays can be nonspecific and are not recommended in most situations.
Since 2000, the number of reported legionellosis cases has been increasing in both Delaware and the United States overall. Delaware experienced high case counts in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Although the number of legionellosis cases decreased in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, cases rose in 2021 to near pre-pandemic levels. Current expectations are for the number of legionellosis cases in Delaware to increase imminently. Legionellosis can manifest as Legionnaires’ disease, Pontiac fever, or extrapulmonary legionellosis.
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CDC Recommends Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine for Adults |
Another Primary Series COVID-19 Vaccine Option for Those 18 and Older |
On Tuesday, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine be used as another primary series option for adults ages 18 years and older. Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine, which will be available in the coming weeks, is an important tool in the pandemic and provides a more familiar type of COVID-19 vaccine technology for adults. Having multiple types of vaccines offers more options and flexibility for the public, jurisdictions, and vaccine providers. Protein subunit vaccines package harmless proteins of the COVID-19 virus alongside another ingredient called an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond to the virus in the future. Vaccines using protein subunits have been used for more than 30 years in the United States, beginning with the first licensed hepatitis B vaccine. Other protein subunit vaccines used in the United States today include those to protect against influenza and whooping cough (acellular pertussis). CDC polling indicates few Americans who remain unvaccinated plan to seek out Novavax’s vaccine.
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First US Case of Polio in Nearly a Decade Confirmed by CDC |
Unvaccinated Young Adult in New York Developed Paralysis |
Polio rates were cut drastically after the introduction of a vaccine in 1955, with the last naturally occurring cases in the United States in 1979. A case of polio has been identified in a Rockland County, New York resident and confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Testing suggested the case may have originated outside of the US. New York public health officials are urging physicians and other health care professionals to be on the lookout for additional cases, since polio is very contagious to the unvaccinated. Polio symptoms include flu-like symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, tiredness and nausea.
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HHS Office Reorganized to Lead Pandemic Response |
Administration of Strategic Preparedness and Response |
In a move finalized this week, an office in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) known as the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) was organized into a separate division. The creation of the new Administration of Strategic Preparedness and Response is expected to be phased in over two years. This independent division is charged with coordinating the nation's response to health emergencies, amid frustrations within the government over bureaucratic delays, such as acquiring more rapid COVID-19 tests during the surge last winter only to run into challenges setting up the necessary contracts. The reorganization allows the division to mobilize a coordinated national response more quickly and stably during future disasters and emergencies while having greater hiring and contracting capabilities. Dawn O'Connell, Assistant HHS Secretary for Preparedness and Response will lead the new division. |
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Joint Commission Adds National Board of Physicians & Surgeons |
A Change That Positively Impacts Board Certified Physicians Nationwide |
The National Board of Physicians and Surgeons (NBPAS) announced today that it has been added as a Designated Equivalent Source Agency in The Joint Commission’s Glossary for Ambulatory Care, Behavioral Health and Human Services, Critical Access Hospital, Hospital, and Office-based Surgery Accreditation Manuals. Designated Equivalent Source Agencies may be used to verify certain credentials in lieu of using the primary source. Designated equivalent sources listed by The Joint Commission include, but are not necessarily limited to: The National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, The AMA Physician Masterfile, The American Board of Medical Specialties, The American Osteopathic Physician Database, The Federation of State Medical Boards, and The Educational Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates. With the addition of The Joint Commission, NBPAS also meets national accreditation standards for hospitals and health plans which also include Det Norske Veritas (DNV), The National Committee on Quality Assurance (NCQA), and the Utilization Review Accreditation Commission (URAC). Recertification through NBPAS offers physicians a less burdensome pathway to maintain board certification and is a tangible solution to burnout and the growing national physician shortage. Founded in 2015, the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons provides physicians with a choice for board recertification through a pathway that is clinically rigorous, evidence-based, less burdensome, value-driven, and nationally recognized.
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COVID-19 Lessons Learned - A Call for Submissions |
A Retrospective on the COVID-19 Pandemic |
Looking backwards, what do you wish you had known in 2020? Now in year three, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rock the global healthcare community.
MSD has transitioned is printed scientific journal to an online model of publishing through our Academic Channel on the Cureus Journal of Medical Science platform. Cureus has a call for submissions focusing on what the world of medicine and public health got right in its approach to this pandemic, but even more so, where did we all go wrong and why? Although COVID-19 still smolders in our midst, the hope is that a scholarly post-mortem now can inform better decision making today, while also perhaps improving hospital care and public health measures in future pandemics.
We want to hear from our community of physicians and public health experts. How did the pandemic change your perspectives and practices? In what ways could the overall public health response have been improved and what kind of changes can public health officials make to combat future pandemics? Editors will consider original articles, review articles, case reports, and “autobiographical case reports.” Please submit articles through the MSD Academic Channel page prior to the deadline of September 30th, 2022.
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FDA Issues Monkeypox Testing Safety Communication |
Use Lesion Swab Samples to Avoid False Results |
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication advising to use swab samples taken directly from a lesion (rash or growth) when testing for the monkeypox virus. The FDA is not aware of clinical data supporting the use of other sample types, such as blood or saliva, for monkeypox virus testing. Testing samples not taken from a lesion may lead to false test results. If your patient was tested for the monkeypox virus using an alternate sample type and you suspect an inaccurate result, consider retesting your patient using a lesion swab sample.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as the monkeypox outbreak grows in the US, demand for the vaccine, known as Jynneos, is outpacing the supply. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) ordered 2.5 million additional doses, however the vaccine is not scheduled to arrive until next year. As of the beginning of this week, the US has recorded 1,470 monkeypox cases, up from 45 cases on June 10.
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Delaware Women's Hall of Fame Inductees for 2022 Announced |
MSD Member One of Seven Selected for Induction |
Governor John Carney announced today that seven women were selected for induction into the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame for 2022. Out of the more than 50 applicants received by the Office of Women’s Advancement and Advocacy and the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame Committee, the Committee chose seven of the top nominees who have made significant contributions in Delaware.
This year’s inductees include:
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Anne Canby, a pioneer in transportation as the first woman to lead the Delaware Department of Transportation (DELDOT) in 1993 and as Deputy Director of Transportation during the Carter Administration.
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Alice Dunbar-Nelson, a late suffragist, poet, activist, and educator at Howard High School in Wilmington.
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Carolyn Fredericks, the Executive Director of the Modern Maturity Center and longtime advocate for Delaware seniors.
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Teri Quinn Gray, former DuPont scientist, and current Chief Operating Officer at the science-based crop protection company, Provivi, in California.
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Ilona Holland, children’s educator with a focus on literacy. Has consulted on children’s educational TV programming, authored numerous children’s books, and is a partner with the Delaware State Library system.
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Karyl Rattay, MD, former Director of Delaware’s Division of Public Health, served during the COVID pandemic and holds the longest tenure in the role.
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Aida Waserstein, former judge of the Family Court of Delaware. Has also written several books with the goal of helping foster children by telling her own immigrant story.
The Hall of Fame of Delaware Women was established in 1981 and is the oldest annual celebration of its kind commemorating Delaware women. Eligible women must have been born in Delaware or resided in the state for minimum of ten years. Inductees will be recognized at the 41st Annual Hall of Fame of Delaware Women Induction Ceremony. The event will be held this fall, with all details on the event and other Hall of Fame activities available in the coming months at de.gov/women.
View the biographies of the 2022 Honorees and all 160 inductees of the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame here.
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Health Insurers to Raise Rates Due to Patients' Increased Usage |
Responding to Patients' Increased Use of Routine Care |
The Associated Press reports Americans are returning to physician offices in large numbers after putting off routine health care through much of the pandemic. This trend is resulting in higher insurance rates across the country as insurers seek to recoup costs for more people using their health care coverage, which combined with record-high inflation, is driving up prices for almost everything, including health care. Premiums remained virtually flat for several years during the pandemic. For marketplaces in 13 states (Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, and Washington) and Washington, DC, health insurers will raise rates an average of 10% next year, according to a review of rate filings by the Kaiser Family Foundation.
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Upcoming MSD Events You Won't Want to Miss! |
Registration is Open! CME Provided for Several Events Listed! |
August 11 - Highmark BCBS Delaware Mid-Year Update, 12 Noon-1:00 p.m., virtual. Recommended for physicians and staff. Session is free to MSD Members and Staff. Non-member fee is $25. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM.
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Health Care Heroes Event at Delaware Turf |
Free Event for Health Care Workers and Their Families |
Each year, the DE Turf Sports Complex in Frederica, DE honors champions for the facility who exemplify dedication, passion, and commitment to its success and the success of the community. Honorees have their name retired on a jersey, which is displayed prominently at DE Turf. On Saturday, August 27th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. health care heroes across central Delaware will being recognized. Save the date for a night that’s all about celebrating you and your families. Enjoy games for all ages, entertainment, DJ, giveaways, and food. A fireworks display will light up the sky in the evening. Register via email to Bonnie@DETurf.com. Download the flyer.
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MSD Mailing Address Change |
With the plans for the sale of the MSD building progressing, MSD has secured a post office box to receive all incoming mail. Please change your records to our new mailing address effective immediately:
Medical Society of Delaware
PO Box 8155
Newark, DE 19714
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Beebe Healthcare was on hand this week to help break ground for a new health care facility being built on Route 16 west of Milton, the Jerry Ann McLamb Medical Pavilion. As one of the anchor medical providers in the pavilion, Beebe Medical Group is planning to provide primary care, walk-in care, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging for the Milton community and surrounding area. |
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Know Your COVID-19 Community Level |
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COVID-19 Community Levels are a tool provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 based on the COVID-19 Community Level in your area.
Information as of 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 21st:
- Kent County - Medium
- New Castle County - Low
- Sussex County - Medium
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COVID-19 Information Finder |
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Ronda L. Broady, DO - Family Medicine, Progressive Health of Delaware |
MSD's Membership Department is pleased to announce the newest members of the Medical Society of Delaware. Welcome to the third oldest medical society in the country! If you know someone interested in joining MSD, please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any questions. You could be eligible for a referral discount!
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Jose D. Alcala Villegas, MD - Family Medicine Resident, Saint Francis
David F. Bach, DO - Internal Medicine Resident, ChristianaCare
Ghazaleh Barghgir, MD - Family Medicine Resident, Saint Francis
Russell T. Heckburn, MD - Family Medicine Resident, Saint Francis
Shahmir R. Naveed, DO - Internal Medicine Resident, ChristianaCare
Arielle C. Ngameni Mouani, MD - Family Medicine Resident, Saint Francis
Christian D. Noblett, DO - Internal Medicine Resident, ChristianaCare
Thomas J. O'Donnell, Jr., MD - Family Medicine Resident, Saint Francis
Tulsi Patel, DO - Internal Medicine Resident, ChristianaCare
Tuyet N. T. Phan, MD - Family Medicine Resident, Saint Francis
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MSD members are afforded a seven-day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding applicants for membership. Please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any comments on the current pending member(s) listed above.
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The Latin phrase Rerum Cognoscere translates to learn, examine, or become aware of facts or things. In this section, we highlight measurable items of interest in health care from MSD, Delaware, the US, and the world. |
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78%
For week ending July 16, the percent of COVID-19 variants in US circulating that are identified as Omicron subvariant BA.5.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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10%
Percent of averted infection with COVID vaccines in patient-facing health care staff during the second wave.
BMJ
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2%
Increase in odds of infection each day a health care worker sent without vaccination.
BMJ
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August 11 - Highmark BCBS Delaware Mid-Year Update, 12 Noon-1:00 p.m., virtual. Recommended for physicians and staff. Session is free to MSD Members and Staff. Non-member fee is $25. This activity has been approved for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM.
August 25 - Mid-Atlantic Alliance for Climate and Health First Annual 2022 Climate and Health Conference, 9:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., virtual. Registration is open and free to the public. For those looking for CME credit, the fee is $20.
August 27 - DE Turf Sport Complex Health Care Heroes Recognition, 6:00-9:00 p.m., register by email to Bonnie@DETurf.com.
September 17 - DNREC Public Beach Cleanup, Herring Point, Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Registration is limited.
October 5&6 - Delaware Academy of Medicine/Delaware Public Health Association and Delaware Chapter of the American Planning Association Joint virtual 2022 Fall Conference.
October 22 - 2022 John Scholz Stroke Education Conference, 8:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Registration will open on August 22nd.
November 1, 2, 3 - SAVE THE DATES! MSD Annual Meeting (Council Meeting, Holding Company Board of Directors Meeting, Educational program), all beginning at 6:00 p.m., virtual.
November 5 - MSD "It's OBVIOUS" Campaign for Kids 5k Run/Walk, & Community Health Fair, Rockford Park, 9:00 a.m., 9th St and Tower Rd, Wilmington.
November 5 - SAVE THE DATE! MSD Inaugural Gala, Smyrna Opera House
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Was the information in this newsletter useful? If so, forward to a friend to let them know the value of your Medical Society of Delaware membership. |
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The information contained herein is solely informational, planned in accordance for a diverse membership audience. This communication reflects news and announcements that have been made available to MSD and is not intended to exclude other pertinent material. The content published is proposed to represent facts of interest and provide awareness to the members. MSD reserves the right to determine what information is relevant to its membership. |
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Copyright © 2022. All Rights Reserved. |
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