Consulting Services
PathCon is often asked to assist clients with investigations in high profile health-related situations. PathCon scientists have multi-disciplinary training in microbiology, epidemiology, public health and clinical microbiology. Several of PathCon’s experts formerly held important positions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as other respected health organizations and associations. PathCon can assemble investigative teams including microbiologists, epidemiologists, and occupational health physicians, as each unique situation requires for investigating occupant health effects.
Avian Flu Preparedness
PathCon scientists can assist companies with avian flu preparation and safety services. In light of the possibility that avian flu may reach the U.S. population, the private sector must take an active role. PathCon consultants can assist companies in development of avian flu prevention and emergency response procedures.
To view the World Health Organization (WHO) summary of the current number of human avian flu cases, click here.
Legionnaires Disease Outbreaks
Legionnaires disease is the single leading killer among all indoor building contaminants in the United States. Estimates of the annual number of Legionnaires disease cases in the United States range from 11,000 to more than 25,000. The incubation period is from 2 to 10 days and the illness is primarily a pneumonia with a high fatality rate. PathCon scientists are the leading experts in Legionnaires disease and have investigated outbreaks within the U.S. and many other parts of the world. PathCon can help identify possible transmission sources by helping collect samples from potential sources including cooling towers, condensers, water heaters, decorative fountains, hot tubs and spas. Contact PathCon for help to keep your employees safe from Legionnaires disease.
Norovirus Outbreaks
Norovirus is the approved name for a group of caliciviruses that cause gastroenteritis in people. The previous term, Norwalk-like viruses, is still commonly used. When people become exposed to this virus, illness may develop within 24 – 48 hours resulting in symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach cramping with or without fever. Other non-specific symptoms may occur such as chills, headache, muscle aches and fatigue. As with other severe gastrointestinal infections, dehydration can be serious particularly in the very young and elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. Severe dehydration is life-threatening. Drinking fluids may not be sufficient for hydration; therefore, medical attention may be necessary.
This disease often occurs in outbreak settings in heavily populated and confined situations. Outbreaks often show a dramatic epidemic curve with 10’s to 100’s of people often affected in a relatively short period of time. The disease is spread by the fecal-oral route of transmission. Norovirus outbreaks can be confirmed and differentiated from other gastrointestinal diseases by laboratory testing. Patient testing of stool, and environmental testing of food, water and environmental surfaces may be invaluable to pinpoint and determine etiology of an outbreak. It is difficult to remove this virus once hands become contaminated with this organism; therefore, thorough hand washing is an essential component of both preventing and limiting exposure. PathCon scientists can give expert advice regarding controlling outbreaks, including testing for gastrointestinal pathogens from food or the environment. This highly magnified image of the norovirus (courtesy of the CDC) shows the structure.