June 15, 2006
Top: Mary Jackson and child. Bottom: Tania Thomas, RN.
Tania Thomas RN and Mary Jackson CNA are familiar figures to a lot of the parents in the Delta. Currently they are working on several research projects that involve children and pregnant ladies.
One of the exciting projects is the study of respiratory virus illnesses being done by YKHC, ANTHC and CDC. The purpose of this study is to find out what viruses cause babies to be hospitalized with lung infections. Lung infections cause over half of the hospitalizations in babies. The YK Delta has very high rates of lung infections from RSV as well as other viruses. RSV admissions have decreased some, but hospitalizations for all lung infections have stayed the same. In the study, we are testing for six different viruses and pertussis (a germ that causes whooping cough) in children less than 3 years of age. This will help us know what other things (like vaccines or other medicines) we can use to decrease lung infections
Each day Tania and Mary check the inpatients in north wing for sick children less than 3 years old hospitalized with a lung infection. If parents consent, Mary or Tania will do a nose swab to test for the viruses. They will also ask questions about the child's illness and household and will review the child's chart. The nose swabs are sent to the CDC in Anchorage for testing. The CDC will send a letter with results of viruses found in children to the parents of the child as well as a copy to the doctor. Part of the study is also obtaining swabs from healthy children as a way of monitoring what viruses are infecting children in the Delta. You may see Tania and Mary sitting in the entryway of the hospital looking for healthy kids less then three years old to be a part of the study.
We have some study test result through February. The study tests from the CDC showed that RSV and Flu infected several children in January and February. Overall, these results were similar to the nose wash tests for RSV and Flu done by the Bethel lab. The study tests also showed some cases of metapneumovirus (a virus like RSV). So far, no children have been positive for pertussis (whooping cough). Later this year we will also test for parainfluenza, coronavirus and rhinovirus. As soon as we have more results we will send letters to parents.
This study has been in place since October 2005 and will continue until October 2007. The care and concern of the parents has been reflected in the high participation rate of 75%. Quyana!
Please feel free to contact Tania or Mary at 543-6958 or visit them in their office behind WIC room 144 in west wing at the hospital.