A new CCDM chapter covers Candida auris, a yeast infection that is highly contagious.
Image courtesy Stephanie Rossow, CDC PHIL
At a time when U.S. public health has been undermined by misinformation, mistrust and open disregard of science, APHA's “Control of Communicable Diseases Manual” remains a bulwark for reliable, independent, peer-reviewed information.
Published by APHA for more than 100 years, CCDM debuts a new edition this year with updated and new science-based information in a tight format, enabling the field guide to fit in a researcher's back pocket.
“It is a busy time for public health, and we need reliable information,” Catherine Troisi, PhD, co-editor of the edition, told The Nation's Health. “That is where CCDM comes in.”
Troisi, a professor of epidemiology at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, and co-editor Ali Khan, MD, MPH, MBA, dean of the College of Public Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, bring years of expertise to the updated work, now in its 22nd edition. The editors complement each other in bringing extensive knowledge of epidemiology and social determinants of health to the manual.
Experts from around the world have contributed to the new volume, with insights on the full range of infectious diseases, from arboviral diseases, foodborne intoxications and fungal disease to Japanese encephalitis and the common cold.
The book also shares information on responding to an outbreak, preventing and controlling infections, and handling infectious materials. An advisory board chooses the experts who write and update the information.
CCDM remains the respected source for infectious disease management, offering professionals trustworthy information to identify threats, manage complex global health situations and control outbreaks in communities. An e-book edition is also available that is continually updated.
“The digital (version) updates in real time, while the printed edition is wonderful in the field as a comprehensive resource,” Troisi said.
The new edition reflects changes occurring in the world and public health, including the impact of climate change on infectious disease.
CCDM's 22nd edition has expanded information on some of those pathogens. One is Cryptococcus gattii, a fungal disease that mostly harms people who are older and immunocompromised. Originally a tropical disease, the deadly pathogen is now showing up in America and Britain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The pathogen “may be the first climate-driven disease,” Troisi said.
A new CCDM chapter covers Candida auris, a type of yeast that in recent years has spread among patients in health care facilities. Symptoms can range from skin rashes to a bloodstream infection that can be life-threatening. The infection is often resistant to treatments.
The new edition also includes a revised taxonomy based on the latest science as well as a discussion of advanced therapeutics and vaccines that utilize modern advancements in biotechnology.
To pre-order the new edition of APHA's “Control of Communicable Diseases Manual,” subscribe to the e-book or learn more at www.apha.org/ccdm or emailing aphapress{at}apha.org.
- Copyright The Nation’s Health, American Public Health Association
