Unexplained Deaths from Infectious Causes in the U.S.
Author Information
Author(s): Bradley A. Perkins, Jennifer M. Flood, Richard Danila, Robert C. Holman, Arthur L. Reingold, Laura A. Klug, Michael Virata, Paul R. Cieslak, Sherif R. Zaki, Robert W. Pinner, Rima F. Khabbaz
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
Can a more sensitive detection system improve the early recognition of new infectious agents?
Conclusion
The study found that unexplained deaths due to possibly infectious causes accounted for 14% of all deaths among previously healthy individuals aged 1 to 49 years in the EIP sites.
Supporting Evidence
- 744 unexplained deaths were identified among previously healthy persons aged 1 to 49 years.
- These deaths accounted for 14% of all deaths in hospitals and emergency rooms for this age group.
- Most of the unexplained deaths occurred among males (60%) and whites (72%).
- Rates of unexplained deaths were significantly higher among blacks compared to whites.
Takeaway
The study looked at deaths that doctors couldn't explain and found many were due to new infections. They want to find these infections faster.
Methodology
The study used multiple cause-of-death data from 1992 and focused on previously healthy individuals aged 1 to 49 years to identify unexplained deaths.
Potential Biases
The reliance on ICD-9 codes for identifying deaths may introduce bias if the codes are inaccurately assigned.
Limitations
The study's limitations include potential misclassification of deaths and the exclusion of certain populations, which may affect the sensitivity of the surveillance system.
Participant Demographics
Most deaths occurred among males (60%) and whites (72%), with higher rates among blacks compared to whites.
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