Bordetella pertussis in Nebraska

On October 8, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (NE-DHHS) issued a Health Alert Network (HAN) Advisory, “Increase in Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Cases in Nebraska.”

The advisory notes that 51 pertussis cases have been reported in Nebraska so far in 2024—three times the number recorded by this time last year—mirroring a similar rise nationwide. 

Due to the surge in cases, the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) has been receiving clinical specimens that have been determined to be positive by molecular methods. This may stem from the wording in the Nebraska Reportable Diseases Title 173 Regulations, which states that an isolate or specimen should be sent to NPHL.

At this time, do not send any clinical specimen positive for B.

pertussis by a molecular test to the NPHL. Also, due to the

fastidious nature of this organism, NPHL will not accept specimens sent to the laboratory for culture. If culture is required, please work with your

reference laboratory to provide this testing.  

If, however, your laboratory can culture and isolate B.

pertussis, please submit the isolate to the NPHL to support additional

molecular studies for epidemiological investigating if warranted.  

State Training Coordinators Hop the River

In October, the Nebraska Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) State Training Coordinators joined the Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory (SHL) Biological and Chemical Threat Coordinators and members of the 71st Civil Support Team (CST) at Firehouse 5 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Gram Stain Challenge Update: Delayed to Late 2024

The Nebraska Public Health Laboratory (NPHL) Gram Stain Challenge will be sent out the week of November 18.

The Gram Stain Challenge, a key activity for many of NPHL’s laboratory partners, evaluates participants’ proficiency in differentiating bacteria through Gram staining. This hands-on challenge promotes best practices and supports continued learning in clinical microbiology.

Participating laboratories should stay tuned for further details, including finalized dates and participation guidelines. NPHL appreciates everyone’s patience and continued support.

Last CDC Packing & Shipping Class for 2024

On December 3^rd and 5^th, 2024 there is an online training course for clinical and public health laboratory professionals involved in packing and shipping Division 6.2 Infectious Substances and dry ice. The course will be held virtually from 12pm - 4 pm CDT.

To learn more, see NPHL Packing & Shipping Dangerous Goods.

Registration closes November 28, 2024.