March 2021

The Michigan Update

Whole Genome Sequencing for Response to
SARS-CoV-2

Dr. Heather M. Blankenship, PhD

The first sequenced isolate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from a patient in Wuhan, China was shared on 10 January 2020. Since then, over 128,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences have been generated in the US. 

Within Michigan, whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 has helped to understand the virus and provide support to the pandemic response. By examining the virus at the genomic level along with the date of infections we can generate broad transmission dynamics to watch how the virus might be moving around the state or across state borders. Figure 1.  Broad transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in Michigan

Whole Genome Sequencing >>

Research

Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome

Nalbandian, A., Sehgal, K., Gupta, A. et al. Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. Nat Med (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-021-01283-z

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogen responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has resulted in global healthcare crises and strained health resources. As the population of patients recovering from COVID-19 grows, it is paramount to establish an understanding of the healthcare issues surrounding them. COVID-19 is now recognized as a multi-organ disease with a broad spectrum of manifestations. Similarly to post-acute viral syndromes described in survivors of other virulent coronavirus epidemics, there are increasing reports of persistent and prolonged effects after acute COVID-19. Patient advocacy groups, many members of which identify themselves as long haulers, have helped contribute to the recognition of post-acute COVID-19, a syndrome characterized by persistent symptoms and/or delayed or long-term complications beyond 4 weeks from the onset of symptoms.

Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the current literature on post-acute COVID-19, its pathophysiology and its organ-specific sequelae. Finally, we discuss relevant considerations for the multidisciplinary care of COVID-19 survivors and propose a framework for the identification of those at high risk for post-acute COVID-19 and their coordinated management through dedicated COVID-19 clinics.

Read the full article

Tools & Resources

CDC developed this toolkit to help emergency planners achieve effective communications through the integration of a community outreach information network. The toolkit provides a framework to organize planning for broad groups of people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, recommended action steps and noteworthy practices from the field.

Download the toolkit

Native American tribes have a unique relationship with State and Federal governments. The Tribal Public Health Law Resource Table was created by the Network for Public Health Law to aid those who seek more information about this relationship. This table lists organizations with experience in tribal and public health law, including epidemiology centers, and academic, non-profit and public or legal services organizations.

Download the table

Trainings & Events

Michigan Communicable Disease Conference

April 20, 21 & 22  |  Zoom Conference

Michigan's State and Local Public Health partnership conference providing the latest knowledge and best practices for communicable disease diagnosis, surveillance, reporting, laboratory test interpretation, and incorporation of epidemiologic principles. 

There is no cost to register but registration is required to attend. Registration will close on Monday, April 19, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. or once maximum capacity has been reached.

Register

This publication was supported by Cooperative Agreement number 1NU90TP922062-01-00, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services.

Bureau of EMS, Trauma & Preparedness  |  1001 Terminal Rd, Lansing, MI 48906  |  517-335-8150