Volume 25, Issue 22 Magnolia State AMT - EBOLA OUTBREAK
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Magnolia State AMT
Fall 2014
Volume 25, Issue 22
EBOLA OUTBREAK:
8 Terms You Need To Know
The U.S. has seen its first diagnosed case of Ebola
— a patient in Dallas from Liberia — here are terms
one should know when it comes to understanding
risk factors.
1. Incubation period: Time between exposure to a virus and when symptoms start
to present, this is two to 21 days in Ebola’s case.
2. Symptomatic: A patient becomes symptomatic when they show symptoms of
Ebola, which include fever, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting and
diarrhea.
Individual Highlights: 3. Contagious: People with strains of the Ebola virus in their blood are only
Ebola ……..……1 contagious when they are presenting with symptoms (see above). The virus cannot
be transmitted before a person is symptomatic, which means that people on the
President/ District
Councilor
same airplane as Thomas Eric Duncan could not have caught the virus from him.
Messages ...……3
4. R0: Also called R-nought, it refers to the “estimated reproduction number for
Enterovirus ……4 infectious diseases.” Put more simply, it’s a formula predicting how contagious a
Delegate virus is. NPR has a handy graphic on their site showing that Ebola has an R0 of 2,
Reports ….. 5 - 8 meaning the likely number of people infected by one patient. Measles, by
comparison, has an R0 of 18. It is relatively difficult to spread Ebola.
Meeting Info ...…7
HIV Story 5. Contact tracing: This involves the painstaking process of tracking down anyone
Update ………..9 whom a patient may have exposed to Ebola. It requires trained public health
West Nile Rpt...10 officials who ask a series of questions about where the patient has been, and how
many people he might have interacted with, either face to face or in a room or
Announcements...11 other contained setting. In in the U.S., this function is performed by local health
department personnel working in conjunction with Centers for Disease Control
(CDC) personnel. While in West Africa, this is being done by international and local
volunteers who are trained by public health experts.
6. Direct contact: This includes the people most closely connected to a patient—
family members and friends. These people are most likely to have come into
contact with a patient’s body fluids, and therefore represented the group most
likely exposed to the virus, and at highest risk of developing the disease.
Continued on Page 2
Magnolia State Newsletter Page 2 of 12
Ebola Outbreak: 8 Terms You Need to Know Continued from page 1
Image 1 Ebola Virus Image 2 Lab technician dunned in Hazardous Protective Gear
7. Indirect contact: This group includes those who may have had contact with a patient but in a less
direct way, such as in a workplace or school. These also include contacts of the direct contacts, which are
at a lower risk of having been exposed to the patient’s body fluids and so are at a lower risk of having
Ebola.
8. Quarantine: A legal order for a potentially infected person to not leave a space or have contact with
the rest of the population. The Ebola patient’s, four family members are in quarantine, with a law
enforcement official stationed outside their home. After falling ill, a county sheriff’s deputy who went into
the apartment where the Dallas Ebola patient stayed has been hospitalized out of an “abundance of
caution”. He is exhibiting enough symptoms of Ebola to trigger preliminary screening.
Felicia L. Williams,
MT(AMT), MLT(ASCP)QLI
Sifferlin, A. (14, September 30). Ebola in the U.S.: What You Need to Know.
Adapted from Time Health article:
Time: Health. Retrieved from http://time.com/3451076/ebola-in-the-united-states-what-you-need-to-know/
Breast cancer is a disease which begins in the breast tissue; it's the
second most common type of cancer and mainly affects women. In 1985,
the first National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was observed in the
U.S. Initially, the aim of the event was to increase early detection of breast
cancer by encouraging women to have mammograms. As many women
know, a mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to detect abnormalities
in breast tissue. Early detection means that cancer can be more effectively
treated and prevented from spreading to other areas of the body. Today,
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is as much about raising funds for breast
cancer research and support, as it is about raising awareness.
Magnolia State welcomes letters from readers. Those submitted for publication in the state newsletter
must include writer’s name, address and telephone number. Send letter to State Editor.
E-mail fleflore9@bellsouth.net
Page 3 of 12 Magnolia State Newsletter
President’s Message Central District Councilor’s Message:
The American Medical Technologists 75th Educational Program Fall 2014
and National Meeting was held in Chicago, Illinois at the Drake
Hotel July 7th – 10th, 2014. I attended many sessions to include: As we conclude the celebration of AMT’s 75th
Brain Mapping in Health and Disease, Health Exchanges and birthday, the words describing our National
the Changing Healthcare, The Vampire Diaries, Primary Convention are: “a good time was had by all”.
Immunodeficiency Disorders, Understanding and Identifying
Renal Disease, Case Studies in Blood Transfusions, Retirement Central District did extremely well with awards this
Planning, as well as, Urinary Crystals: Formations, year. District Achievement – Tonda Ellis, CMLA, RPT.
Identification, and Connotation. Exceptional Merit Awards – Lia Spears, MT. Pillar
Awards – Art Contino, AHI, RMA and Cecil Hunt, MT.
During the Proctor Committee meeting held on July 7th, which
is chaired by Everett Bloodworth, attendees were informed Silver Service Awards – Vernon Bass, MT and Kathy
that in 2013 AMT had given 3,000 paper exams and 19,000 Sutton, MT. Cuviello Award – Roxann Clifton, MT.
computer exams. As a result, AMT will no longer offer paper Friend of AMT- George Raven. Norman Frankel
exams starting January 2016. During AMT’s District Leadership Outstanding Student Award, MLT Student – Heidi
Forum, District Councilors discussed the need for by-law Zuniga. Student Technical Writing Awards, 1st Place:
changes, publication updates, and proper use of the AMT logo. Marcia S. Haverly, MLT Program, 2nd Place: Tiffany
State Society Leadership Training also focused on by-laws Jackson, MLT Program, 3rd Place: Shelby McVicker,
versus the SOP, which gave clear definitions of the purpose and MLT Program. State Society Publication Awards – 3rd
function of each. Place: Kim Meshell. Because of all the officers and
editors diligent efforts, Central District was again
Randy Swopes, MT acknowledged all first timers and award perfect in Honor Roll status. As a result of all this, I
winners during the Central District Meeting that was held on was awarded the “Becky Award”. I salute all of our
July 10th. He also shared information needed for the winners.
Magnolia Meeting and our next National Meeting. Casual
attire was suggested for Hawaii and no gift baskets will be Future Meetings include the Magnolia meeting in
given away; gift cards will be given away instead. Randy also Gatlinburg, TN on October 17th and 18th, 2014. The
informed us that the 2016 National Convention will be take 2015 National Convention will take place in Hawaii.
place in the Southern District. This meeting will be casual attire. There will be no
gift baskets for the year in Hawaii. Gift cards will be
The Welcome Reception was very nice as always; Debbie given by states; in 2016 we will return to baskets.
Johnson was the lucky winner of Arizona’s state basket. 35 The 2016 National Convention will be held
States were represented during the AMT Resolution somewhere in the Southern Region. National Lab
Presentation and Meet the Candidates held on July 8th. There Assistants Week will be held the 3rd week of October.
was one resolution presented by the California State
Society, which was passed. There were three MTs and two Election of Board of Directors winners are Everett
RMAs running for the Board of Directors: 1) Everett Bloodworth, MT, Ken Hawker, MT and Deborah
Bloodworth, MT, 2) Fred Morley, MT, 3) Kenneth Hawker, MT, Westervelt, RMA.
4) Deborah Westervett, RMA and 5) Nancy Gabl, RMA. The
Awards Banquet and Awards Convocation were held on I look forward to attending one of your State
Wednesday, July 9th; the entire evening was a great success. Meetings.
The state of Mississippi brought home 3 awards! Thanks to
all of you for allowing me to serve graciously as your President Respectfully submitted,
for the great state of Mississippi.
Randy Swopes, MT (AMT)
Cecil Hunt, MT (AMT) Central District Councilor
State President
Magnolia State Newsletter Page 4 of 12
Mississippi Diagnoses 1st Case of Enterovirus–D68
On September 23, 2014, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) confirmed the first case of
Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) in a Mississippi resident. The case was a Hancock County child who was hospitalized
and has since recovered.
Enteroviruses are very common, causing up to 10-15 million infections in the United States each year. EV-D68 is
one type of enterovirus that has recently been identified as sometimes causing severe respiratory illnesses and
hospitalization in children. Most people infected with enteroviruses do not become ill or have only mild
symptoms. Enterovirus infections occur most often in the summer and fall.
Symptoms of EV-D68 are similar to the common cold, and include fever, runny nose, sneezing, cough, and body
and muscle aches. While most cases of illness are likely mild, children (newborns through teenagers) are most
likely to become seriously ill, and those with asthma and other underlying health conditions have a greater
chance of complications from the virus.
The virus likely spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches
contaminated surfaces. There is no specific treatment for EV-D68 infections. Typical cases only require
treatment of symptoms until recovery.
Basic preventive measures include the following:
Stay home (or keep children home) when ill and consult your healthcare provider.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or utensils with ill people.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is
sick.
For more information, visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com/EV.
Page 5 of 12 Magnolia State Newsletter
Delegate Report (Delegate Process) - Anne R. Smith
I had the great pleasure of attending the 76th AMT Educational and National Convention that was held in Chicago,
Illinois July 7 -10 this year. It was held at the world renowned Drake Hotel which is located close to plenty of
great shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. Another great opportunity for me to serve as a delegate for
the Mississippi State Society of AMT, as well as, a great opportunity to help celebrate AMT’s 75 years of certifying
excellence.
As a delegate, I am given a list of responsibilities to fill. A few of my responsibilities included attending Town Hall
Meetings, Resolutions Committee Meetings, and the Annual Business Meeting. Upon being credentialed, I was
given an opportunity to meet all candidates running for the AMT Board of Directors and AMTIE Board of
Trustees. The Business Meeting provided a voting opportunity for the best candidates that I thought would
represent AMT and AMTIE as a whole, while working to keep it as the ”Premier” certification and membership
organization for allied health professionals.
This year, AMT Board of Director had the following positions opened: two (2) MT/MLT, and one (1)
RMA/RPT/CMAS. There were also two open positions on the AMTIE Board of Trustees. Elections were held
during AMT’s Annual Business Meeting on July 10, 2014. Prior to the start of the Annual Business meeting, all
delegates from each state assemble at a designated meeting place and time and must enter the meeting hall
together. All committees are called to discuss past, present and future business and then the voting begins. Since
there were only two candidates and two open positions for AMTIE, the candidates (Art Contino and Kay
Fergason) were motioned and seconded to be unanimously proclaimed to the board by acclamation. AMT board
positions were voted in and filled by Everett Bloodworth and Ken Harper for MT/MLT position and Deborah
Westervelt for the RMA/RPT/CMAS position. The minutes were read and the meeting adjourned.
Any member in good standing with his or her state and national AMT membership may seek a seat on the AMT or
AMTIE Boards. Candidates should have served or currently serve on a national AMT committee and possess a
thorough knowledge of AMT/AMTIE and its goals, functions, structures and bylaws. Additionally, all candidates
must have exhibited active participation in AMT state or national level leadership for a period of no less than
three years.
I greatly appreciate the chance to serve as a delegate and look forward to serving again for many more years. I
thoroughly enjoyed the varied selections of educational sessions, which were suited for all healthcare learners
and workers. And I encourage each and every member to consider attending the next AMT Educational Program
which will be held in Hawaii. See you there!
Anne Roby Smith, MLT (AMT)
Mississippi Delegate 2014
Editor’s Note Thanks to all state society members that attended the National AMT convention in
Chicago. Please be mindful that the joint state meeting; Magnolia Educational
Treasures (MET) is just around the corner on Oct 17th & 18th. I bid everyone
attending safe travels to and from Gatlinburg, TN. The State Society Spring Meeting
has not been formalized, but anticipate a March meeting, possibly in the Jackson area
An election will be held for new officers, so please be thinking of who you would like
to nominate. Spring meeting information will be formalized during the MET. Hope to
see you there.
Sincerely,
Felicia Williams, MT(AMT)
Magnolia State Newsletter Page 6 of 12
Delegate Report (Business Meeting) – Kathy Sutton
The Site of the 2014 AMT National Business meeting was the Drake Hotel, Chicago
Illinois. I arrived a couple of days early to see the sites of Chicago prior to the
meeting starting. Mississippi had four delegates representing our state’s
membership at this year’s meeting. The other delegates are reporting on the AMT
education and business so I will share some of my other activities.
The hotel was on the Magnificent Mile, which is known as a major shopping
destination. The weather was perfect to stroll along the landscaped streets lined
Advertising Rates with beautiful flowers and trees. I peered into the designer shops looking for latest
fashions. Yet the only purchases I made was at American Girl Place buying gifts for
Two (2) Issues per Year
my Granddaughters.
Camera-Ready, Disk or
Scanner-Ready Material When it comes to Chicago’s reputation for great food and being a foodie that I am, I
tried to sample all of what Chicago has to offer. The day I arrived my first stop was
Full Page $250.00
Gino’s the original Chicago deep dish pizza. No visit to Chicago is complete without
Half Page $150.00 getting a Chicago Hot Dog from Portillo’s. Other restaurants I enjoyed throughout
Quarter Page $100.00 the week included; Cheese Cake Factory, Mike Ditka’s Restaurant, Local, and the
Original Pancake House.
Business card $45.00
Circulation 601-906-1632 I had so much to do and not enough time, but the attractions I was able to squeeze
in along with the AMT meeting included an afternoon at the Lincoln Park Zoo, The
Shed Aquarium, the Navy Pier and a horse and buggy ride. Sunday afternoon my
Grand Daughter and I went to the Ballet Chicago and eat dinner at the American Girl.
I must say this is the most memorable.
The 2014 AMT meeting will be hard to beat, we had perfect weather, there was so
much to see and do; the beach a block away, the beautiful Lake Michigan as the view
from our hotel.
Even with all these distractions a lot work was done during the meeting. Thanks
again Mississippi State Society of American Medical Technologists for allowing me
to serve as a delegate to the National Business meeting.
Kathy Sutton, MT (AMT)
Mississippi Delegate 2014
Cecil Hunt (top left), Kathy Sutton (bottom left)
Think of names for
Future Nomination of
State Officers.
Elections to be held at
the Spring 2015
Meeting.Page 7 of 12 Magnolia State Newsletter
Delegate Report (2nd Timer) – Debbie J. Dogan
It was my first time to Chicago, Illinois, while it was my second time as a delegate for
MSSAMT. Both experiences were absolutely wonderful. Chicago was more than I
imagined and the AMT National Convention was even greater.
FALL MEETING
The educational and scientific sessions were informative and there were subjects for
Magnolia Educational
every discipline of AMT. Some of the sessions that I attended included, Urinary
Treasures (MET)
Crystals: Formation, Identification and Connotation, Brain Mapping in Health and
Disease: The Final Frontier in Medical Technology, Rapid Diagnostic Methods for th
Identifying Microorganisms Directly From Positive Blood Cultures, Primary Date: Oct 17 & 18
Immunodeficiency Disorders, and the Laboratory Systems Response to the First U.S. Where: Edgewater-Hotel.com
Case of MERS. The most interesting session for me was DNA in Forensic Location: Gatlinburg, TN
Investigation taught by Katherine Sullivan, MT (AMT) (Forensic Scientist and an
Illinois State Police Officer). She explained her role as a forensic scientist and Limited Room Availability
demonstrated how DNA analysis is instrumental in providing answers for Call 1-800-423-9582 for more
investigations, as well as, to help solve crimes. She stated that the work that she does information. Mention
is “far from being as elaborate as CSI.” ‘Magnolia’ when calling for
any available room discounts.
I had the pleasure of enjoying one particular speaker twice during the day. The
speaker was David Platt, a Consultant from Plano, Texas. The scientific sessions he
taught were Chemistry Updates: Part I and II. The first part included Diabetes,
Thyroid, Liver and a NEW set of Q.C. rules. He was very informative and quite
humorous. He knows how to keep everyone’s attention. There was no way you
could possibly miss the second session. The second session taught by him covered
chemistry updates, including the heart and renal biomarker testing in the laboratory.
I can’t wait to attend another one of his sessions no matter the subject.
Another exciting and interesting part of the AMT National Convention for me was
being able to serve on the AMT Future Planning/Membership Committee. Discussed
at the meeting was the NEW MISSION: AMT is a global, member-led, allied health
certification organization which promotes and supports its member certificants'.
The NEW VISION: THE CHOICE for allied health professional certification. The five
core values of AMT which include: 1. A = Adaptive to Change, 2. M= Member focused,
3. T= Trusted and four and five are Integrity and Excellence. Also discussed were
suggestions to any emerging allied health disciplines that are in need of a certifying
body and uniformed best practices for state societies.
Thanks again to Randy Swopes, our District Councilor, for keeping the Central
District informed of new updates and/or changes in AMT. Thanks also to Kathy
Sutton for her continued assistance with anything that was needed or any questions
that needed answering. I enjoyed MSSAMT board member and friend, Ann Smith for
the fun times we had during our breaks.
I can’t forget that I also won the basket from the State of Arizona. I’m looking
forward to being a delegate next year for MSSAMT in Hawaii and being part of an
Honor Roll State Society again. Hope to see you there to experience up to date
informative scientific sessions and a little bit of sun to help to make the day.
Debbie J. Dogan, MT (AMT)
Mississippi Delegate 2014Magnolia State Newsletter Page 8 of 12 Convention Photos
Page 9 of 12 Magnolia State Newsletter
Story Update - Mississippi Child thought cured of HIV
The young Mississippi Child thought to have been cured of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) now has
detectable levels of the virus in her blood. To recap, revealed in March 2013, the case of the cured
Mississippi child was the first account of an HIV-infected infant appearing to be cured after receiving
aggressive drug treatment within the first 30 hours of life. The case increased expectations that more of
the 250,000 children born each year infected with HIV might have a chance at being cured.
Researchers utilize ultrasensitive tests to assess proviral DNA, residual viremia, replication-competent
HIV reservoirs, non-induced proviral genomes, full-length HIV sequencing and maternal microchimerism
to monitor HIV persistence in children. The Mississippi Child continued to show sustained HIV remission
up to 23 months after treatment interruption based according to test results.
Hopes were dashed when the child’s doctors determined that the HIV virus had begun replicating. The
Mississippi Child is still considered to be in remission, with no detectable viral load or HIV reservoir using
the most sensitive tests available. This feat supports researchers’ hypothesis that very early treatment
forms a barrier to the formation of HIV reservoirs in perinatal infection. The Mississippi case remains
important because it confirms that the baby was indeed infected, something that had been doubted, and
that early and aggressive treatment helped prevent the virus from replicating.
Felicia L. Williams, MT(AMT)
Resource: Tong, W. (2014, March 5). Update on Mississippi Child Cured of HIV, Plus Second Child Shows Signs of HIV Remission. The 21st Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic
Infections (CROI 2014). USA. Retrieved from The Body Pro: The HIV Resource for Health Professionals: http://www.thebodypro.com/content/74024/update-on-mississippi-child-
cured-of-hiv-plus-seco.html
Celebrate RMA Week: October 20th – 24th
Registered Medical Assistants (RMA) and the
American Medical Technologists (AMT) will be
celebrating National Medical Assistants
Recognition Week October 20 -24th. Please join
AMT in promoting this important event that
recognizes medical assisting’s vital role,
contributions and efforts in health care and help us
begin raising awareness of the profession.Magnolia State Newsletter Page 10 of 12
Mississippi 2014 - West Nile Virus and Mosquito-borne Illnesses Report
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has reported
44 human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) and 7 human cases of
Chikungunya for 2014 as of October 6th.
Mosquito-borne illnesses in Mississippi include West Nile virus,
St. Louis encephalitis, Chikungunya virus, and Eastern Equine
encephalitis. These illnesses affect birds, animals and humans,
2014 Human Cases causing flu-like symptoms, as well as, painful swelling of the joints in
cases of Chikungunya in people who are bitten by infected
West Nile virus and mosquitoes. Occasionally, illness can be severe, leading to
meningitis or encephalitis, which can lead to paralysis, coma and
mosquito-borne
possibly death.
illnesses in humans
Mosquito-borne illnesses can occur year-round, however July,
confirmed by MSDH. August, and September are peak months for WNV. Chikungunya
virus is especially prevalent in the Caribbean, where it can infect
U.S. travelers. Mississippians should take appropriate precautions
to reduce the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses.
Chikungunya has been known to spread from person to person
through the bite of a mosquito once travelers return home
Prevention: Mosquito-borne illnesses can be prevented by
eliminating places where mosquitoes breed, and by protecting
yourself from mosquito bites when outside through use of
mosquito repellants containing DEET, picardin, IR3535 or oil of
eucalyptus as ingredients and clothing (not skin) treated with
permithrin.
Remove sources of standing water around your home and yard,
and make sure window screens are secure.
Wear loose, light-colored, long clothing to cover the arms and
legs.
Avoid areas where mosquitoes are prevalent, regardless of the
time of day. Mosquitoes that carry Chikungunya virus are mainly
active in the daytime, but mosquitoes that are active toward
dawn and dusk can carry other diseases, such as West Nile virus.
For more information, visit the MSDH website at: http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,0,387.htmlPage 11 of 12 Magnolia State Newsletter
Magnolia State Newsletter Page 12 of 12
About the Magnolia State Society Newsletter…
President:
Cecil Hunt, MT The Magnolia State Newsletter is published bi-annually under the
4040 Colton Drive
Olive Branch, MS 38654
sponsorship of the Mississippi State Society of American Technologists.
Contributions and editorial communications should be sent to the editor.
Vice President:
Debbie Virgil, MT Articles printed represent opinions of their respective authors and do not
246 Sundown TRL necessarily represent the policies or views of MSAMT or AMT.
Jackson, MS 39212
Debbie.virgil@ymail.com The Editor reserves the right to edit any article accepted for publication.
Secretary/Treasury:
Debbie Johnson, MT
P.O. Box 37
Prairie, MS 39756
Debbie.dogan@nmhs.net AMTRAX - Continuing Education (CE)
Editor:
Felicia Williams, MT Tracking your own CE on the AMT website is
105 Deer Creek Drive
Madison, MS 39110 simple. Gather paperwork indicating your
Fleflore9@bellsouth.net
attendance at a CE event, then log into the
Board Members:
Clayton Cody, MT AMT website, http://americanmedtech.org.
Linda Davis, MT
Eva Jones, RMA
Click My AMT Homepage at top of page...under
Cynthia Morrison, MT
Kathy Sutton, MT My Certifications and Membership, select ‘Record Activities through
Central District Councilor AMTrax’. Enter your CE's and print them out as needed using
Randy Swopes, MT
2691 Whittington Rd. ‘View AMTrax Transcript’.
Westlake, LA 70669
rswopes1@hotmail.com Please keep all attendance documents in case of any auditing.
337-437-4022 (Home)
337-794-1164 (Cell)
We’re on the Web!
See us at: ATTENTION STUDENTS
Mississippi State Society Write a short article for the Magnolia State Newsletter
AMT Website Must pertain to any of our Allied Health Disciplines.
http://www.americanmedtech.org
Articles should be between 200 – 500 words.
Submit articles to Felicia Williams or Debbie Virgil
(Addresses are listed under Board members above)
If accepted and published, you will receive
a gift card for lunch at Newk's or McAlister’s.
Compliments of your state editor.You can also read
