Using a call center to coordinate Zika virus testing—New York City, 2016

Authors

  • Jasmine Jacobs-Wingo, MPH
  • Ifeoma Ezeoke, MPH
  • Alhaji Saffa, MPH
  • Anna Tate, MPH
  • David Lee, MPH, MBA
  • Kimberly Johnson, MS
  • Katherine Whittemore, MPH
  • Alex Illescas, MPH
  • Austin Collins
  • Maytal Rand, MPH
  • Jennifer L. Rakeman, PhD
  • Jay K. Varma, MD
  • Neil M. Vora, MD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2016.0303

Keywords:

Zika virus, emerging infectious disease, emergency response

Abstract

Background: After local testing criteria for Zika virus expanded to include asymptomatic pregnant women who traveled to areas with active Zika virus transmission while pregnant, the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) experienced a surge in test requests and subsequent testing delays due to factors such as incorrectly completed laboratory requisition forms. The authors describe how DOHMH addressed these issues by establishing the Zika Testing Call Center (ZTCC).

Methods: Using a case study approach, the authors illustrate how DOHMH leveraged protocols, equipment, and other resources used previously during DOHMH's Ebola emergency response to meet NYC's urgent Zika virus testing needs. To request Zika virus testing, providers call the ZTCC; if patients meet testing criteria, the ZTCC collects data necessary to complete requisition forms and sends the forms back to providers. The ZTCC also provides guidance on specimens needed for Zika virus testing. Providers submit completed requisition forms and appropriate specimens to DOHMH for testing.

Results: During March 21 through July 21, 2016, testing for 3,866 patients was coordinated through the ZTCC.

Conclusion: The ZTCC exemplifies how a health department, using previous emergency response experiences, can quickly address local testing needs for an emerging infectious disease.

Author Biographies

Jasmine Jacobs-Wingo, MPH

Division of State and Local Readiness, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Bureau of Healthcare System Readiness, Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York

Ifeoma Ezeoke, MPH

Disease Control Administration, Division of Disease Control, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York

Alhaji Saffa, MPH

Disease Control Administration, Division of Disease Control, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York

Anna Tate, MPH

Disease Control Administration, Division of Disease Control, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York

David Lee, MPH, MBA

Disease Control Administration, Division of Disease Control, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York

Kimberly Johnson, MS

Bureau of Environmental Disease and Injury Prevention, Division of Environmental Health, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York

Katherine Whittemore, MPH

Disease Control Administration, Division of Disease Control, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York

Alex Illescas, MPH

Disease Control Administration, Division of Disease Control, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York

Austin Collins

Disease Control Administration, Division of Disease Control, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York

Maytal Rand, MPH

Bureau of Environmental Disease and Injury Prevention, Division of Environmental Health, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York

Jennifer L. Rakeman, PhD

Bureau of Public Health Laboratory, Division of Disease Control, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York

Jay K. Varma, MD

Disease Control Administration, Division of Disease Control, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York; Office of Infectious Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia

Neil M. Vora, MD

Division of State and Local Readiness, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia; Disease Control Administration, Division of Disease Control, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Long Island City, New York

References

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Varma JK: 2016 DOHMH Advisory #3: Testing and Reporting Persons with Possible Zika Virus Infection. New York, NY: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, 2016.

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Published

11/01/2016

How to Cite

Jacobs-Wingo, MPH, J., I. Ezeoke, MPH, A. Saffa, MPH, A. Tate, MPH, D. Lee, MPH, MBA, K. Johnson, MS, K. Whittemore, MPH, A. Illescas, MPH, A. Collins, M. Rand, MPH, J. L. Rakeman, PhD, J. K. Varma, MD, and N. M. Vora, MD. “Using a Call Center to Coordinate Zika Virus testing—New York City, 2016”. Journal of Emergency Management, vol. 14, no. 6, Nov. 2016, pp. 391-5, doi:10.5055/jem.2016.0303.