Saf Health Work.  2022 Dec;13(4):507-511. 10.1016/j.shaw.2022.08.003.

A Cluster of Health Symptoms After a Law Enforcement Operation: A Case Study

• Chiu SK
• Hornsby-Myers J
• Iverson C
• Trout D

• KMID: 2537157
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2022.08.003

Abstract

Law enforcement officers (LEOs) often encounter rapidly changing and uncontrolled situations that expose them to various hazards. A law enforcement agency requested an evaluation by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) when multiple LEOs reported illness after executing a search warrant and taking a suspect into custody. NIOSH investigators interviewed LEOs and reviewed medical records, forensic laboratory results for collected evidence, and environmental testing results of samples taken after the operation. Two-thirds (25 of 38) of LEOs who participated in the operation reported ≥1 symptom. Eleven LEOs met a case definition for influenza-like illness (ILI). Members of one unit were more likely to have ILI than non-members (prevalence ratio (PR), 4.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3–13.0; p = 0.01). Influenza vaccination was associated with a lower prevalence of ILI (PR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1–0.9; p = 0.02). Preventing employees from working while ill and annual influenza vaccination might prevent similar occurrences.

Keyword

Execution of a search warrant; Infectious disease; Influenza-like illness; Police officers; Public safety