摘要：Objectives. We investigated an outbreak of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning after a power outage to determine its extent, identify risk factors, and develop prevention measures. Methods. We reviewed medical records and medical examiner reports of patients with CO poisoning or related symptoms during December 15 to 24, 2006. We grouped patients into households exposed concurrently to a single source of CO. Results. Among 259 patients with CO poisoning, 204 cases were laboratory confirmed, 37 were probable, 10 were suspected, and 8 were fatal. Of 86 households studied, 58% (n = 50) were immigrant households from Africa (n = 21), Asia (n = 15), Latin America (n = 10), and the Middle East (n = 4); 34% (n = 29) were US-born households. One percent of households was European (n = 1), and the origin for 7% (n = 6) was unknown. Charcoal was the most common fuel source used among immigrant households (82%), whereas liquid fuel was predominant among US-born households (34%). Conclusions. Educational campaigns to prevent CO poisoning should consider immigrants’ cultural practices and languages and specifically warn against burning charcoal indoors and incorrect ventilation of gasoline- or propane-powered electric generators. Outbreaks of acute unintentional carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning have been reported after winter storms and other natural disasters secondary to loss of electrical power and subsequent use of alternate sources of energy. 1 – 3 On December 14, 2006, from approximately 4:00 pm until the early morning hours of December 15, a severe windstorm affected western and central Washington State, with wind speeds of over 135 mph in certain areas. 4 An estimated 4 million persons in 15 counties were without electrical power by early morning on December 15. 4 During the next 5 to 6 days, temperatures decreased into the low 30s (degrees Farenheit), and by December 21, approximately 184 000 persons were estimated to be without power. 4 Within 24 hours of the storm's onset, local health care facilities experienced a surge in persons with CO poisoning, ultimately exceeding 250 reported cases. 5 In response to the outbreak, we initiated an epidemiologic investigation across King County, Washington, to determine the extent of CO poisoning caused by the windstorm, describe the demographic and clinical features of affected patients, and identify prevention measures to reduce future cases.
