If Cultures are done 2 months before camp how can we be sure the other campers do not have cepacia?
The timing of the sputum cultures is to ensure that there is enough time for people to make plans to come to this camp, but short enough that it is unlikely for cepacia to be acquired between the culture and coming to camp. That being said, it is impossible to guarantee that everybody who is in camp does not have cepacia, or perhaps another bacteria or virus, that can to transmitted to another person. We are aware that the spread of cepacia, MRSA and other illnesses pose a threat to people who have CF, and we do not and cannot warrant that anyone who suffers with CF will not be sick attending camp or sicker once home. To greatly reduce risk of cross contamination, all CF campers must have full CF sputum cultures including but not limited to all of the above illnesses. These cultures must be performed within three months of the beginning date of camp and submitted to SSSC for approval by its Medical Director. Furthermore, all campers who are actively sick with any illness are asked not
