11
Sep
2015
Outbreaks

US Shigella Infections: “A Troubling Trend”
21
Aug
2015
Outbreaks
by Chris Wiant, MPH, PhD

West Nile Virus: A Seasonal Epidemic in North America

This summer North America is once again experiencing a “seasonal epidemic” of West Nile virus that is expected to last through the fall.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, the mosquito-borne virus has been reported in 42 US states as of August 11, 2015.  Fortunately, most people who are infected... Read More »
14
Aug
2015
Outbreaks
by Stephen A. Hubbs, PE

Legionella Outbreak in the Bronx

Cooling towers on building roof tops are believed to be the breeding grounds of bacteria responsible for a summer outbreak of Legionnaires’ Disease in New York City.  The outbreak began on July 10.  As of August 13, twelve deaths and 119 cases of illness have been attributed to the disease, which is caused by Legionella... Read More »
06
Mar
2015
Outbreaks
by Water Quality & Health Council

A Fresh Look at C. Diff Infection in the US

Bacterial superbug “C. diff” infected nearly one-half million people in the US in 2011, causing inflammation of the colon and potentially deadly diarrhea. The infection killed over 15,000, but was found associated with an estimated 29,000 deaths1, according to a new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.2   The director of the Centers... Read More »
31
Oct
2014
Outbreaks
by Barbara M. Soule, RN, MPA, CIC, FSHEA

CDC’s Message to Healthcare Workers: “Think Ebola, Care Carefully”

As the nation follows the progress of Ebola-infected healthcare workers being treated in US hospitals, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges all professionals on the front lines of the Ebola wars to exercise greater caution.  CDC released more stringent new guidance October 20 that highlights additional personal protective equipment (PPE) for... Read More »
10
Oct
2014
Outbreaks
by Water Quality & Health Council

Chlorine Bleach: A Trusted Ally in the Battle against Ebola

A group of San Diego women with close ties to the West African nation of Liberia is raising funds to help fight the Ebola outbreak in that country. Their chosen weapon:  buckets of bleach.  In a recent video, Deborah Lindholm, the founder of the group, Foundation for Women, describes life today in Liberia:  “There are... Read More »
03
Oct
2014
Outbreaks
by Ralph Morris, MD, MPH

Enterovirus 68: The New Respiratory Virus on Our Radar

  A previously uncommon respiratory virus has shown up on our radar:  Enterovirus 68 (EV-D68), a non-polio enterovirus.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, from mid-August to October 1 of this year, 500 people in 42 states and the District of Columbia were confirmed to have EV-D68 infections, but these... Read More »
22
Aug
2014
Outbreaks
by Sabrina Jacobson, Guest Author

Chikungunya in the States

Have you heard about the Chikungunya virus? Although it is rarely fatal, its symptoms include fever and severe joint pain. Originally only present in countries in Asia, Europe, and Africa, it is gaining a presence in the United States after being carried to the Caribbean.  Starting in late 2013, a few Carribbean vacationers contracted Chikungunya,... Read More »