03
Feb
2012
Norovirus

Norovirus: The “Stomach Flu” That Is Not a Flu
27
Jan
2012
Outbreaks
by Jerod Loeb, PhD

Water Wall in Hospital Dispenses Legionella

Question: When does a decorative water wall, installed in a hospital lobby to provide a calming ambience, become a health risk? Answer: When the water wall dispenses a bacteria-laden mist that results in an outbreak of Legionnaires disease. Eight people who walked by just such a water wall in a Wisconsin hospital lobby in 2010... Read More »
20
Jan
2012
Outbreaks
by Chris Wiant, MPH, PhD

The Jensen Farms Cantaloupe Outbreak: How to Avoid Repeating a Tragedy

Last summer a family-owned farm in Colorado became the focal point of the largest foodborne illness outbreak in the US in 25 years. Tragically, cantaloupe contaminated with Listeria bacteria sickened 146 people in 28 states, killed 30 and caused one pregnant woman to miscarry, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The... Read More »
13
Jan
2012
Flu
by Ralph Morris, MD, MPH

InFLUenza: Early 2012 Update and Tips for Staying Healthy

Flu News: 2011-2012 Flu Season: So Far, So Good Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) flu prevalence maps indicate flu season is off to a slow start. But don’t be complacent: Flu activity most often peaks during the month of FEBRUARY. Flu Season is Unpredictable In the U.S., on average, 5 -20% of the... Read More »
06
Jan
2012
Outbreaks
by Barbara M. Soule, RN, MPA, CIC, FSHEA

Tackling C. diff

Here’s a troubling statistic: Over 165,000 patients will acquire Clostridium difficile (“C. diff’) infections while in US hospitals this year. This organism has become a top hospital-acquired pathogen in the US. “Clostridium difficile,” is a spore-forming bacterium that can live in the lower gastrointestinal tract of some humans and is shed in feces. Persons hosting... Read More »
08
Dec
2011
Flu
by Ralph Morris, MD, MPH

Flu Shots: Save Your Health, Your Marriage, Your Holiday

As brilliant gold and red leaves fall from the trees, the majesty of winter is ushered in, along with…flu season. Flu season also coincides with the busiest travel period of the year, an unfortunate coincidence that according to the Walgreens Flu Impact Report, contributed to foiling the plans of over three million US vacations last... Read More »
26
Oct
2011
Outbreaks
by Linda Golodner

Listeria Outbreak in Jensen Farms Cantaloupes: Lessons Learned

Bacterial contamination recently turned a nutritious, beta-carotene-rich melon into an agent of foodborne illness for some unfortunate consumers. The Denver Post reports October 26 that the multi-state outbreak, traced to Rocky-Ford brand cantaloupes grown at Jensen Farms in Holly, Colorado, has caused 28 deaths and that the Colorado cantaloupe industry will be subjected to stronger... Read More »
21
Jun
2011
Outbreaks
by Chris Wiant, MPH, PhD

Shigella Outbreak: New Hampshire, Take a Good Look at Kentucky

Children who are not potty trained are no longer allowed in public pools in four Kentucky counties.  In addition, swimmers who have had diarrhea must not venture into pools for two weeks after diarrhea has subsided.  The Northern Kentucky Health Department set new restrictions for all public pools in response to a recent Shigella outbreak... Read More »