13
Jan
2012
Flu

InFLUenza: Early 2012 Update and Tips for Staying Healthy
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 »
14
Apr
2011
Child Care
by Joan B. Rose, PhD

Microbiologist Mom Addresses Daycare Disinfection

It’s a recurring dream:  I am dashing through the house in preparation for a work day that begins with dropping my children at daycare.  Finally, everyone’s dressed and ready to go and we pull out of the driveway only to return minutes later for my forgotten lecture notes, or more urgently, a treasured stuffed animal.... Read More »
11
Feb
2011
Preventing Infection
by Water Quality & Health Council

Reducing Deaths from Hospital Infections

How effective are check lists?  Pilots know they are effective and now medical experts do too, according to a new study published in the British Medical Journal.  A refreshing culture change in Michigan hospitals, including adherence to a simple, five-part check list is associated with reduced infections and a 10 percent reduction in infection-related deaths... Read More »
15
Dec
2010
Norovirus
by Joan B. Rose, PhD

Norovirus Outbreak in UK

According to officials at Great Britain’s Health Protection Agency (HPA), the norovirus is spreading rapidly across the UK and causing many major outbreaks.  In the last month health officials have received twice as many positive samples submitted to laboratories, while hospitals have experienced more outbreaks than usual. Since the beginning of November, the number of... Read More »