Investigation lets Chi-Chi's staff off hook Aug 20, 2008
Knowing that such cases could lead to a second wave of infections, health officials have been providing shots to close contacts of those currently sick as well as to some co-workers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet concluded whether the green onions at Chi-Chi's came from Mexico, but they are actively investigating the possibility, said Dr. LeAnne Jackson, FDA's health science policy adviser. (Yahoo News -- Hepatitis)
Outbreak linked to cases in South Aug 20, 2008
Joel Hersh, the state health department's director of epidemiology, said the confirmed hepatitis A cases do not include any secondary infections, meaning all those infected either ate or worked at Chi-Chi's. Hersh acknowledged, however, that officials had believed there were some secondary cases but have since linked them directly to Chi-Chi's. (Yahoo News -- Hepatitis)
Homeless get help fighting diseases Aug 20, 2008
There are two types of infectious diseases of concern that can potentially spread in the homeless population: Blood-borne pathogens -- such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV or AIDS -- and staphylococcus infections, said Tice. According to the Staphylococcus Institute, a new Centers for Disease Control study indicated that there has been an increase in hospitalizations for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and about 19,000 Americans die each year of MRSA, an antibiotic-resistant strain... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Do You Know What You're Putting on Your Skin? Aug 20, 2008
Don't forget, your skin is your body's largest organ and the first line of defense against disease and infections. If you look at the ingredients of your common everyday soap, you might find it difficult to pronounce the list. (Pekin Times, IL)
St. John's Opens Walk-In Clinic at Union Facility Aug 20, 2008
Typical conditions that could be managed by St. John's Mercy Care Now include bites and cuts; bronchitis, sore throats and ear infections; and minor burns, rashes and skin infections. For more serious conditions, patients may schedule an appointment with SJMMG's family medicine practice in Suite 400 by calling 636-583-2508. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
A Needed Medical Service Aug 20, 2008
The clinic is for minor conditions that need attention, such as bites and cuts; bronchitis, sore throats and ear infections; and minor burns, rashes and skin infections. For more serious conditions, patients may schedule an appointment with a Mercy medical doctor. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
At global AIDS meeting, a sobering assessment Aug 20, 2008
Now, a new test developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention promises a greater ability to pinpoint hot spots of new infections and to control them more quickly, at least in developed countries. The test needs to be refined for use in poor countries, the disease centers said. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Dangerous Cybersilence Aug 20, 2008
In fact, the Web's epidemic of malware infections is only growing ... The Web's security disclosure issues go beyond the growing wave of malware infections. (Forbes -- Technology)
Researchers produce blood in lab from stem cells Aug 20, 2008
"There's more infections all the time, and the number of donors is more and more limited.". Researchers have tried to harness the so-called adult stem cells that are responsible for making blood in the body, but their methods were far too inefficient to be put to practical use, experts said. (Los Angeles Times)
You've Got To Have Hope: Studies Show 'Hope Therapy' Fights Depression Aug 20, 2008
Preventing hospital infections -- from such stubborn bugs as Staphylococcus aureus -- could get a little easier with a new non-toxic, silver-based. . (Science Daily)
Evergreen residents blame mold for health woes Aug 20, 2008
At least a half dozen families said their members have suffered chronic respiratory illnesses, asthma, sinus infections, allergies, vomiting or depression since moving into the apartment complex on Lawndale Drive ... In these people, common reactions are nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, skin irritation, fever, shortness of breath, and even mold infections in the lungs. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
HEALTH BRIEFS Aug 20, 2008
West Nile infections usually are mild and characterized by fever and flulike symptoms. Severe infections can lead to brain inflammation and, rarely, death. (OregonLive, OR -- News)
Face Masks Analyzed As Aid in Flu Pandemic Aug 20, 2008
What little is known about masks and respiratory infections comes from research on tuberculosis and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), two infections that influenza may not mimic. Many companies are now stockpiling masks and gloves. (Yahoo News -- Influenza)
Aids epidemic a 'global disaster' Aug 20, 2008
By any standard, the epidemic is a global disaster: 25 million deaths, 33 million people living with HIV/Aids, 7,000 new infections every day. The IFRC finds the world's response wanting. (Yahoo News -- AIDS-HIV)
15 human cases of West Nile confirmed in S.D. Aug 20, 2008
Infections have been found in 12 counties. They include Minnehaha, Lawrence, Sully, Beadle, Hughes, Stanley, Corson, Brown, Davison, Lincoln, Charles Mix, and Union counties. (Sioux City Journal)
Correlation between CD4 counts of HIV patients and enteric protozoan in different seasons - An experience of a tertiary care hospital in Varanasi (India). Aug 20, 2008
Protozoan infections are the most serious among all the superimposed infections in HIV patients and claim a number of lives every year. The line of treatment being different for diverse parasites necessitates a definitive diagnosis of the etiological agents to avoid empirical treatment. (BioMed Central)
Don’t be complacent about vaccinations Aug 19, 2008
Public health officials and the CDC estimate that fully vaccinating all U.S. children born in a given year from birth to adolescence saves 33,000 lives, prevents 14 million infections and saves 10 billion in medical costs. Vaccinations not only protect the kids who receive the shots, but also protect those who haven t been vaccinated or those who can t receive them such as cancer patients with suppressed immune systems. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
The miracle weightloss thatoftenisnt Aug 19, 2008
In one AHRQ study, 4 in 10 patients developed complications within the first six months, including vomiting, diarrhea, infections, hernias and respiratory failure. Up to 40 percent of gastric-bypass patients can suffer nutritional deficiency, potentially resulting in anemia and osteoporosis; seizures and paralysis have been reported in extreme cases. (MSNBC -- Health)
Back Off Bugs: Time to Take Back Your Yard Aug 19, 2008
And while there's been a lot of attention on West Nile virus, it's also important to remember that Lyme disease accounts for more than 90 percent of all vector-borne infections in the United States ... Most human infections result in flu-like symptoms, which may include a fever, headache or other aches and pains ... Infections may, however, lead to encephalitis, which can be fatal or lead to permanent neurological damage. (Pekin Times, IL)
iReporters share worst vacation nightmares Aug 19, 2008
Once they arrived, they survived flooding and respiratory infections. Kristy McCloskey and her husband had to wear face masks during their entire trip to Ecuador. (CNN -- Travel)
New strategy for flu pandemic Aug 19, 2008
Bacterial infections killed most victims of 1918 flu, scientists say ... Most deaths in the 1918 influenza pandemic were caused not by the virus alone, but by common bacterial infections that overwhelmed victims' weakened immune systems, according to two new studies that could change the strategy against the next pandemic ... Instead, they found that most of the deaths occurred a week to two weeks later -- indicating opportunistic bacterial infections. (Albany Times Union)
West Nile virus alert after Bronx man is struck by illness Aug 19, 2008
s lucky running streak of avoiding West Nile virus infections ended last week with the city Health Department reporting a 60-year-old man had contracted - and recovered - from the disease ... Infections normally occur in late summer. (New York Daily News)
Hospitals fined for violations Aug 19, 2008
St. Agnes Hospital in Fresno, for not having a system to identify, report, investigate and control surgical site infections for cardiopulmonary surgeries. San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital in Banning, for failing to have the correct drugs for treatment of emergencies in the emergency room, the post-anesthesia care unit, surgery and radiology areas; for failing to have the appropriate equipment and supplies to treat pediatric patients in the emergency room. (Los Angeles Times)
* New hope for those with rheumatoid arthritis Aug 19, 2008
But, he added, inadequately treated rheumatoid arthritis typically leads to a need for multiple joint replacements, lost productivity, lost tax revenue and a greatly diminished quality of life, as well as an increased risk of life-threatening infections and cardiovascular disease. Most patients diagnosed at age 45 will be disabled in five or six years, Kremer said. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Emory awarded $8M grant to study blood transfusion safety Aug 19, 2008
The Emory University School of Medicine has received an $8 million grant to protect adults with leukemia and premature babies from infections during blood cell transfusions. Those groups are especially vulnerable to infections and other complications from the procedure, according to a university statement ... The five-year grant from the National Institutes of Health will fund a regional clinic trial examining the best ways to protect low birth weight infants from transfusion-related viral... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Canadians warned not to eat certain Maple Leaf sliced meats over ... Aug 19, 2008
Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness, however, infections during pregnancy can lead to premature delivery, infection of the newborn, or even stillbirth. Ottawa Citizen. (Canada.com)
Targeted Drug Therapy Found Effective In Patients With Common Form Of Immune-mediated Kidney Disease Aug 19, 2008
These therapies also can cause significant toxicity and can suppress a patient's immune system, exposing the patient to an increased risk of infections and illnesses. A new drug called rituximab selectively depletes B lymphocytes, the cells that produce the damaging autoantibodies of membranous nephropathy. (Science Daily)
Fruit Flies Provide Insight Into Bacterial Infections In Humans Aug 19, 2008
18, 2008) Joseph Zabner and colleagues, at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, have used a fruit fly (Drosophila) model of infection to provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the virulence of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a major cause of infections in individuals who are hospitalized, have burn wounds, or have cystic fibrosis ... (June 3, 2005) Cells sent to fight infections in the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients actually... (Science Daily)
Stanford scientists suggest stem-cell monkey-wrench Aug 19, 2008
This suppression leaves patients vulnerable to infections the body would normally fight off. The drugs can also weaken the body s response to cancer. (San Francisco Business Times, CA)
Clinton launches low-cost Aids drugs Aug 19, 2008
At the last count, India has 202,000 children who are HIV positive, one of the largest concentrations of youth infections in the world. The country has only just woken up to the fact Aids is silently killing off the supposed labour force of the future. (Yahoo News -- Bill Clinton)
Fresno hospitals hit with fines Aug 19, 2008
Saint Agnes Medical Center was fined for cardiac surgery infections that the state began investigating in May and that led to a temporary closure of the hospital's cardiac surgery unit ... The latest fine to Saint Agnes is a culmination of problems in the hospital's cardiac surgery unit that began last year when patient infections spiked ... An outbreak of deep chest-wound infections in 12 cardiac-surgery patients may have led to the deaths of two, possibly three, patients. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Worm diet 'treats bowel disorder' Aug 19, 2008
As the number of infections by parasites, such as roundworms and human whipworms, has fallen, the number of people being diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease has increased. In contrast, the condition is still rare in developing countries where parasitic infections remain common. (Yahoo News -- Alternative Medicine)
Spectre of measles epidemic as vaccination scare takes its toll Aug 19, 2008
While the majority of cases involve unpleasant but not serious symptoms, complications, which occur in 10 to 15 per cent of cases, can include severe breathing difficulties, ear infections, pneumonia and conjunctivitis ... Certainly, a 17-year-old boy who died earlier this year after contracting measles and then developing pneumonia, had been born with a poor immune system, leaving him susceptible to infections and unlikely to have been able to be immunised. (Yorkshire Post)
New Method To Overcome Multiple Drug Resistant Diseases Aug 19, 2008
21, 2007) A newly released study suggests that the majority of cases of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) among patients undergoing treatment for the disease may be due to new infections, not acquired. (July 3, 2007) Existing methods of detecting drug-resistant forms of HIV are expensive, time consuming and often fail to identify small populations of drug-resistant HIV. Now, researchers have developed a drug. (Science Daily (press release))
Bacteria played role in 1918 flu pandemic deaths Aug 19, 2008
Instead, they found that most of the deaths occurred a week to two weeks later -- indicating opportunistic bacterial infections ... It long has been recognized that most flu deaths are the result of pneumonia caused by secondary bacterial infections ... Michael Katze, a University of Washington virologist who was a lead scientist in the mice and monkey experiments, said the animals violent and rapid immune response made it almost unreasonable to expect victims of the 1918 virus to live long... (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
Fritts $32,000 away proceeding with new nose Aug 19, 2008
However, despite his best efforts he still suffers from reoccurring sinus infections. The question I always hear from people is have you got your nose yet. (Calhoun Times, GA)
Urologists report success using robot-assisted surgery for urinary abnormality Aug 19, 2008
This type of fistula can result in frequent urinary tract infections and the leakage of urine from the vagina and can be mistaken for continence. All women had previously undergone unsuccessful surgeries to repair the problem. (EurekAlert!)
Benefits from Nursing Aug 19, 2008
Because breast milk has natural antibodies and other protective qualities, babies who are breast-fed have lower incidences of ear infections, diarrhea, urinary tract infections and respiratory problems, according to the AAP.. And healthier babies mean happier, healthier employees, advocates are arguing to employers. (AL.com)
Black Churches Confront HIV-AIDS Crisis Aug 18, 2008
Discussions about the fast-rising rate of HIV-AIDS infections among African Americans in the South are rare. Even the usually vocal black church has been silent, until now. (CBS News)
For Cubist, a tough sell Aug 18, 2008
The drug is mainly used to fight skin infections caused by certain bacteria ... Cubicin is mainly used to fight skin and infections caused by certain bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly referred to as MRSA. Unlike many more common antibiotics, Cubicin is administered intravenously instead of with a pill or capsule. (Boston Globe)
CDC understated new HIV infections in U.S. Aug 18, 2008
The country had almost 56,300 new HIV infections in 2006 about a 40 percent increase from the 40,000 annual estimate used for the past dozen years. The new figure is because of a better blood test and new statistical methods, and not a worsening of the epidemic, officials said. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Bioniche Phase III Clinical Trial in Bladder Cancer Progressing Well Aug 18, 2008
It is associated with a number of treatment-limiting side effects that include the potential for both local (bladder) and systemic mycobacterial infections. The Company expects patient enrolment to be completed by the end of calendar 2008. (Canada Newswire)
Terry Rindfleisch: Cancer Society’s Murphy knows disease well Aug 18, 2008
At 21/2 years of age, Murphy was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a cancer of the white blood cells the cells that normally fight infections. She received chemo-therapy and radiation off and on for two years at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals in Madison. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Anthrax found in South Dakota cattle Aug 18, 2008
Dr. Holland says people who handle the carcasses of cattle that die from anthrax should wear long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing because they can get nasty skin infections. He says some people may die, but that's rare. (Sioux City Journal)
Two HIV/TB global leaders announce merger talks Aug 18, 2008
HIVHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS, a condition in humans in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections). Search to find. (Health Newstrack)
• Bacteria played a role in 1918 pandemic flu deaths, scientists say Aug 18, 2008
Even healthy adults were felled by bacterial infections after their immune system had been weakened ... Even healthy adults were felled by bacterial infections after their immune system had been weakened ... By Mary Engel, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer August 18, 2008 Most deaths in the 1918 influenza pandemic were due not to the virus alone but to common bacterial infections that took advantage of victims' weakened immune systems, according to two new studies that could change the nation's... (Q13.com, WA)
MS drug's predicted sales are lowered Aug 18, 2008
Steven Harr of said that instead of the $3 billion in annual sales once predicted by some analysts, Tysabri would likely become a ''niche" drug with yearly sales of about $500 million.Harr also highlighted a broad range of complications experienced by multiple sclerosis patients taking the drug during clinical trials. He said those adverse events, including unusual infections, will play a role when Biogen Idec and of Ireland, its partner in Tysabri, meet this year with Food and Drug... (Yahoo News -- Multiple Sclerosis)
Seroprevalence of HHV-8, CMV, and EBV among the general population in Ghana, West Africa Aug 18, 2008
05) for all three infections among HIV-seronegative healthy blood donors and HIV-AIDS patients in Ghana ... The results presented herein indicate that HHV-8, CMV and EBV infections are hyperendemic in both HIV-seronegative and HIV-seropositive Ghanaians, and suggest primarily a horizontal route of transmission of these three viral infections in Ghana. (BioMed Central)
Leaving the Folds Aug 17, 2008
Many patients get chronic infections from skin rubbing against skin, and develop open wounds in the folds of flesh. From the skin rubbing together against her thighs, she developed bacterial and fungal infections ... A small study published in January in the Annals of Plastic Surgery showed 27 percent of patients in one practice had complications including wound infections, fluid collections called seromas, collections of blood under the skin called hematomas and death of fat cells. (Yahoo News -- Cosmetic Treatments and Surgery)
Alcohol rub to help combat hospital bugs Aug 17, 2008
The risk of hospital patients contracting infections could be dramatically reduced by a new alcohol-based hand rub ... The hospital's director of infectious diseases, Lindsay Grayson, said the number of patients contracting hospital-acquired infections dropped from 53 three years ago to 32 last year. (Yahoo News -- Antibiotics)
Outbreak linked to cases in South Aug 17, 2008
Joel Hersh, the state health department's director of epidemiology, said the confirmed hepatitis A cases do not include any secondary infections, meaning all those infected either ate or worked at Chi-Chi's. Hersh acknowledged, however, that officials had believed there were some secondary cases but have since linked them directly to Chi-Chi's. (Yahoo News -- Hepatitis)
Investigation lets Chi-Chi's staff off hook Aug 17, 2008
Knowing that such cases could lead to a second wave of infections, health officials have been providing shots to close contacts of those currently sick as well as to some co-workers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not yet concluded whether the green onions at Chi-Chi's came from Mexico, but they are actively investigating the possibility, said Dr. LeAnne Jackson, FDA's health science policy adviser. (Yahoo News -- Hepatitis)
Controlling Asthma a Challenge in Children Aug 17, 2008
Asthma is a reversible obstructive lung disease caused by increased reaction of the airways to a variety of stimuli ranging from respiratory infections to allergic reactions to airborne irritants. Each person reacts differently to these triggers, but examples include pollen, mold, cigarette smoke and animal dander. (Pekin Times, IL)
The Chamomile Essential Oils Aug 17, 2008
It also has the ability to protect any plants in its vicinity from infections. German Chamomile (matricaria recutica) has a long history of medicinal use in Europe. (Suite101.com)
Click here to read more. Aug 17, 2008
And because his lack of a palate prevented his sinuses from draining, he was prone to repeated ear infections and has had tubes inserted in his ears six times. "He just keeps on marching like nothing gets him down," Matthew's mother Kim Miller said. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Illness halts raw milk program Aug 17, 2008
Three cases of Campylobacter infections have been documented by Del Norte County health officials since late June, and the other 12 are awaiting confirmation ... The outbreak occurred around May 10 to June 5, and officials say it is no longer a risk to the public because the source of the raw milk believed to have caused the infections Alexandre EcoDairy north of Fort Dick voluntarily stopped the program ... Upon further investigation, Martinelli said he found 14 other people who might have... (Daily Triplicate)
Play it Safe: Protect Kids' Eyes During Sports Aug 17, 2008
"A good multi-purpose disinfecting solution, like OPTI-FREE RepleniSH MPDS, removes the irritants, and is an effective way to kill the germs that can cause eye infections," he says ... Certain organisms present in the water can attach to contact lenses and can cause eye infections. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Aids epidemic a 'global disaster' Aug 17, 2008
By any standard, the epidemic is a global disaster: 25 million deaths, 33 million people living with HIV/Aids, 7,000 new infections every day. The IFRC finds the world's response wanting. (Yahoo News -- AIDS-HIV)
UNAIDS: Global HIV prevention gives short shrift to gays Aug 17, 2008
New infections per year ... Fewer people are dying from AIDS, but new HIV infections among gay and bisexual men in many countries are rising at alarming rates. (USA Today -- News)
India still under siege of AIDS epidemic Aug 17, 2008
Dr Geoffrey P Garnett, professor at Imperial College, UK said, "It is wrong to believe that the epidemic has stabilised. What has happened is that new infections equal deaths, so it seems that the numbers have plateaued.". Epidemiologists say the contours of the epidemic isn't clear so far. (NDTV.com)
Four hospitals penalized for mistakes Aug 17, 2008
They include medication errors, hospital-acquired infections, failure to prevent patients' bed sores, improper use of restraints or failure to remove surgical equipment such as sponges from a patient. Some adverse events are then classified as immediate jeopardy cases. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Nepal, East Timor, Brazil Key to Worldwide Leprosy Elimination, WHO Says Aug 16, 2008
Thirteen years after the WHO began providing a free cocktail of antibiotics to leprosy patients, the number of infections has plunged by more than two-thirds and at least 14 million people have been cured of an illness that damages skin, nerves, limbs and eyes ... Brazil, Nepal and East Timor accounted for about 17 percent of new cases last year and almost a quarter of the new infections reported at the start of 2008, according to the bulletin. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Argentina investigates deaths of vaccinated kids Aug 16, 2008
The drug, designed to fight pneumonia, ear infections and several other pneumococcal diseases, was manufactured by the London-based GlaxoSmithKline PLC, the world's second-largest drug maker. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Health)
ASK AP: Broken hips and the impact of illegal immigrants' on the economy Aug 16, 2008
Some die from pneumonia and postoperative infections. Some are killed by congestive heart failure, heart attack or stroke. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
Hackett fighting fit for gold, gold, gold Aug 16, 2008
For this campaign he has taken extraordinary precautions - bordering on the paranoid, according to some commentators - to avoid infections going into an event that has been dominated by Australians. They included wearing face masks on aeroplanes, avoiding contact with public surfaces such as handrails and, it was reported, even refraining from kissing his wife, Candice Alley, in the immediate lead-up to competition. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
