Flu pandemic in prison – A model for public health preparedness. – When pandemics occur, correctional facilities are not immune. With more than 9 million people incarcerated across the globe 2.25 million in U.S. jails and prisons alone it is vital that correctional officials and health professionals be prepared for a worst-case scenario that involves pandemic influenza reaching inmates and staff.
Social distancing interventions are important measure guaranteed to be available against a novel strain of influenza in the early phases of a pandemic. – A disease spread simulation has emphasized that flu interventions must be imposed quickly, if they are to be effective. Researchers writing in the open access journal BMC Public Health have shown that staying at home, closing schools and isolating infected people within the home should reduce infection, but only if they are used in combination, activated without delay and maintained for a relatively long period.
Survey finds nearly half of Americans concerned they or their family may get sick from swine flu. – Following the declaration of a public health emergency due to the new H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, the Harvard Opinion Research Program at the Harvard School of Public Health conducted a poll about how concerned Americans are about the outbreak, how they are responding and what they believe about transmission, prevention and treatment.
Universal flu vaccine holds promise. Study results will be presented at infectious diseases meeting on monday. – An influenza vaccine that protects against death and serious complications from different strains of flu is a little closer to reality, Saint Louis University vaccine researchers have found.
Swine flu screening has been instituted at airports and land borders for travelers departing Mexico, according to Mexican health authorities. – CDC is concerned that continued travel by U.S. travelers to Mexico presents a serious risk for further outbreaks of swine flu in the United States. At this time, CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services HHS Declares Public Health Emergency for Swine Flu – The Department of Health and Human Services of USA issued a nationwide public health emergency declaration in response to recent human infections with a newly discovered swine influenza A (swine flu) virus.
World Health Organization is assessing the situation of Swine influenza in Mexico and the United States of America. – In response to cases of swine influenza A(H1N1), reported in Mexico and the United States of America, the Director-General convened a meeting of the Emergency Committee to assess the situation and advise her on appropriate responses.
Swine Flu outbreak in US and Mexico. – Human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the U.S. in San Diego County and Imperial County, California as well as in San Antonio, Texas.
FDA Alerts Consumers to Recall of Certain Pistachios. FDA and California Inspectors Identify Salmonella. – The FDA and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are investigating Salmonella contamination in pistachio products sold by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc, Calif.
FDA Warns Against Consuming Peanuts and Peanut Products Sold by Westco Fruit and Nuts Inc.; Westco/Westcott Products Linked to Recalled Peanuts from the Peanut Corporation of America. – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers not to consume any peanuts or peanut-derived products sold by Irvington, New Jersey-based Westco Fruit and Nuts Inc. (Westco/Westcott) due to possible Salmonella contamination.
