Measles Strikes with Highest Record Since 2001
The word “epidemic” might be a little strong, but the statistics are certainly worthy of noticing. “The Detroit News,” has reported that four of the 64 cases of measles reported this year, occurred in Michigan. Two families were affected making these the highest outbreak of measles since 2001.
“Measles is a very contagious virus. If it is not under control, a significant outbreak can occur and the best way to prevent an outbreak is to get immunized. If a child, or an adult for that matter, is not immunized, they will be at a great risk of getting sick. All of the people who had measles in Michigan for the past eight years were not immunized, so the vaccination does work.”
James McCurtis, Jr., Michigan Health Department
The Michigan measles cases brought the total to 64 as of May 1, and according to news reports in February, 2008, another outbreak of the disease began in San Diego. A report said that 12 children were confirmed with measles at the end of February, with another 70 children being monitored as possibly infected.
Other areas include:
“During January 1–April 25, 2008, a total of 64 preliminary confirmed measles cases were reported from the following areas: New York City (22 cases), Arizona (15), California (12), Michigan and Wisconsin (four each), Hawaii (three), and Illinois, New York state, Pennsylvania, and Virginia (one each).”
CDC
The vast bulk of the cases of measles reported show the lack of the measles vaccine. Much of the controversy around the measles vaccine is the concern about vaccinations and autism. Although no connection has been proven, many parents continue to insist that their child’s autism was caused by vaccinations given before the age of two, including the measles vaccine.
The CDC has prepared a very thorough explanation of the measles vaccine for concerned parents. Included on this page:
- Information about measles
- Information about the vaccine to prevent measles
- Explanations of various beliefs about vaccines and the autism theory
- General vaccination safety
- Who should and should not receive a vaccination
- Resources for both patients and physicians
As always, with any medical treatment, it is risk vs. benefit. But considering the seriousness of the measles infection, it is a topic everyone should research carefully and understand so that an informed disease about vaccination can be made. And as always, make decisions about healthcare, with your physician!
CDC Report - Measles — United States, January 1–April 25, 2008
San Diego Measles Outbreak Growing
Measles Outbreak 2008 - Get The Facts
CDC - 2008 Measles Update for Travelers
Spring Brings Rise of Lyme Disease
With spring, and the beautiful blue skies and temperate weather that come along with it, comes the urge to be outside. Hiking and biking are just a couple of the activities that people wait for all winter. But with spring comes increased risk for several illnesses; the most discussed of these diseases is undoubtedly Lyme Disease.
The FDA recommends the following precautions to avoid Lyme Disease.
- Avoid wooded, brushy, and grassy areas, especially in May, June, and July. (Contact the local health department or park/extension service for information on the prevalence of ticks in specific areas).
- Wear light-colored clothing so that you can see ticks that get
on you. - Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
- Wear shoes that cover the entire foot.
- Tuck pant legs into socks or shoes, and tuck shirts into pants.
- Wear a hat for extra protection.
- Spray insect repellent containing DEET on clothes and exposed skin other than the face, or treat clothes with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact.
- Walk in the center of trails to avoid brush and grass.
- Remove your clothing, and wash and dry them at high temperatures after being outdoors.
- Do a careful body check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Most cases of Lyme Disease, as reported to the CDC, occur in the northeast and upper midwest of the United States. There has been question of under reporting of this bacterial infection and other questions as to the legitimacy of some Lyme Disease claims. Needless to say, chronic forms of Lyme are controversial and many physicians remain divided on some aspects of treatment, although it is always treated with antibiotics. The questions arise over when a patient was infected, how the infection is manifesting, how the treatment is working, and whether or not chronic long-term problems are related.
What you need to know as spring and all of the warm weather activities begin is to watch carefully for ticks, how to safely remove an attached tick, and what symptoms you watch for that call for a doctor’s attention. It is a difficult disease to have, and to be treated for, and with numbers rising, trying to avoid it is in everyone’s best interest.
How To Safely Remove A Tick
Using tweezers, grasp the tick close to the skin, pull straight back, and avoid crushing the tick’s body. Save the tick for possible identification by a doctor or the local health department.
The Mayo Clinic on Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease Sufferers Want State To Take Notice
County Mounts Campaign to Exterminate Lyme dsease - One cummunity’s effort to eliminate Lyme Disease
2007-2008 Flu Season One of Worst On Record
Did it seem like everyone you knew had the flu this year? It wasn’t your imagination. The CDC reported that this year’s flu season was one of the worst in the past four years and the reason was largely due to an ineffective flu vaccine.
This year, most of the illness has been due to Type A H3N2 Brisbane strain, which was not in the vaccine. That strain tends to cause more hospitalizations and deaths, contributing to this season’s severity. Type B Florida strain, also absent from this year’s vaccine, has also been causing illness. Marshfield data showed that the vaccine was completely ineffective against the Type B virus, and was 58 percent effective against the Brisbane virus.
CDC Officials
One study in Marshfield, Wisconsin, showed that the flu vaccine, this year, was only 44% effective against influenza. Recently the last time the flu shot was such a poor match against influenza was in 1997-1998. That year the vaccine did not match the actual flu that appeared, at all.
The CDC does remind people that although it was not the most successful season for flu prevention, 44% is still better than no protection at all. It is important that people do not becomes discouraged and disregard flu shots in the future as they are still the primary, and best, form of prevention available.
CDC: Flu Season Worst in Four Years; Vaccine didn’t work well
Flu Season Most Severe Since 2004
MMWR (Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report) from the CDC - Week ending April 18th
Brain Injury Awareness Month
The CDC has announced that March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Traumatic brain injuries are much more common than generally realized, and one of the greatest dangers with a TBI is that it may well be overlooked by a physician.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)—which is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head—is a special health concern for older adults; however, they are often missed or misdiagnosed among this group.
CDC
Why is this such a risk? Falls are common in the older adult population. This population group often takes medications that can increase dizziness, therefore increasing the risk for falls. Other medical conditions can cause falls as well, and although the risks of a broken hip are understood, the risks of a TBI are less known and recognized.
Falls are a risk for younger adults as well. Athletes have an obvious risk, but younger adults are at risk as well. Car accidents are a common cause of head injuries and the closed head injury could easily be overlooked in an accident with more overt injuries.
Although we should all be aware of hazards that increase the risk of head injury, March reminds us to check the homes of loved ones who may be at risk of falling. It is also wise to check the entrance to a person’s home; steps and garden overgrowth may cause a fall as well. A little common sense can protect our population from a serious injury.
The Brain Injury Recovery Network
March - Brain Injury Awareness Month
Clinic Caught Reusing Syringes
UPDATE: The problem worsens as health officials find the patient lists are incomplete.
Vegas Hepatitis Exposure List Incomplete
It must be one of the CDC’s worst nightmares and it seems impossible that in this day and age, it could happen. What is it? A clinic in Las Vegas, Nevada, has been discovered to be reusing syringes and vials of medication. What this means to the average person outside of the medical field is that an injection was given, then the syringe (including the needle) after use, was reinserted into the medication vial, and an injection was given to another person.
The risk to patients is potentially fatal. Through this practice, patients would be potentially exposed to hepatitis B and C, and to HIV as well. The beginning of this investigation has revealed that the reuse of needles and vials has been occurring in this clinic for four years. This is also the largest public health investigation in U.S. history.
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At this point:
- The surgical center has been closed
- Five affiliated clinics have been closed
- Six confirmed cases of hepatitis C have been confirmed
- Thousands of patients will be tested
- 80% of hepatitis C cases are asymptomatic
The reason given by the clinic for reusing needles and vials was to cut costs. The owner of the clinic has declined comment but it is interesting to note that he is a member of the governor’s commission on health care, in the state of Nevada.
“I find it baffling, frankly, that in this day and age anyone would think it was safe to reuse a syringe.”
Michael Bell, Associate Director for Infection C, CDC
The report has made worldwide news and comments abound on health forums. The concensus of opinion is that this practice is without excuse and the harshest penalties as allowed by law, should be imposed on physicians involved in this practice. This scandal, as it can only be considered, not only breaks down the safety of the healthcare system, but destroys the trust the public has in medical facilities and personnel.
With hepatitis C only displaying symptoms in 20% of all cases, any patient seen at one these clinics needs to contact their local public health department, or their own physician (unaffiliated with the clinics in question, of course).
Vegas Clinic May Have Sickened Thousands
More Information Including Clinic Names and Addresses
New Health Threat For Kids 11-16 Years Old
The CDC is warning parents about a new game that is killing kids. This new danger is called “The Choking Game.” It seems unbelievable but kids, mostly 11-16 years old, are choking themselves to achieve a temporary high. This “game” has killed 82 children since 1995 and is considered to be a public health threat by the CDC.
The Choking Game
The choking game is a dangerous activity that older children and early adolescents sometimes play to get a brief high. They either choke each other or use a noose to choke themselves. After just a short time, children can pass out, which may lead to serious injury or even death from hanging or strangulation.
CDC
Parents need to watch for signs that their children may be playing this deadly game. If these are indications of your child’s behavior, seek professional help immediately!
- Discussion of the game or its aliases
- Bloodshot eyes
- Marks on the neck
- Wearing high-necked shirts, even in warm weather
- Frequent, severe headaches
- Disorientation after spending time alone
- Increased and uncharacteristic irritability or hostility
- Ropes, scarves, and belts tied to bedroom furniture or doorknobs or found knotted on the floor
- The unexplained presence of dog leashes, choke collars, bungee cords, etc.
- Petechiae (pinpoint bleeding spots) under the skin of the face, especially the eyelids, or the conjunctiva (the lining of the eyelids and eyes)
Of course, talking, and more importantly listening, to your children is the first step in preventing so many of the problems teenagers experience. Much of that is knowing the lingo kids use. The Choking Game is also known as:
- Pass-out game
- Space monkey
- Suffocation roulette
- Scarf game
- The American dream
- Fainting game
- Something dreaming game
- Purple hazing
- Blacking out/blackout
- Dream game
- Flat liner
- California choke
- Space cowboy
- Airplaning
- Purple dragon
- Cloud nine
Support and information are also crucial tools in dealing with a situation such as this. G.A.S.P. (Games Adolescents Shouldn’t Play) is a group on the Internet that can help parents. They have downloadable brochures, powerpoint presentations, and other free materials to assist parents and kids.
CNN Report on Missing the Signs of the Choking Game
Printable Fact Sheet on the Choking Game - Good for kids to read (.pdf)
February is American Heart Disease Month
Do you know what the leading killer of all Americans, male and female, is? It is heart disease. Traditionally thought of as a men’s disease, heart disease attacks and kills more women than any other disease, including breast cancer. It may be symptom-free until a fatal attack or it may be a chronic condition that causes illness for a lifetime. Either way, some factors can be controlled while others cannot.
In 2008, an estimated 770,000 Americans will have a new coronary attack, and about 430,000 will have a recurrent attack. About every 26 seconds, an American will have a coronary event, and about one every minute will die from one.
CDC
It is unfair to think of a disease that often has as its first symptom, death. Death to most of us is not a symptom, it is a result. But heart disease can be insidious and can steal years without a person even being aware the damage is being done. I lost my husband to a sudden heart attack. His first symptom was death.
Learning what you can do to prevent heart disease is vital to the overall picture of good health. You can’t change your genetic history but you can change many of your lifestyle choices: What you eat, drink and smoke can be controlled. And exercising within the healthy boundaries set by your doctor is also a positive proactive step you can take.
Learn about heart disease this month. Talk to family members and friends. Education can make all the difference and hopefully we can see the number of deaths decrease. This disease need not be a “heartless” killer.
February is American Heart Month
The CDC on CFS
In the past I have been sharply critical of the CDC and its attitude about chronic fatigue syndrome. Funds were diverted from CFS to other projects within the CDC and the backing of the agency, which still remains the bottom line for a disease’s validity, was never there. It was trivialized and ignored.
Perhaps it was the grassroots efforts of the victims of CFS. Perhaps it was the associations that represent all of the afflicted people. Maybe it was just a stroke of good luck. I would like to think it was because the officials within the CDC realized the error of their ways and are doing what they can to make amends.
Whatever the reason, the CDC is now taking information about CFS to the people. They are educating people who may be ill and not realize they should seek a physician for this condition. They are bringing awareness to the American public. They are also destroying myths and educating people on the little known facts about chronic fatigue syndrome.
The “Miami Herald,” recently reported that the once lax CDC (about CFS) is now acknowledging CFS for the disabling disease that is. To that end, they have listed five things they believe the general public does not know, and needs to know, about this mysterious and insidious disease that affects over one million Americans, Considering 80% of those people are undiagnosed, this is information that should be read and understood by all.
5 Things You Didn’t Know about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
CDC Searches For Airline Flight Passengers
American Airlines Flight #293 recently brought more into the United States than anyone ever bargained for. A woman traveling from Nepal to Chicago, and then from Chicago to her home in Sunnyvale, California, is infected with an antibiotic resistant strain of tuberculosis. The passengers who sat near her on this flight were not made aware of her illness and amazingly enough, there is no law to prevent such exposure to others. No law to prevent travel to another country with a disease that might infect others without them ever knowing about it or having much in the way to treat it, should they become symptomatic.
The CDC is searching for the passengers of Flight #293 in hopes of locating 44 people who may have been exposed to the infected woman. It is reported that she was coughing on the flight and therefore the risk of spreading the disease is higher than the CDC is comfortable with. The search for the 44 passengers covers 17 U.S. states.
What amazes me about this situation is that there is no law to cover innocent travelers against this sort of problem. It would be possible to isolate an infected traveler and to protect the health of other people. It would not be discrimination to the person carrying the disease; it would be responsible action to prevent the spread of a disease that has resurfaced with a vengeance in modern times.
Granted, tuberculosis isn’t the easiest disease to catch. It usually takes prolonged exposure, which is why family members of the infected are typically the victims. But when a patient is coughing, and the transmission of the disease is airborne, it is a risk, and this would be especially so in a confined environment like a airplane.
Hopefully the CDC will locate all 44 people and they will test negative, both initially and in the subsequent tests they will have to undergo in several months. Hopefully no one’s life will be terribly disrupted because of this irresponsible exposure. But of all the things that need to come out of this situation is an International law that prevents innocent travelers being exposed to an antibiotic resistant form of a deadly disease.
CDC Tries To Find Those Who Were Near TB Infected Women On Flight 293
CDC Seeks Fliers Exposed to Drug-Resistant TB
Germs Lurk on Planes, Trains, Buses
Prognosis for TB Traveler: Isolation, Surgery, Uncertainty
Climactic Changes As A Health Concern?
The Day After Tomorrow was a great science fiction “end-of-the-world” film. Unfortunately, like many disaster films, it is potentially a greater risk of being a possible future than any of us can really wrap our brain around. This topic is also one that we know ecologists and climatologists are working on. But the CDC has taken this to the next level and is concerned not only about global warming, but about climactic changes in general. To that end, the CDC has a special section on their Web site about how climactic changes affect the health of the public.
Although scientific understanding of the effects of climate change is still emerging, there is a pressing need to prepare for potential health risks. This public health preparedness approach is applied to other threats in the absence of complete data, such as terrorism and pandemic influenza. A wide variety of organizations (federal, state, local, multilateral, private and nongovernmental) is working to address the implications of global climate change. Despite this breadth of activity, the public health effects of climate change remain largely unaddressed.
CDC Web Site
It is an interesting site that the CDC has put together. It lists out the potential problems caused by climactic change and then names the populations that would most likely be affected by these climactic events. It clearly illustrates a world that is changing and how the world’s healthcare needs are changing as well.