Past Updates from the Clinician Registry Listserv
Update Sent June 9, 2008
NOTE: This document is provided for historical purposes only and may not provide our most accurate and up-to-date information. The most current Clinician's information can be found on the Clinician Home Page.
Today's topics Include:
- Salmonella Saintpaul in Tomatoes
- Chemical Terrorism Resource List
- Environmental Health Shelter Assessment Tool
- Pandemic Influenza
- Food Safety
Salmonella Saintpaul in Tomatoes
Investigation of Outbreak of Infections Caused by Salmonella Saintpaul - CDC - June 7
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the Indian Health Service, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an ongoing multi-state outbreak of human Salmonella serotype Saintpaul infections. An epidemiologic investigation has identified consumption of raw tomatoes as the likely source of the illnesses. Since mid-April, 145 persons infected with Salmonella Saintpaul with the same genetic fingerprint have been identified in 16 states: Arizona (12 persons), California (1), Colorado (1), Connecticut (1), Idaho (2), Illinois (17), Indiana (1), Kansas (3), New Mexico (39), Oklahoma (3), Oregon (2), Texas (56 persons), Utah (1), Virginia (2), Washington (1), and Wisconsin (3). Among the 73 persons who have been interviewed, illnesses began between April 16 and May 27, 2008. Patients range in age from 1 to 82 years; 49% are female. At least 23 persons were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/saintpaul/
FDA Warns Consumers Nationwide Not to Eat Certain Types of Raw Red Tomatoes - FDA - June 7
The Food and Drug Administration is expanding its warning to consumers nationwide that a salmonellosis outbreak has been linked to consumption of certain raw red plum, red Roma, and red round tomatoes, and products containing these raw, red tomatoes. FDA recommends that consumers not eat raw red Roma, raw red plum, raw red round tomatoes, or products that contain these types of raw red tomatoes unless the tomatoes are from the sources described in the link below. This list will be updated as more information becomes available.
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01848.html
Chemical Terrorism Resource List
New Resource on the COCA Webpage
The following link, available through our "Additional Information for Clinicians/Current Events" page, leads to an Excel spreadsheet provided by the Interstate Chemical Terrorism Workgroup. The spreadsheet provides many helpful links and phone numbers that may be useful in preparing for or responding to a chemical event.
http://emergency.cdc.gov/coca/xls/ICTW_InfoMatrix_2008.xls
Environmental Health Shelter Assessment Tool
Assessment Tool for Evaluating Emergency and Disaster Shelters - CDC - MMWR Weekly - June 6
CDC and partners have developed an environmental health shelter assessment form (available in English and Spanish) that covers general areas of environmental health, such as food safety, sanitation, and service and companion animal care. It also provides space for listing immediate needs. The form provides guidance and information that environmental health practitioners and shelter managers can use with existing plans, procedures, resources, and management systems. The environmental health shelter assessment tool, including the assessment form, instructions for its use, and training materials, is available at:
http://www.emergency.cdc.gov/shelterassessment
Pandemic Influenza
Notice of Availability of Draft Guidances to Assist in Preparation for an Influenza Pandemic - HHS - June 3
HHS has developed several guidance documents to assist government agencies, businesses, community organizations, and the public in their preparedness efforts. The three documents available for public comment are part of this series and should be reviewed as part of an overall approach to pandemic preparedness. The USG is requesting comment from the public and interested stakeholders on three draft documents: Interim Guidance on the Use and Purchase of Facemasks and Respirators by Individuals and Families for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness; Proposed Guidance on Antiviral Drug Use During an Influenza Pandemic; and Proposed Considerations for Antiviral Drug Stockpiling by Employers In Preparation for an Influenza Pandemic. The three guidance documents can be viewed by following the link below:
http://aspe.hhs.gov/panflu/antiviral-n-masks.shtml
Hawaii begins testing some arriving travelers for flu - CIDRAP - June 6
The first real test of a new program to screen some arriving passengers at the Honolulu airport for flu-like illness went smoothly this week, according to the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH). The purpose of the effort is to prepare for health screening that might be imposed during an influenza pandemic or other infectious disease outbreak. The new screening program is being funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The DOH is collaborating on it with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Hawaii Department of Transportation, and Hawaiian Airlines.
Hawaii Department of Health Press Release (PDF): http://healthuser.hawaii.gov/health/about/pr/2008/08-50.pdf
CIDRAP news article:
http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/influenza/biz-plan/news/jun0608screening.html
Food Safety
Keeping Food Safe During an Emergency - June 5
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is providing recommendations to those affected by severe storms and tornadoes. USDA is hopeful that this information will help minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses due to power outages and other problems that are often associated with severe weather events.
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_060508_02/index.asp
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Page last modified June 9, 2008
Content Source:
- Coordinating Center for Health Information and Service (CCHIS)
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