Recent News

By Category: Public Health

New influenza virus from seals highlights the risks of pandemic flu from animals

(American Society for Microbiology) A new strain of influenza virus found in harbor seals could represent a threat to wildlife and human health, according to the authors of a study appearing July 31 in mBio®, the online open-access journal of the American Society for Microbiology.

July 31, 2012
| Filed under Public Health
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5 things you should know about Ebola

(NBCNews) An outbreak of Ebola in western Uganda has killed 14 people, according to news reports. Here are five things you should know about this virulent and often deadly infection: What is Ebola? Ebola, officially known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a severe disease caused by the Ebola virus that was first recognized in Africa Read More »

July 30, 2012
| Filed under Africa, North America, Agents & Toxins, and Public Health
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HSE warns of heroin which could be contaminated with anthrax

(thejournal.ie) The HSE has warned drugs services and health staff to be alert to the possibility of drug-takers using heroin which has been contaminated with anthrax. The warning follows the hospitalisation of a drug user in Scotland from anthrax poisoning. Scotland has historically had its heroin supplies closely connected to those of Ireland.

July 30, 2012
| Filed under Europe, Agents & Toxins, and Public Health
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Duration of Bird Flu Research Restrictions Remains Uncertain

(Global Security Newswire) Observers remain uncertain of the timing and means for ending a pause on investigations into factors needed to render avian influenza communicable between mammals, though half a year has passed since top flu experts unilaterally declared the suspension, the Canadian Press reported on Friday.

July 30, 2012
| Filed under North America, Agriculture, Biosafety, Public Health, and Research
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Colombian Style Cheese Recalled for Potential Staph Contamination

(Food Safety News) A New York-based company is recalling a Colombian-style cheese product because it may be contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The recall comes a week after the New York State Department of Agriculture (NYSDA) warned consumers not to eat this same cheese because it had not been properly pasteurized.