April 11 news: Budget proposal, AIDS deaths and EPA nominee
APHA’s Dr. Benjamin weighs in on HHS budget proposal; new numbers from China reveal AIDS as their top source of death from an infectious disease; and Obama’s nominee for heading the EPA has history of committing to the needs of public health.
Carter discusses dramatic gains in control of Guinea worm disease
Appearing last night on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, former President Jimmy Carter discussed major advances against Guinea worm and other neglected diseases.
New legislation seeks to improve antibiotic use
When used correctly, antibiotics are the most effective deterrent of bacterial disease in the world. However, their routine use among healthy animals for food production is undercutting their effectiveness.
‘Worse than average’ flu season past its peak, CDC’s Frieden tells Congress
This year’s flu season began early, has peaked and has begun to decline in most parts of the country, CDC Director Tom Frieden told members of a House committee last week. “But there are still many cases around the country and it’s likely that flu activity will continue for many weeks.”
Widespread flu has public logging online
With the season’s peak still weeks away, the flu’s grip over communities across the country has people in record numbers calling in sick from work and even inundating local hospital emergency rooms.
IOM conference: Public health key to stemming infectious disease
Public health and medical research accentuate each other’s strengths, health leaders concurred at a conference hosted by the Institute of Medicine on Tuesday that looked at progress made against infectious disease.
AJPH Study: Media messages can promote long-term safe sex behavior
When it comes to talking about teens and sex, the media oftentimes get a bad rap. However, according to a new study in the January issue of the American Journal of Public Health, the media may be key to promoting safe sex.
APHA joins CDC and 24 other health organizations to fight antibiotic resistance
Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing public health threats we face currently. This was the message of a teleconference hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention yesterday marking the start of Get Smart About Antibiotics Week, Nov. 12-18.
Meningitis outbreak prompts public health response
A deadly meningitis outbreak that has claimed 12 lives across 10 states has mobilized federal and local officials and health care providers, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced a multistate investigation.
West Nile virus epidemic grows, Texas reports half of US cases
The number of cases of West Nile virus has grown dramatically in recent weeks and public health experts suggest that if the trend continues, this year’s outbreak may rank among the largest in U.S. history.
CDC confirms over 100 new cases of H3N2v influenza this week
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported today that a number of new cases of an H3N2 variant strain of influenza A have been confirmed in four states, believed to be the result of contact between humans and pigs, mostly occurring at county or state fairs.
World Hepatitis Day supports one in 12 infected people worldwide
While the International AIDS Conference generated well-deserved attention this week, World Hepatitis Day pays homage to a health pandemic that receives significantly less attention. Saturday, July 28, marks the fifth global commemoration of an often silent but severe disease.
