Avian Influenza Resource Web Site Posted
University of Maryland avian influenza virus researcher Daniel Perez has posted a comprehensive Web site that offers information about the influenza A virus and describes his Avian Influenza Virus Program - http://www.agnr.umd.edu/avianflu/
Perez, assistant professor of virology, University of Maryland, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, is studying how the virus jumps from birds to other species, including humans. He has developed a plasmid-based reverse genetics system for influenza A viruses that allows manipulation of the viral genome. He is currently using his system to map specific amino acid residues involved in interspecies transmission of H9, H2 and H7 influenza viruses, which are believed, along with H5 influenza viruses, to have the greatest potential to become pandemic viruses.
Source: University of Maryland, College Park
Beyond the Surface: Rethinking Environmental Hygiene Validation at Exchange25
June 30th 2025Environmental hygiene is about more than just shiny surfaces. At Exchange25, infection prevention experts urged the field to look deeper, rethink blame, and validate cleaning efforts across the entire care environment, not just EVS tasks.
A Controversial Reboot: New Vaccine Panel Faces Scrutiny, Support, and Sharp Divides
June 26th 2025As the newly appointed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met for the first time under sweeping changes by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, the national spotlight turned to the panel’s legitimacy, vaccine guidance, and whether science or ideology would steer public health policy in a polarized era.
Getting Down and Dirty With PPE: Presentations at HSPA by Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski
June 26th 2025In the heart of the hospital, decontamination technicians tackle one of health care’s dirtiest—and most vital—jobs. At HSPA 2025, 6 packed workshops led by experts Jill Holdsworth and Katie Belski spotlighted the crucial, often-overlooked art of PPE removal. The message was clear: proper doffing saves lives, starting with your own.
