States Also Encouraged to be Prepared
ATLANTA, GA-The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is preparing for another potential outbreak of the West Nile encephalitis virus by equipping laboratories and establishing state-available grants. The West Nile virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito and has commonly been found in humans, birds and other vertebrates in Africa, Eastern Europe, West Asia and the Middle East. Last year's outbreak that killed seven people in the New York area was the first known occurrence of the virus in the Western Hemisphere.
Unsure whether it was a one-time occurrence or the possible beginning of a cycle, the CDC wants to make certain seventeen states along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico can identify and control the virus. To ensure this, each of those states will have at least one laboratory capable of identifying the virus. Only three labs were properly equipped last year causing a backlog. Each state is also eligible to some of a $2.9 million grant that the CDC distributes April 1.
The CDC recommends sampling mosquitoes and birds on a state and local government level to predict another outbreak. Upon discovering infected organisms, mosquito control measures such as spraying insecticides should be put into operation. On a personal level, the CDC suggests people stay indoors during dusk and dawn. When outside, it is best to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and apply insect repellent.
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.