Hantavirus Infections Drop
DENVER-The number of hatavirus infections has mysteriously dropped this year, leaving scientists to continue scratching their heads concerning this particularly enigmatic virus.
A decrease in rodent populations and changing weather patterns, both seemingly tied to El Nino, are thought to be the cause of the infectious decline. Officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report there have been five cases of the respiratory disease linked to hantavirus this year. In comparison, there were more than 30 cases last year.
Researchers think a decrease in food for deer mice and animal density and population have affected the infection rates. Humans become infected with the virus by inhaling infected urine, saliva, or fecal particles left by deer mice.
Symptoms of the virus include fatigue, fever, muscle aches, headaches, dizziness, chills, and nausea. The virus can be fatal, however if it is caught quickly, the symptoms can be treated. There is no known cure.
This year, there were two hantavirus case in Idaho, and one each in Arizona, Montana, and Washington.
Information from www.arizonarepublic.com
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.
