Travelers Should Beware of Mosquitoes, Dengue Fever
If your travel plans include a Caribbean cruise or another tropical destination, the August issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter offers a convincing reason to pack the mosquito repellant -- dengue fever.
Certain mosquitoes spread dengue fever, a severe flu-like illness that leaves you feeling miserable for one to two weeks. Dengue fever is a major health concern, with an estimated 50 million dengue infections occurring every year. Theres no treatment other than bed rest, plenty of fluids and medication to reduce fever.
Less commonly, potentially deadly hemorrhagic dengue fever may develop, requiring emergency hospital care. Hemorrhagic dengue fever is more likely if youre infected with a second dengue virus after having one previously.
Dengue virus is constantly present in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, North and South America, islands of the Caribbean, the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. Mosquitoes carrying the virus have been found in Texas and in the southeastern United States.
If you have returned from a destination where the dengue virus is present and you develop a fever, see a doctor as soon as possible. A blood test can determine if you have an active dengue virus.
The best remedy is prevention: avoid mosquito bites. Use mosquito repellant with a DEET content of 30 to 35 percent and wear protective clothing.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Happy Hand Hygiene Day! Rethinking Glove Use for Safer, Cleaner, and More Ethical Health Care
May 5th 2025Despite their protective role, gloves are often misused in health care settings—undermining hand hygiene, risking patient safety, and worsening environmental impact. Alexandra Peters, PhD, points out that this misuse deserves urgent attention, especially today, World Hand Hygiene Day.
From the Derby to the Decontam Room: Leadership Lessons for Sterile Processing
April 27th 2025Elizabeth (Betty) Casey, MSN, RN, CNOR, CRCST, CHL, is the SVP of Operations and Chief Nursing Officer at Surgical Solutions in Overland, Kansas. This SPD leader reframes preparation, unpredictability, and teamwork by comparing surgical services to the Kentucky Derby to reenergize sterile processing professionals and inspire systemic change.
Show, Tell, Teach: Elevating EVS Training Through Cognitive Science and Performance Coaching
April 25th 2025Training EVS workers for hygiene excellence demands more than manuals—it requires active engagement, motor skills coaching, and teach-back techniques to reduce HAIs and improve patient outcomes.
The Rise of Disposable Products in Health Care Cleaning and Linens
April 25th 2025Health care-associated infections are driving a shift toward disposable microfiber cloths, mop pads, and curtains—offering infection prevention, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency in one-time-use solutions.
