Archive for February, 2009

The Mississippi State Department of Health has identified 20 cases of Influenza as of 2/16/2009.No cases have been confirmed  in Hinds,Rankin and Madison counties though we have identified approximately 10 at our facility though rapid antigen testing(not included in the 20 total).Thus the true number is probably in the 200-500 category statewide.The most reliable indicators of influenza activity are 1. Increased school absenteeism 2. Increased Numbers of Respiratory Deaths.

Important facts about influenza this year and every year.

1.The diagnosis of influenza is a clinical one strongly suggested by a. The time of year and activity known to be in the state and your communityb.Symptoms suggestive a a severe respiratory illness-usually with high fevers and myalgia.It is much different than the common cold.

2.Influenza testing is poor.a. The rapid test is only about 60% sensitive. It will miss 4 out of 10 cases of influenza.b.Viral cultures are not easily available and the results are delayed past any clinical usefulness.

3.Influenza vaccines are the first line of defense and are moderately effective.They are recommended for children and adolescents as well as the usual age groups. We are probably moving towards universal influenza immunization-especially as we are seeing rapid development of resistance to first line prophylactic/treatment agents.

4.A nasal vaccine is now available for those who prefer this method to shots.Contact the Center.

4..77% of the influenza strains isolated this year are of the new resistant H1N1 variety.

These strains are resistant to Tamiflu

Treatment Recommendations for the Influenza Season 2009

1.First line treatment is Relenza–the inhaled Glaxo product.

2.If for some reason Relenza cannot be used or is not available use the combination of  Tamiflu and Rimantadine or Amantadine

Useful Web Sites for further information.

www.2a.cdc.gov

www.msdh.state.ms

A  new outbreak of food contaminated by Salmonella was first recognized in November 2008. This discovery was made possible by the diligent work of CDC, CDC Pulse Net, FDA and the Epidemiology sections of the states of Minnesota and Connecticut.This discovery was notable for the occurrence of a new Salmonella typhimurium strain.It was soon determined by these agencies that the contaminated vehicle was a type of bulk peanut butter “King Nut”.The epidemic strain was recovered from unopened containers of this product.This product was traced back to the” Peanut Corporation of America”It was later determined that 2 well known brands of peanut butter crackers-Keebler and Austin were also contaminated.The products  produced by this plant included:peanut butter,whole peanuts, and peanut butter paste and other peanut products.At this time there is no evidence that common grocery store peanut butters i.e. major national brands are involved in this outbreak. The problem with this outbreak is that the company was a major supplier to many food producers. This has resulted in a broad product recall involving more than 2000 different products.This includes both human and animal food products.For a listing of the products recalled you can go to www.fda.gov.The recall on products produced by this company has now been extended to products produced since 2007.

To date there have been approximately 600 cases nationwide in 44 states with 116 hospitalizations and 8 deaths in which the illness may have played a role.There have been 7 cases in Mississippi though there probably is at least 10 times that number.

Advice to the public:

1.Major brand peanut butters purchased in grocery stores may be safely consumed

2.Go to fda web site and determine if  you have any of the recalled products in your home.If you do destroy them in a manner in which there is no possiblity that they can be consumed by others.

3. People who have become ill while eating peanut containing products especially those on the recall list should consult their health care provider.

4.There is no evidence that this Salmonella strain is more deadly thatn other Salmonella strains.

Web Sites for further information for health care professionals or the public:

1.www.fda.gov

2.www.msdh.state.ms

3.www.cdc.gov