Blog Archive for September, 2010
Stronger E. Coli
Is E. coli becoming more dangerous? It looks like it is rapidly spreading throughout regions of the United States. Learn more on the different deadly strains of the disease that are being discovered
Stronger E. Coli
Most dangerous type of E. Coli bacteria becoming more common in food borne outbreaks.
What is E. coli?
Get the facts! Here is a short fact sheet that can be hung around your office to make more people aware of the potential danger of E. coli. You never know when it may come in handy!
What is E. coli?
E. coli are bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals. Although most strains are harmless, several are known to produce toxins that can cause diarrhea. One particular E. coli strain called O157:H7 can cause severe diarrhea and kidney damage.
E.Coli; Don’t Touch That!
Escherichia coli (E. coli) can be a dangerous infection. Most adults have no problems bouncing back from this illness. However, you need to know the risk. Check out the first signs of exposure and how to treat this unwanted illness quickly and efficiently.
E.Coli
Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria live in the intestines of people and animals. Most varieties of E. coli are harmless or cause relatively brief diarrhea, such as occurs in travelers to developing countries.
But a few particularly nasty strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramps, followed by serious organ system damage such as kidney failure. You may be exposed to E. coli from contaminated water or food — especially raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef.
Inside Walkerton: Canada’s worst-ever E. coli contamination.
E. coli moves fast, and sometimes impossible to stop in its tracks. Take a look at how one small town in Canada discovered E. coli in their water supply and how innocent people were buried as a result.
Inside Walkerton: Canada’s worst-ever E. coli contamination.
Canada’s worst-ever outbreak of E. coli contamination took hold 10 years ago in a typically quiet town in the rural heartland of Bruce County, Ont. The community of Walkerton, population less than 5,000 at the time, saw 2,300 people fall ill, and seven die, after breakdowns in the local water system. The region’s public health officer later said the catastrophe was probably preventable.
Hepatitis C Information for Health Professionals
Get the facts about hepatitis. There are multiple types of hepatitis and you should be familiar with each! The risks may be high, but your chances of exposure can be low.
Hepatitis C Information for Health Professionals
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the United States; approximately 3.2 million persons are chronically infected. Although HCV is not efficiently transmitted sexually, persons at risk for infection through injection drug use might seek care in STD treatment facilities, HIV counseling and testing facilities, correctional facilities, drug treatment facilities, and other public health settings where STD and HIV prevention and control services are available.
Martin County loses firefighter, first to die in line of duty
“…(Fred) Pierno became the 13th firefighter in the nation, and the seventh in the state, whose passing was classified as a line of duty death due to a hepatitis infection, according to fire officials.” Read more about how this brave firefighter served his unit and died after an ill-fated exposure.
Martin County loses firefighter, first to die in line of duty
No one knows how Pierno contracted the Hepatitis C virus, but a state law says that unless it can be proved otherwise, it is presumed that paramedics and other emergency responders who test positive have been infected on the job — where blood can spatter across a medic’s face, or a needle can prick a police officer’s finger.
Woman charged with trying to spread hepatitis
Many policemen and women interact with populations who often have a high rate of communicable diseases. These people, at times, are not respectful of authority and intentionally want to endanger others. One lady, whom was positive for hepatitis C, was charged with a misdemeanor for spitting on a police officer. Read more on the case.
Woman charged with trying to spread hepatitis
‘Borne free
As an emergency responder, you are the first to the scene every time, and unfortunately that also puts you in danger to airborne pathogens and possible diseases. Read more about the germs you may see while on the job.
‘Borne free
Personal safety is always the EMS provider’s first priority. Because of bloodborne pathogens, every patient contact is a threat to EMS provider safety. This article reviews the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) bloodborne pathogens standard, bloodborne pathogens encountered by EMS providers, use of personal protective equipment and reporting exposure incidents.
A Viral Illness That Can Be Silent and Hard to Treat but Also Cured
“The consequences of being infected with hepatitis C can take years to appear. So while new cases of the disease have fallen sharply over the past few decades, many people infected years ago are only beginning to learn they carry the virus…” These are scary facts and you may be infected and not even know when you were exposed. Find out more information,
A Viral Illness That Can Be Silent and Hard to Treat but Also Cured
The consequences of being infected with hepatitis C can take years to appear. So while new cases of the disease have fallen sharply over the past few decades, many people infected years ago are only beginning to learn they carry the virus, and to grapple with its potentially serious effects.
Tip of the Week
Germs are everywhere! They are waiting to potentially cause harm to those in contact. Stay out of harm’s way and know how to protect yourself against bacteria.
Tip of the week: Recognizing bacteria in long-term care facilities
Illnesses are common in healthcare settings. Long-term care facilities are no different. The following list offers details about bacteria that are often found in facilities