Infection Control News: Aug 20-24, 2018

From Globalnews: Can you die from a dog lick? Veterinarian Dr. Ted Morris talks about a rare and potentially deadly bacterial infection that can come from a dog or cat lick. Video.

Europe sees sharp rise in measles: 41,000 cases, 37 deaths. News

Pregnancy planning for HIV-positive patients. For pregnant women, the chance of transmitting the HIV to the baby is nearly zero. Absolute zero could be achieved if the patient is under antiretroviral therapy before pregnancy and if viral load remains low. News

What is PANDAS? It’s a rapid onset of obs.-compulsive disorder caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. It cause an initial autoimmune reaction producing a-bodies that interfere with basal ganglia function. Health information. Family testimony

Women should avoid performing animal birthing and breeding activities during pregnancy and also should not handle dogs giving birth or their newborn puppies. See why here. News

Today is…world mosquito day. Find 5 of the deadliest diseases spread by mosquitoes. News.  

Hospital patients who acquire candidemia—a blood infection caused by the fungus Candida that has a high mortality rate—have a 1 in 10 risk of also having Clostridium difficile. Study

For the 2nd wk, CDC has confirmed 4 cases of variant H1N2 flu. The only other variant reported this yr was a H3N2v. The new cases involved exposure to swine at a fairs. Early identification of novel flu viruses are critical so PH measures can be taken. Report

From CIDRAP: 13 health workers infected in DRC Ebola outbreak. Health workers were one of the main factors in the rapid spread of the disease during the 2013-2016 outbreak in West Africa. News

Improperly sterilized medical equipment at London clinics prompts call for HIV and Hepatitis testing. News

Boil water notice issued for Cornwallis Park. A boil water advisory has been issued for the Cornwallis Park area Tuesday after E. coli was detected in a water sample. About 300 water customers are affected. News

West Nile Virus found in Chatham-Kent and Windsor-Essex mosquitoes again. This is the third time this month traps across the municipality have tested positive. News

Gut bug enzyme turns blood into type-O. The discovery is enzymes from gut bacteria that can efficiently turn type-A human blood into type-O.
Type-O blood is special because it can be donated to anyone without the risk of a bad mismatch reaction. News

Nouvelle en français: Le scorbut, de retour dans les pays industrialisés. News

Nova Scotia reminds parents to get children vaccinated. News

Scientists have detected West Nile virus in two birds in B.C.’s interior, marking the first time the pathogen has been detected in the province this year. News

Congo approves 4 more experimental treatments as Ebola battle continues. News

Three keys to infection protection. News