PICNet Co-Directors Lead Pilot Study
NEWS RELEASE from Genome BC Are self-disinfecting surfaces the “Midas” touch for reducing hospital infections? Pilot study examines environmental and genomic solution for healthcare associated infections Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are a major burden on patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Despite strict hygiene practices and other preventative measures in hospitals there are an estimated 220,000 cases with 8,000 deaths per year in Canada. Costs associated with HAIs are estimated to be over $15...
Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Virus Infection in 2 Travelers Returning from China to Canada, January 2015
In January 2015, the first two human infections due to avian influenza A(H7N9) were detected in North America, reported among two travelers returning from China to British Columbia, Canada. The patients presented with typical influenza-like illness. They were detected in the outpatient setting through a series of somewhat fortuitous events – notably the collection of a specimen by the healthcare worker in response to travel history and the detection of a...
BC Influenza Surveillance Bulletin: Sporadic Influenza Activity throughout Summer in BC
BC Influenza Surveillance Bulletin: Weeks 18-36 (May 3 - Sept 12, 2015) Back-to-School Update: Sporadic Influenza Activity throughout Summer in BC In weeks 18-36 (May 3 to September 12, 2015), community-based surveillance indicators for influenza remained at inter-seasonal levels throughout the province. However, sporadic cases of influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B continued to be detected, driven in part by cases among out-of-province residents associated with cruise ship travel. Also, in week 32, VCHA reported...
MERS-CoV update from BCCDC
From BCCDC: Dear Colleagues, Although it has been just over one week since our last bulletin, we would like to highlight a recent MERS-CoV cluster in South Korea that underscores several key aspects of emerging pathogen response, including travel history, prompt and rigorous infection control, and contact follow-up. Last week, South Korea notified the WHO of a laboratory-confirmed case of MERS-CoV, the first travel-related case to be reported in that country. Subsequent contact...