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Emerging global HAI-AMR issue: Candida auris
PHAC communication PHAC has recently learned of a public health alert from US CDC in relation to the global emergence of invasive infections caused by the multidrug-resistant yeast organism, Candida auris. While C. auris is not common, it can cause invasive infections associated with high mortality and has also been known to cause outbreaks in healthcare facilities. Information available to date indicates that cases of C. auris have occurred in at...
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Mosquitoes capable of carrying Zika virus may have colony in Ontario
The insects tested negative for both the Zika and West Nile virus Species can carry Dengue fever From CBC.ca: A mosquito species capable of transmitting the Zika virus and other tropical diseases may have established a colony in southwestern Ontario, a development that could mean changes for Canadian healthcare providers. Two adult Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, were recently trapped in Windsor-Essex, following the 17 found last...
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Antibiotic-resistant genes are being spread via animal feed
Excerpted from The Independent: Antibiotic-resistant genes are being spread around the world in animal feed, according to new research that adds to fears humanity could lose one of our most important medicines. A UK government-commissioned report last year estimated 10 million people a year could die worldwide by 2050 because of the rise of ‘superbugs’, prompting the then Prime Minister David Cameron to announce a crackdown on over-prescribing by GPs...
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Novel Coronavirus (nCoV-2019) outbreak in Wuhan, China
Please disseminate widely Please note: this situation is evolving rapidly and information is subject to change. New details will be posted when available. Date of Release: January 14, 2020 An outbreak of atypical pneumonia in Wuhan, China has been closely monitored by the World Health Organization since late December 2019. The causative agent has been identified as a novel Coronavirus (“nCoV-2019”). To date, there have been 42...
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Novel Coronavirus (nCoV-2019) outbreak
Please note: this situation is evolving rapidly and information is subject to change. Up-to-date information, including case counts, information for healthcare workers, and laboratory guidance is maintained on the BCCDC website. See PICNet update regarding novel coronavirus (nCoV) – January 24, 2020 PICNet newsletter to community of practice – January 14, 2020: An outbreak of atypical pneumonia in Wuhan, China has been closely monitored by the...
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New research finds how ‘superbugs’ build their defences
Scientists at the University of East Anglia are getting closer to solving the problem of antibiotic resistance. New research published today in the journal Nature reveals the mechanism by which drug-resistant bacterial cells maintain a defensive barrier. The findings pave the way for a new wave of drugs that kill superbugs by bringing down their defensive walls rather than attacking the bacteria itself. It means that in future, bacteria may...
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Infection Control News: Oct 1-5, 2018
A study in a Winnipeg hospital has found that many privacy curtains become contaminated with a drug-resistant bacteria. Here is a reportage from GlobalNews.ca. News | Journal Scientists engineer bacteria-hunting virus to kill E. coli in drinking water. News Study finds cash is a breeding ground for bacteria. News Reed Biologists Isolate Virus That Preys On Deadly Germs. Newly discovered bacteriophage destroys drug-resistant strains of E. coli. News A higher-dose...
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Paper pubished on Canadian surveillance of EV-D68
Today the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) in collaboration with each of the local health authorities in BC and partners in Alberta, Quebec and nationally at the Public Health Agency of Canada published a paper in the peer-reviewed journal EuroSurveillance describing epidemic features of enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) in Canada during the fall of 2014. For the full publication (open access), see: http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=21283. For a synopsis, see below. Why and how...
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CIPHI Annual Education Conference 2017
83rd CIPHI Annual Education Conference – Honouring Traditions, Inspiring Innovation November 5 – 8, 2017 | Richmond, BC, Canada The Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors (CIPHI) – BC Branch and Vancouver Coastal Health Authority will jointly host the 83rd CIPHI Annual Education Conference on November 5 – 8, 2017 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond, BC, Canada. This education conference will focus on current and emerging environmental...
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PICNet Newsletters – May 2023
We are excited to share our refreshed and modernized PICNet website. We welcome you to visit https://www.picnet.ca/. We hope that you enjoy the new look and feel and trust it will be more user-friendly for our community of practice. Thank you to all our survey participants who provided valuable feedback to help inform website changes. Congratulations to the following lucky three...
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World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Nov 18 – 24 2023
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a leading global health threat, yet the harm it is causing is not well recognized. #GoBlueForAMR is a Canada-wide colour campaign, created to grow the visibility of AMR and share knowledge on how to address this growing threat. You can help by: Sharing the included key messages about AMR and the #GoBlueforAMR campaign either on social media or through newsletters Encouraging participation in the campaign (e.g., wearing blue during...
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