Recent News

By Region: North America

Dengue fever, spread by mosquitoes, reported on Long Island

(Newsday) The first locally transmitted case of dengue fever reported in New York has been confirmed in Suffolk County, providing evidence that mosquitoes can spread the tropical affliction just about anywhere. “We were all surprised,” said Dr. Scott Campbell, chief of the arthropod disease laboratory in the Suffolk County Health Department. Arthropods include a vast Read More »

November 21, 2013
| Filed under North America and Public Health
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Army Scientists Improving Methods to Detect Ricin

(Military.com) An envelope laced with ricin intended for the president of the United States was intercepted in April 2013 by law enforcement officials when protocols established for mail screenings revealed the threat of a biological weapon. Ricin is a highly toxic, naturally occurring protein found in the seeds of the castor oil plant. There is Read More »

November 21, 2013
| Filed under North America, Agents & Toxins, and Research
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Researchers suggest China consider national flu vaccination plan with staggered timing

(Eurekalert) China should tailor its influenza vaccination strategies to account for its three distinct flu regions, according to the first comprehensive study of the country’s flu patterns conducted by a research team of Chinese and American scientists. Flu season in northern China occurs during the same period as in the world’s other northern temperate zones, Read More »

November 20, 2013
| Filed under Asia/Pacific, North America, Public Health, and Research
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In pandemic, parents who get reminders more likely to get kids vaccinated

(ScienceDaily) A new University of Michigan study found that the state immunization registry — the public health database that tracks vaccinations- can be an effective tool to encourage influenza vaccinations during a pandemic. U-M researchers collaborated with the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) to evaluate a statewide influenza vaccination reminder campaign conducted using the Read More »

November 19, 2013
| Filed under North America, Policy & Initiatives, and Public Health
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Toxic Agents Easily Bought Online, Pose Public Threat

(Newsmax) When the editor of a health newsletter opened a cardboard box containing a bubble-wrapped surplus lab instrument shipped from an online university outlet, he said he was “freaked out” to find a highly toxic chemical sloshing inside. NaturalNews.com Editor Michael Adams said the $100 instrument he purchased online from Michigan State University last month Read More »