COCA Email Updates: February 24 - March 10, 2014

Available for download:March 10, 2014, COCA Email Update

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COCA News and Announcements

Recent COCA Call/Webinar:

Chikungunya Virus – An Emerging Threat to the Americas

Date:Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause fever and severe polyarthralgia. Outbreaks of the chikungunya have occurred in countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In late 2013, the first local chikungunya virus transmission in the Americas was reported on islands in the Caribbean. Travelers to areas with ongoing outbreaks are at risk of becoming infected and spreading the virus to new areas, including the United States. During this COCA call, a CDC subject matter expert provided information on chikungunya virus epidemiology, clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Additionally, they described the importance of early recognition and reporting of suspected cases to mitigate the risk of local transmission.

Additional COCA Conference Calls

Free CE credit/contact hours (CME, CNE, ACPE, CEU, CECH, and AAVSB/RACE) are available for most COCA calls. For more information on free CE.

CDC News and Announcements

NEW:ATSDR's Toxic Substances Web Portal – (CDC)

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry’s (ATSDR) Toxic Substances Web Portal provides comprehensive access to the best science, the latest research, and important information about how toxic substances can affect health.

CDC Vital Signs Town Hall Teleconference – (CDC)

Each month’s teleconference provides a forum for state, tribal, local and territorial health, policy, and communication officials to broaden the conversation, build momentum, and ensure active implementation of evidence-based, effective programs within the public health areas covered by Vital Signs. Join CDC subject matter experts and other public health professionals for a town hall teleconference on “Improving Antibiotic Prescribing in Hospitals.”

CDC Science Clips: Volume 6, Issue: 8 – (CDC)

Each week select science clips are shared with the public health community to enhance awareness of emerging scientific knowledge. The focus is applied public health research and prevention science that has the capacity to improve health now.

Public Health Preparedness

NEW:National Poison Prevention Week – (HRSA)

National Poison Prevention Week raises awareness of poison prevention nationwide during the third full week of March every year. Learn what steps you can take.

NEW:Public Health Matters Blog: Giving Students First Hand Experience – February 18 (CDC)

We often hear about CDC professionals who are preparing the nation and responding to various public health emergencies. But what about the students who are contributing to these initiatives?

Emergency Preparedness and Response – (CDC)

Find resources for All Hazards and Specific Hazards preparedness.

Emergency Preparedness and Response Training Resources for Clinicians – (CDC)

Find online and in-person training centers and resources.

Natural Disasters and Severe Weather

NEW:Flood Safety Awareness Week – (NOAA)

National Flood Safety Awareness Week is intended to highlight some of the many ways floods can occur, the hazards associated with floods, and what you can do to save life and property.

Food and Water Needs: Preparing for a Disaster or Emergency – (CDC)

Health and Safety Concerns for All Disasters – (CDC)

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)

MMWR publications are prepared by the CDC. Electronically Subscribe.

February 28, 2014 / Vol. 63 / No. RR--1Download .pdf document of this issue

• Prevention and Control of Haemophilus influenzae Type b Disease: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)

Infectious, Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases

Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

Update:Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus – February 24 (CDC)

Human infections with a new avian influenza A (H7N9) virus continue to be reported in China. The virus has been detected in poultry in China as well. While mild illness in human cases has been seen, most patients have had severe respiratory illness and some people have died. No cases of H7N9 outside of China have been reported. The new H7N9 virus has not been detected in people or birds in the United States.

Seasonal Influenza

Weekly Flu View – February 15 (CDC)

This is a weekly influenza surveillance report prepared by CDC Influenza Division. All data are preliminary and may change as CDC receives more reports.

Planning and Preparedness: Health Professionals and Seasonal Flu – (HHS)

Health care providers play an important role during flu season. The following guidance and information will assist health care providers and service organizations to plan and respond to seasonal flu.

Travel Safety

Current Travel Warnings – February 23 (US Department of State)

Travel Warnings are issued when long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable lead the State Department to recommend that Americans avoid or consider the risk of travel to that country. A Travel Warning is also issued when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff.

Food, Drug and Device Safety

NEW:FDA Investigates presence of Listeria in some Hispanic-style Cheeses – February 23 (FDA)

The FDA is warning consumers not to eat any of the following brands of cheese manufactured or repackaged by Roos Foods of Kenton, Delaware: Mexicana, Amigo, Santa Rosa De Lima, and Anita. Roos Foods has voluntarily recalled all lots and all types of cheese distributed under these brands. These products were distributed through retail stores in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program – (HHS/USFDA)

Your FDA gateway for clinically important safety information and reporting serious problems with human medical products.

FoodSafety.gov Reports FDA and USDA Food Recalls, Alerts, Reporting & Resources – (HHS/UDSA/FDA/CDC/NIH)

For recalls and alerts by both FDA and USDA, or to report a problem or make inquiries.