COCA Email Updates: May 6 - May 20, 2013

Available for download:May 20, 2013, COCA Email Update

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COCA News and Announcements

Recent COCA Call/Webinar

IMPACT 2013 American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) 41st Conference

Date:May 25 – May 29, 2013

Location:Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC

Visit us to learn how COCA provides two-way communication between clinicians and CDC about emerging health threats, pandemics, natural disasters, and terrorism. COCA is a valuable resource that provides clinicians with a variety of products and services including: email updates on emerging health threats; training and conference announcements; direct email access for questions and feedback; and free CE opportunities. See the AAPA webpage above to plan your visit.

Additional COCA Conference Calls
Free CE credit/contact hours (CME, CNE, ACPE, CEU, CECH, and AAVSB/RACE) are available for most COCA calls.

CDC News and Announcements

CDC Science Clips: Volume 5, Issue: 19 – (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:Tomorrow’s Resilient Communities Start with Today’s Plans – May 13 (ASPR)
Every disaster can impact health, so health is reflected in each framework, covering the entire continuum of preparedness. Find out where you fit into the National Planning Frameworks.

NEW:From CDC to ABC: H7N9 from Hong Kong – May 7 (CDC)
Taking on the role of interim CDC director can be an intimidating task, but an impending pandemic can make the position exponentially more daunting. This is the situation Dr. Richard Besser faced in 2009 when he stepped into his new job.

NEW:CDC Media Advisory: CDC releases final West Nile virus national surveillance data for 2012 – May 13 (CDC)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today released the final 2012 national surveillance data for West Nile virus activity. To access the information, please visit

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

Health and Safety Concerns for All Disasters – (CDC)

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)

MMWR publications are prepared by the CDC. Electronically Subscribe

May 17, 2013 / Vol. 62 / No. 19Download .pdf document of this issue

• Spinal and Paraspinal Infections Associated with Contaminated Methylprednisolone Acetate Injections — Michigan, 2012–2013
• Assessment of Risk for Exposure to Bats in Sleeping Quarters Before and During Remediation — Kentucky, 2012
• Microbes in Pool Filter Backwash as Evidence of the Need for Improved Swimmer Hygiene — Metro-Atlanta, Georgia, 2012
• Announcements: Recreational Water Illness and Injury Prevention Week — May 20–26, 2013

Infectious, Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases

Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus

Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus – April 23 (CDC)
CDC is following this situation closely and coordinating with domestic and international partners. This is an evolving situation and there is still much to learn. CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available.

Seasonal Influenza

Weekly Flu View – May 10 (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 – May 17 (US Department of State)
Travel Warnings are issuedwhen 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

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.