PKIDs Infectious Disease News

Jet Plunges After Hole Forms In Fuselage (CBS 46 News Atlanta)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:10:48 PDT

All 350 people on board a Qantas airlines jumbo jet are safe after a harrowing flight.

CDC, FDA Release Statement Saying HPV Vaccine Gardasil Remains Safe, Effective (Medical News Today)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:09:46 PDT

Officials from CDC and FDA on Tuesday released a statement that says a review of available information by the two agencies has found that Merck's human papillomavirus vaccine Gardasil "continues to be safe and effective" for protecting women and girls from a virus that causes cervical cancer, and that its "benefits continue to outweigh its risks," Reuters reports.

Subprime Today: U.S. foreclosures more than double, Wachovia CFO Wurtz to leave (Market Watch)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:06:27 PDT

U.S. foreclosures in the second quarter more than double from the year-earlier quarter and rise nearly 14% from the previous quarter, RealtyTrac says Friday.

Lawmakers To Examine White House Misconduct (WGAL 8 Susquehanna Valley)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:03:30 PDT

A house panel will hold a hearing today to examine whether the Bush administration overstepped its bounds.

Training to handle a real-life pandemic (The Garden Island)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:00:21 PDT

Call it a dress rehearsal. Acting as if pandemic influenza was spreading around Kaua‘i, over 40 organizations, units and interagency partners worked together yesterday to divert a potential disaster.

Flu, gastro outbreaks lay visitors low (Goulburn Post)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:55:42 PDT

MORE than 110 pilgrims have been struck down with highly contagious strains of influenza and gastroenteritis sweeping across World Youth Day accommodation sites.

Prescription Card Promises Drug Savings (KERO 23 Bakersfield)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:48:59 PDT

A new prescription drug card program gives California consumers discounts of up to 75 percent at pharmacies statewide.

Hole In Plane Leads To Emergency Landing (WNBC)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:47:39 PDT

A big hole in the fuselage prompts a Qantas flight to make an emergency stop in Manila.

Herpes killing carp: U of G scientists (Guelph Mercury)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:47:14 PDT

University of Guelph scientists helped determine that a strain of herpes was killing off carp in central Ontario lakes. But it remains unknown whether the Koi herpes virus (KHV), which caused a die-off of fish numbering in the tens of thousands, will spread.

PolyMedix Appoints Two New Directors (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:31:00 PDT

RADNOR, Pa.----PolyMedix Inc. , an emerging biotechnology company developing acute care therapeutic drug products for infectious diseases and cardiovascular disorders, has elected Dr.

Metro Red Line Experiencing Delays (NBC4 Washington, D.C.)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:30:44 PDT

Metro riders who take the Red Line should prepare to have some extra time added onto their trip.

Careful: Germs can pack a bite (The Salinas Californian)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:13:16 PDT

Ever just rinse the kitchen cutting board in between uses? Or wash a load of linens in cold water? Think twice before calling either squeaky clean.

HBOS Better Off Whole (Forbes)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:45:15 PDT

Shares drop on reports that JPMorgan is putting together a consortium bid to break up the bank.

Easy Ways to Keep Your Home Germ Free (Carteret County News-Times)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:26:43 PDT

(ARA) - When was the last time you really cleaned your house? Maybe it was just before the last holiday party or the last time someone you wanted to impress announced plans to visit. You probably organized the clutter, vacuumed, dusted and scrubbed.

Reduce Germs to Stay Healthy Year Round (Carteret County News-Times)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:45:39 PDT

(ARA) - Germs are prevalent everywhere, from surfaces we touch, to the hands we shake, making us susceptible to sickness all year round. So how can we create a lifestyle that limits germs and helps keep us healthy?

Clean Hands and Desks Keep Kids in School (Carteret County News-Times)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:45:20 PDT

(ARA) - Nearly 22 million school days are lost each year due to illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Do You Know What's on Your Shoes? (Carteret County News-Times)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:44:19 PDT

(ARA) - There's no denying that we pick up millions of germs each day; that's why mom always told you to wash up before dinner. But do you consider the dirt on your shoes, which alone carry hundreds of thousands of germs and bacteria and can track them everywhere you walk?

New state law mandates eye exams for students (The Lisle Sun)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:40:43 PDT

Before starting their first day of school, Lisle kindergartners and students transferring from out-of-state schools must get an eye examination, according to an amendment to the Illinois Child Health Code.

Washer gives grocery-cart blanch (Seattle Times)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:25:09 PDT

The Kirsch brothers want you to know: At Chevy Chase Supermarket, it is safe to lick the shopping carts. Not that they recommend it, but...

Congress approves $48 billion for global AIDS fight (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:05:21 PDT

WASHINGTON - The House voted yesterday to triple money to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis around the world, giving new punch to a program credited with saving or prolonging millions of lives in Africa alone.

House passes broader plan to fight AIDS (International Herald Tribune)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 01:00:46 PDT

The House voted Thursday to triple financing to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis, giving new life to a program credited with saving or prolonging millions of lives in Africa alone.

Medical Briefs (St. Charles Journal)

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:04:43 PDT

YMCA revamps its fitness center The St. Charles County Family YMCA is offering a free fitness consultation and one-week pass to residents who come in to test out the facility's new fitness equipment. The YMCA is located at 3900 Shady Springs Lane in St. Peters.

Sexual infections skyrocket among Gen Y (The Star)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:23:56 PDT

Lily has always been pretty savvy about safe sex. The 24-year-old nursing student used protection when she had sex with her first boyfriend several years ago, and on the one occasion the condom broke, she had a sexually transmitted infection (STI) check-up.

Ukraine President Names Poisoner (Nasdaq)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:21:36 PDT

(RTTNews) - Thursday, Ukraine President Victor Yushchenko implicated a former close friend in the near-lethal dioxin poisoning case in September 2004.

Notice of MIGENIX General Meeting of Shareholders (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 20:22:00 PDT

MIGENIX Inc. , a clinical-stage developer of drugs for infectious diseases, advises that the directors of MIGENIX Inc. have called a general meeting of shareholders to be held at 2:00 p.m. on October 31, 2008, at 102 - 2389 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, British Columbia.

Spanish Banks Sapped By Economic Slump (Forbes)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:45:15 PDT

As the government slashes growth forecasts, three banks report a sharp increase in loan default rates.

Good Hygiene Can Ward Off Staph (FOX 13 Memphis)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:39:13 PDT

Your kitchen sink, your door knobs, the buttons on your telephone are things most of us touch every day and they're often crawling with germs and bacteria that can make you sick. The staph infection is one of the most common and dangerous bacteria, especially in the summer time. But experts say paying attention to good hygiene is your best line of defense.

Both drugs and condoms needed to stop HIV: study (Reuters)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:36:09 PDT

HONG KONG (Reuters) - HIV infections could quadruple over 10 years if HIV-positive people who are taking antiretroviraldrugs become complacent and stop using condoms, researchers in Australia warned.

Both drugs and condoms needed to stop HIV - study (AlertNet)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:13:09 PDT

Source: Reuters HONG KONG, July 25 (Reuters) - HIV infections could quadruple over 10 years if HIV-positive people who are taking antiretroviraldrugs become complacent and stop using condoms, researchers in Australia ...

A dangerous precedent in HIV (News-Medical-Net)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:12:13 PDT

Infection with HIV could quadruple in certain populations if people with HIV follow potentially misleading advice contained in a statement from the Swiss Federal Commission for HIV/AIDS, University of New South Wales (UNSW) research warns.

Both drugs and condoms needed to stop HIV: study (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:10:58 PDT

HIV infections could quadruple over 10 years if HIV-positive people who are taking antiretroviraldrugs become complacent and stop using condoms, researchers in Australia warned.

How they voted: House roll call on AIDS bill (AP via Yahoo! News)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:21:30 PDT

The 303-115 roll call Thursday by which the House passed a bill that would triple the money to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis around the world.

Congress votes to triple money for AIDS victims (USA Today)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:06:24 PDT

The House voted Thursday to triple money to fight AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis around the world, giving new life and new punch to a program credited with saving or prolonging millions of lives in Africa alone.

Woman hospitalised (The Maitland Mercury)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:43:30 PDT

A woman is in a serious but stable condition in a Hunter hospital with a confirmed case of meningococcal disease. Antibiotic treatment has been arranged for the woman's close contacts as a precaution to prevent spread of infection.

Hamlet 2 Review (UGO - UnderGroundOnline)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:23:18 PDT

Hamlet 2 feels like it was beamed in from around 1984 or so. Visually undistinguished, but consistently rude and ribald, it gets by because of a great central performance by Steve Coogan as out-of-work actor/high school drama teacher Dana Marschz.

Ten Messy Celebrity Divorces [Gossip] (Gawker)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:21:32 PDT

If Hulk Hogan can't make it work with his lookalike, equally bleached-blond wife, what hope is there for the rest of us? And what about Matthew Broderick and those rumors of his cheating on...

Smokers Struck by Influenza Face Higher Mortality Rates (HealthCentral.com)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:09:53 PDT

Copyright © 2008 ScoutNews LLC. All rights reserved. THURSDAY, July 24 (HealthDay News) -- In experiments with mice, U.S. researchers have discovered why viral infections have more severe consequences in smokers than in nonsmokers.

Smokers Struck by Influenza Face Higher Mortality Rates (KOLD News 13 Tuscon)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:03:39 PDT

THURSDAY, July 24 (HealthDay News) -- In experiments with mice, U.S. researchers have discovered why viral infections have more severe consequences in smokers than in nonsmokers.

Gulp! Mystery oyster killer threatens to deprive France of its precious delicacy (Times Online)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:42:59 PDT

Gastronomes are in a cold sweat over warnings that they might be deprived of a cherished delicacy by a mystery disease that is devastating France's oyster population.

Norovirus outbreak at Avalon (Sonoma Index-Tribune)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:17:58 PDT

An outbreak of norovirus has reportedly required a quarantine at Avalon at Sonoma, the assisted-living facility on Napa Road. The outbreak was confirmed by relatives of an Avalon resident who were told a quarantine had been imposed and that the resident would be confined to a bedroom for four days.

Going viral: Israeli doctor fights disease around the world (J. the Jewish News Weekly of Northern California)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:15:36 PDT

He doesn’t wear a tuxedo, pack a Beretta or drive an Aston Martin, but Dr. Michael Alkan is Israel’s James Bond of medicine. He might turn up in Botswana to teach local doctors how to combat infectious diseases. Or he might spend a month in Ecuador setting up a hospital.

JCI table of contents: July 24, 2008 (EurekAlert!)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:08:41 PDT

Jack Elias and colleagues, at Yale University School of Medicine, have performed new studies in mice that provide mechanistic insight into why viral infections have more severe consequences in individuals exposed to cigarette smoke than in those not exposed to cigarette smoke (e.g., influenza-infected smokers have increased mortality when compared with influenza-infected nonsmokers).

Smokers Struck by Influenza Face Higher Mortality Rates (HealthDay via Yahoo! News)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:01:42 PDT

THURSDAY, July 24 (HealthDay News) -- In experiments with mice, U.S. researchers have discovered why viral infections have more severe consequences in smokers than in nonsmokers. For example, smokers with influenza are more likely to die than nonsmokers with influenza.

NIAID announces revised priorities for HIV vaccine research (EurekAlert!)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 11:09:11 PDT

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is reshaping its research enterprise to broaden HIV vaccine discovery activities.

Eagle's Eye: Blood groups, health & nature (Central Chronicle)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:53:43 PDT

Blood and fluids are vital elements for our body. Does it not, therefore, call for a serious study of parameters involving these two items? Perhaps, we will succeed in bringing succour to the ailing masses of humanity-Dr Alok Mishra & SN Patra

CMV infections affect more than just patients with compromised immune systems, researchers find (EurekAlert!)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:53:35 PDT

An infection due to a virus called cytomegalovirus (CMV), which most commonly affects people with compromised immune systems, can also affect hospital intensive-care patients who have no immune-system problems, University of Washington researchers have found.

Julie Deardorff: Cell phone can save you ... or kill you (Chicago Tribune)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:24:45 PDT

45 Infected Herds to Die in Bovine Tuberculosis Buyout Program (FOX 9 News Twin Cities)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:10:06 PDT

Calling it "a significant step toward eradicating bovine tuberculosis from northwest Minnesota," said Joe Martin, state bovine TB coordinator, 45 herds in the bovine TB Management Zone will be bought out by the Board of Animal Health.

Gambia: MRC Research Projects Successful in URR (AllAfrica.com)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:22:02 PDT

The four major research projects in the Upper River Region implemented by the Medical Research Council (MRC), are said to on course with the understanding of the communities and support by the government.

Sexual Taboos Hampering HIV/AIDS Efforts In Pakistan, Study Says (Medical News Today)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:09:57 PDT

Taboos about sex in Pakistan make it difficult to address HIV/AIDS and are hindering efforts to curb the spread of the disease, according to a study published recently in the Lancet Infectious Diseases, the New York Times reports.

Maryland's Emergent BioSolutions awarded $4.5M in grants (TechJournal South)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:35:44 PDT

ROCKVILLE, MD -Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) has secured two grants totaling over $4.5 million from The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to fund the continued development of the companyâ€™s rBOT and NGAV vaccine candidates.

Emergent Biosolutions And University Of Oxford Form Joint Venture To Develop An Advanced Tuberculosis Vaccine (Medical News Today)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:12:18 PDT

The University of Oxford and Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) has announced that they have formed a joint venture, The Oxford-Emergent Tuberculosis Consortium Ltd. (the "Consortium"), to further develop MVA85A, the world's most clinically advanced vaccine candidate for the prevention of tuberculosis.

IMF Loans Linked To Higher Tuberculosis Death Rates (Medical News Today)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:12:05 PDT

Unintended consequences of foreign aid often plague beneficent giving. A study published in the open-access journal PLoS Medicine has found that loans to former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern European countries made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) between 1992 and 2002 were linked to a 16.6% rise in death rates from tuberculosis (TB).

Certain Foreign-Born Populations In United States Have Higher Risk Of Tuberculosis (Medical News Today)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:11:46 PDT

When finding and treating latent tuberculosis in the United States, higher yields are found in foreign-born persons who have recently entered the country from certain high-risk populations, including individuals from sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia, according to a study released on July 22 in JAMA. Tuberculosis (TB) control has improved progressively over the last years.

Warning after meningitis cluster (BBC News)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:47:01 PDT

Parents are told to be vigilant after a small cluster of bacterial meningitis in a Cornish town.

Around 37,000 at risk of death if pandemic flu strikes (icWales)

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:03:44 PDT

HALF the population of Wales could fall ill and 37,000 people may die if the nation is hit by a pandemic flu outbreak, according to Assembly Government estimates.

Frisco man named ‘Public Citizen of the Year’ (The Frisco Enterprise)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:11:41 PDT

Frisco resident Glenn Kopanski is known as “the cat in the Metroplex” for his ability to escape death, and his unrelenting perseverance has earned him the National Association of Social Workers Public Citizen of the Year award for the state of Texas.

Wyeth Pearl River Facility Earns OSHA VPP Star; 2,000th Workplace Recognized In U.S. (SafetyOnline)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:43:13 PDT

Wyeth announced recently that its manufacturing and research facility in Pearl River, N.Y., has earned the highest recognition for workplace safety and health from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) "star." Wyeth Pearl River is the 2,000th site in the U.S. to be accepted into the VPP, and Wyeth's eighth ...

Is it informed consent or a jab in ignorance? (Scoop.co.nz)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:16:04 PDT

The Maori Party candidate for Te Tai Tonga is demanding that the Labour Government front up to the people over the failures of the MeNZB vaccine to protect our children.

Emergent BioSolutions Awarded Two Grants from NIAID to Support Development of the Company's Recombinant Botulinum ... (Finanzen.net)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:20:54 PDT

Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced today that it has secured two grants totaling over $4.5 million from The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to fund the continued development of the company’s ...

Emergent BioSolutions Awarded Two Grants from NIAID to Support Development of the Company's Recombinant Botulinum ... (Centre Daily Times)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:18:12 PDT

Vaccine's traces still effective (The New Zealand Herald)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:58:18 PDT

People who have been vaccinated against New Zealand's epidemic strain of meningococcal disease will retain a "memory" of it in their immune system, even though the associated antibodies will have dropped below the protective level, a leading scientist says.

ISENTRESS(R) (raltegravir), Merck's First in Class Integrase Inhibitor, Suppressed HIV-1 Viral Load and Increased CD4 ... (Centre Daily Times)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:29:37 PDT

ISENTRESS(R) (raltegravir), Merck's first-in-class HIV-1 integrase inhibitor, suppressed HIV-1 viral load and increased CD4 cell counts through 48 weeks of combination therapy with other anti-HIV medicines compared to placebo in combination with other anti-HIV medicines in HIV-infected patients with triple-class resistant virus failing current therapy. These results from two pivotal Phase III ...

ISENTRESS(R) (raltegravir), Merck's First in Class Integrase Inhibitor, Suppressed HIV-1 Viral Load and Increased CD4 ... (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:00:00 PDT

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J.----ISENTRESS® , Merck's first-in-class HIV-1 integrase inhibitor, suppressed HIV-1 viral load and increased CD4 cell counts through 48 weeks of combination therapy with other anti-HIV medicines compared to placebo in combination with other anti-HIV medicines in HIV-infected patients with triple-class resistant virus failing current therapy.

Restaurant reviews July 7-13 (East Valley Tribune)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:51:53 PDT

These are the worst East Valley offenders from restaurant health inspections reviewed July 7 to July 13. For more details, or to search for any restaurant in Maricopa County, search our database .

Dynavax Enters Into Supply and Option Agreement for Development of Universal Influenza Vaccine (Centre Daily Times)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:33:57 PDT

Dynavax Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq:DVAX) today announced an agreement with Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc. for the supply and development, and possible commercialization, of Dynavax's novel Universal Influenza Vaccine in collaboration with Novartis. Under the agreement Novartis will provide Dynavax a supply of trivalent influenza vaccine, an essential component of Dynavax's ...

U.S. tightens visas with vaccine requirements (News-Medical-Net)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:27:53 PDT

New vaccine requirements will affect anyone who is applying for an immigrant visa for entry into the U.S. and anyone seeking adjustment of status for permanent residence.

Advanced Cancer Therapeutics licenses technology to develop HPV vaccine (News-Medical-Net)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:12:33 PDT

Advanced Cancer Therapeutics (ACT) has announced the signing of two new collaborative agreements that will advance development of the Company's novel human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine program.

Dynavax Enters Into Supply and Option Agreement for Development of Universal Influenza Vaccine (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:05:00 PDT

BERKELEY, Calif.----Dynavax Technologies Corporation today announced an agreement with Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Inc. for the supply and development, and possible commercialization, of Dynavax's novel Universal Influenza Vaccine in collaboration with Novartis.

Mass death of stingrays still a mystery (CNews)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:04:53 PDT

CALGARY - The mystery over what triggered most of the Calgary Zoo's popular stingrays to die off in May will likely remain unsolved, and questions loom over what's next for the expensive exhibit.

Infectious Disease & Immunology Institute Working on Ways to Diagnose, Cure, Prevent Infectious Diseases (Newswise)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:24:14 PDT

A new infectious disease & immunology institute is formed at Loyola University Health System in Maywood, Ill.

Vaccination plan puts health care workers first (Reuters)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:02:09 PDT

Reuters - Essential health care workers would be immunized first if a flu pandemic broke out in the United States, the government said on Wednesday.

Germs a draw at Marian Koshland Science Museum (Inside Bay Area)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:27:52 PDT

The small niche museum that includes exhibits on infectious diseases is part of the National Academy of Sciences and sits inside the National Air and Space Museum.

Tuberculosis Presents Major Challenges to HIV Treatment in Developing Countries (Kansas City InfoZine)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:03:09 PDT

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care and treatment programs in resource-limited settings must aggressively address tuberculosis (TB) and the emerging multidrug-resistant TB epidemic to save patient lives and to curb the global TB burden, a major cause of death for persons with HIV.

Shopping Cart Washing Machine Ensures at Least One Thing in the Grocery Store is Safe to Put in Your Mouth [Cleanliness] (Gizmodo)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:43:24 PDT

Shopping carts are festering hotbeds of germs and disease, or so one would think seeing the expense Chevy Chase Supermarket has put into installing shopping car washing machines in their store. The...

Around West County: (The Capital)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:40:59 PDT

Joshua Malkiewicz and his older brother, Conner, from Odenton Cub Scout Pack 769, watch as their rocket launches from the launch pad, as dad, David, and Robert Mencik from Boy Scout Troop 769 look on.

Vaccine confusion not helpful: Sijnja (Otago Daily Times)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:18:03 PDT

Confusion over information provided to parents about the level of protection offered by the MenzB vaccine against meningococcal disease does not help the credibility of the medical profession, Balclutha general practitioner Dr Branko Sijnja says.

New Eastbridge Report Looks at Voluntary STD products (Centre Daily Times)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:14:37 PDT

Voluntary disability has always been an important part of worksite sales. In fact, in 2007, voluntary short-term disability accounted for the largest percentage of any single product sold on a voluntary basis. VSTD sales totaled an estimated $820 million in 2007.

New Eastbridge Report Looks at Voluntary STD products (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 08:00:00 PDT

AVON, Conn.----Voluntary disability has always been an important part of worksite sales. In fact, in 2007, voluntary short-term disability accounted for the largest percentage of any single product sold on a voluntary basis.

Advanced Cancer Therapeutics licenses technology to develop HPV vaccine (BizJournals)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:27:11 PDT

Advanced Cancer Therapeutics has reached two collaborative agreements to bring a vaccine for the human papillomavirus to market.

Wyeth Edges Out Beat, Raises Guidance (TheStreet.com)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 06:46:16 PDT

On an adjusted basis, the drugmaker beats Wall Street estiamtes by a penny a share.

Pfizer's 2Q Net More Than Doubles, Wyeth's Drops 6.4% (Nasdaq)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:08:03 PDT

Pfizer Inc.'s (PFE) second-quarter net income more than doubled amid cost- cutting and lower restructuring charges, while Wyeth (WYE) had a 6.4% decrease, weighed down by restructuring costs.

AlphaVax begins Chlamydia vaccine programme (PharmaBiz)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:48:34 PDT

AlphaVax announced the initiation of a Chlamydia vaccine programme based on its alphavirus vector platform technology. Genital chlamydial infections, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, have been shown to be the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted disease worldwide.

Advanced Cancer Therapeutics Licenses Technology to Develop Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine (Business Wire via Yahoo! Finance)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:30:00 PDT

LOUISVILLE, Ky.----Advanced Cancer Therapeutics , a for-profit private company dedicated to bringing new anti-cancer therapies to market, today announced the signing of two new collaborative agreements that will advance development of the Company's novel human papillomavirus vaccine program.

Wyeth Reports Earnings Results for the 2008 Second Quarter and First Half and Raises Earnings Guidance (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 04:00:00 PDT

Wyeth today reported results for the 2008 second quarter and first half ending June 30, 2008.

Working from Home? So Are the Germs (Carteret County News-Times)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:15:50 PDT

(ARA) - Working from home may provide many benefits, but a break from germs may not be one of them. Why? A recent workplace study revealed that desktops in home offices harbor more bacteria than desktops in traditional offices.

Directionality In The Evolution Of Influenza A Hemagglutinin (Medical News Today)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:12:17 PDT

Hemagglutinin is an important influenza virus antigen whose fast rate of evolution allows the virus to evade the human antibody response. This phenomenon is called antigenic drift.

ASEAN states to test readiness on bird flu pandemic (AFP)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:45:46 PDT

AFP - Bird flu chiefs from across Southeast Asia have agreed to assess the ability of their governments to respond to a deadly human pandemic of the virus, an Indonesian official said Wednesday.

More Investment In International Surveillance Of Infectious Diseases Vital To Prevent Future Pandemics - Lords ... (Medical News Today)

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 02:09:37 PDT

An influential Lords Committee have today reported that a new and potentially deadly infectious disease emerges somewhere in the world every year and it is vital that there is more investment in international surveillance if pandemics are to be avoided.

Meningococcal warning issued (Warren Advocate)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:16:40 PDT

Warren paramedics would like to remind the community to be alert for the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease as the number of cases generally increases in the lead-up to winter and spring.

‘Superbug’ infections tracking higher at RGH (Portales News-Tribune)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:29:08 PDT

Roosevelt General Hospital staff members are increasingly concerned about the rise of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA infections, at the hospital.

Hawaii prepares for Major Influenza Pandemic (KHNL News 8 Honolulu)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 22:28:03 PDT

HONOLULU (KHNL) - It's an emergency response exercise to prepare for a pandemic, influenza or other viral outbreaks. The drill, called "Exercise Lightning Rescue 08" involves 40 organizations, units, and inter-agency partners.

Meningococcal Shortcomings Apply to Cancer Vaccine (Scoop.co.nz)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:29:15 PDT

Family First NZ says the revelation that the free meningococcal vaccinations that were given to children provide only short term protection, resulting in a false sense of security for parents, also applies to the Gardasil vaccine.

WA News (The West Australian)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:17:44 PDT

New cases of human papillomavirus infection, the single biggest cause of cervical cancer, are set to plummet in Australia over the next 18 months because of a high uptake of a preventive vaccine by teenage girls, fresh figures have revealed.

Minister; Please Explain to NZ Parents (Scoop.co.nz)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:00:15 PDT

''The Minister of Health has released data that shows that only children vaccinated with MeNZB died from meningococcal disease of any strain in 2006 and 2007,'' says Risk & Policy Analyst, Ron Law.

Full facts on jab 'would have helped' (The New Zealand Herald)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:59:18 PDT

Parents should have been told more clearly that the vaccine against New Zealand's epidemic strain of meningococcal disease provided only short-term protection, says the head of the trials that led to its mass use.

Shopping Cart Wash Lets Customers Get Groceries, Not Germs (Washington Post)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:18:17 PDT

The Kirsch brothers want you to know: At Chevy Chase Supermarket, it is now safe to lick the shopping carts.

Health agency spotlights tuberculosis problem (Reuters via Yahoo! News)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:10:02 PDT

Thousands of immigrants arrive in the United States sick with tuberculosis or at risk for the contagious and deadly disease, which points to the need to improve efforts to find them, researchers said on Tuesday.

Moore: Health care to grow in importance (Midland Daily News)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:59:25 PDT

Former MidMichigan Health President Terry Moore thinks health care will only grow in importance in the coming years.

Distinction between shingles, chickenpox (Daily Herald)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:54:00 PDT

"Is my son sick because he's been around my dad?" the stressed-out mother wanted to know. It was bad enough that her father was suffering from a painful case of shingles, now her toddler was starting with a fever.

Cancer deaths history with Australian vaccine (The Mercury)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:01:00 PDT

THE new cervical cancer vaccine is expected to almost eradicate human papillomavirus (HPV) infections in Australian women by 2050 if the high rate of immunisation amongst girls continues.

Cervical cancer vaccine's success (Daily Telegraph)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 07:00:00 PDT

THE new cervical cancer vaccine will almost eradicate human papillomavirus infections in Australian women by 2050 if the rate of immunisation amongst girls continues.

Zimbabwe: STI Cases Increase in Goromonzi (AllAfrica.com)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:07:30 PDT

GOROMONZI District has this year recorded an increase in sexually transmitted infections with an average of 300 cases recorded per month.

Wyeth’s Rockland facility earns OSHA award (Mid-Hudson News)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 04:19:20 PDT

PEARL RIVER – Wyeth pharmaceuticals’ manufacturing and research facility in Pearl River Monday was given the highest recognition for workplace safety and health from the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Study Links Herpes With Widespread Neuropathic Pain (Medical News Today)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:12:10 PDT

Reactivation of genital herpes is linked in some cases with the emergence of widespread neuropathic pain, according to a Finnish study reported in The Journal of Pain. In the clinic at the University of Helsinki, 17 patients were examined who presented widespread chronic pain with no visible lesions in brain magnetic imaging.

Young People Carry Disproportionate Burden Of Sexually Transmitted Infections In UK (Medical News Today)

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:09:58 PDT

The Health Protection Agency has reported a 6% increase in the total number of new sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosed in 2007 compared to 2006.

SKorea to start year-round monitoring for bird flu (AFP)

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:30:34 PDT

AFP - South Korea will start year-round monitoring for bird flu after this year's outbreak -- the country's worst -- began later than normal, the agriculture ministry said Tuesday.

In safe hands (The New Straits Times)

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:17:43 PDT

Poster used in the Cape Town study to educate children on proper ways to wash their hands. Wash your hands and reduce the risk of an infectious disease, writes KASMIAH MUSTAPHA.

Study charts HPV prevalence (Explorer News)

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 12:36:17 PDT

Researchers from the Arizona Cancer Center recently completed a study on the prevalence of the anal human papillomavirus (HPV) in heterosexual men. Much research concerning HPV has focused mainly on women — for example, developing a vaccine for HPV in women — and on homosexual men.

Study Links Herpes with Widespread Neuropathic Pain (Newswise)

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:24:04 PDT

Reactivation of genital herpes is linked in some cases with the emergence of widespread neuropathic pain, according to a Finnish study reported in The Journal of Pain.

Free Lecture On Meningococcal Disease (Garden City News)

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:07:35 PDT

Has your college-bound child been vaccinated yet? Learn the new recommendations for the meningococcal vaccine, as well as the signs and symptoms of the disease at Winthrop-University Hospital's free lecture on Thursday, July 31, 2008, at 7:00 PM. The program will be held at Winthrop's Community Outreach Center, located at 101 Mineola Boulevard, at the corner of Second Street in Mineola.

AlphaVax Announces Initiation of Chlamydia Vaccine Program (PR Newswire via Yahoo! Finance)

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:21:00 PDT

AlphaVax announced today the initiation of a Chlamydia vaccine program based on its alphavirus vector platform technology. Genital chlamydial infections, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, have been shown to be the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted disease worldwide.

Mother says son got a severe sunburn despite suit and sunscreen (The Yarmouth County Vanguard)

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:01:21 PDT

By Tina Comeau THE VANGUARD NovaNewsNow.com Gloria Sabean thought she and her family were doing things right when it came to keeping her five-year-old son Robert safe...

SA teenager has meningococcal (Adelaide Now)

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:00:00 PDT

A 19-YEAR-OLD man is in hospital with invasive meningococcal disease, the seventh case reported in South Australia this year.

ACLU To Lobby Florida School District To Abandon Abstinence-Only Sex Education (Medical News Today)

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 04:09:37 PDT

The American Civil Liberties Union recently announced that it plans to lobby the Volusia County School District in Florida to abandon its abstinence-only education program and to teach children how to prevent unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, the Orlando Sentinel reports. According to the Sentinel, Florida since 1991 has required its schools to teach human sexuality.

Commercial Sex Work, Lack Of Knowledge About STIs Contributing To Spread Of HIV In Afghanistan (Medical News Today)

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 02:09:57 PDT

As high food prices, drought, unemployment and a lack of socioeconomic opportunities lead some women and young girls in northern Afghanistan to enter commercial sex work, health specialists say they are concerned that limited knowledge about sexually transmitted infections and preventive measures are affecting the number of HIV/AIDS cases in the country, IRIN/PlusNews reports.

Woman has stroke after shot No link has been established but worries but worries increase as reports surface (The Frederick News-Post)

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 23:04:30 PDT

The only vaccine approved to target human papillomavirus is under fire as reports surface of serious side effects and even death among young women who received it.

Human Cytomegalovirus Employs A Viral Cloaking Device To Evade The Immune System (Medical News Today)

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 02:11:58 PDT

Viruses achieve their definition of success when they can thrive without killing their host. Now, biologists Pamela Bjorkman and Zhiru Yang of the California Institute of Technology have uncovered how one such virus, prevalent in humans, evolved over time to hide from the immune system.

Human cytomegalovirus uses a cloaking device to evade the immune system (New Kerala)

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 03:01:42 PDT

Washington, July 19 : American scientists have found that human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) uses a cloaking device, partly made of stolen goods from healthy cells, to avoid being detected and killed by the immune system.

Indonesian man dies of bird flu (AP)

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:27:41 PDT

AP - An Indonesian cargo worker died of bird flu, relatives confirmed Thursday, raising the unofficial toll in the world's hardest hit nation to 111 in three years.

Vical says its DNA vaccine for bird flu works (Reuters)

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:27:20 PDT

Reuters - A DNA-based vaccine against avian influenza can safely stimulate the immune system to levels expected to protect against flu, San Diego-based Vical Inc reported on Thursday.

Rutherford finds form at trials (BBC News)

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:16:03 PDT

Greg Rutherford claims the long jump title at the British Olympic trials - plus a round-up

Experts identify genes for bird flu replication (Reuters)

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:08:46 PDT

Reuters - Scientists have identified around 100 genes that the H5N1 bird flu virus needs in a host in order to replicate, and this finding may help in the hunt for ways to block its proliferation.

SKorea lifts bird flu restrictions (AP)

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:23:28 PDT

AP - South Korea said Monday it has lifted all special restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of bird flu after a series of recent outbreaks.

Reserving Tamiflu for workers in case of pandemic (AP)

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:58:05 PDT

AP - Fears of bird flu are receding and sales of the anti-flu drug Tamiflu have slumped. Now its maker is offering a deal to U.S. employers: Pay an annual fee and reserve enough to protect every worker if a new super-flu strikes.

Mexico bans Arkansas poultry for now on bird flu (Reuters)

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:47:18 PDT

Reuters - Mexico will ban all imports of poultry and poultry products from Arkansas after a small flock in that U.S. state had been exposed to a mild form of bird flu, the agriculture ministry said on Wednesday.

U.S. Flu Activity Report - Week Ending May 17 (Week 20)

Fri, 23 May 2008 21:15:00 PDT

Latest information on influenza activity in the United States.

The 2007-2008 Flu Season

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 14:30:00 PDT

Answers to your questions about the 2007-2008 flu season

Influenza Antiviral Drug Resistance

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:20:00 PDT

Information on antiviral drugs and antiviral resistance monitoring in the U.S. for the 2007-08 influenza season.

Intravenous Palivizumab and Ribavirin Combination for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease in High-Risk Pediatric Patients

Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:28:53 PDT

Background: Risk factors for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease include prematurity, congenital heart disease, chronic lung disease, and immunocompromised states. There is no consensus concerning the most effective therapy for severe RSV infection in high-risk patients. Palivizumab is approved for prevention of RSV disease, and ribavirin is approved for treatment of RSV infections but its efficacy in high-risk patients has not been conclusively established.

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