The Texas Department of State Health Services, with assistance from CDC, is investigating Brucella RB51 exposures and illnesses that may be connected to the purchase and consumption of raw (unpasteurized) milk from K-Bar Dairy in Paradise, Texas. Symptoms of brucellosis can include: fever, sweats, malaise, anorexia, headache, fatigue, muscle & joint pain, and potentially more serious complications (e.g., swelling of heart, liver, or spleen, neurologic symptoms).
Archives for September 2017
Hurricane Harvey – Clinical Guidance for Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that can cause sudden illness and death if present in sufficient concentration in the ambient air. During a significant power outage, persons using alternative fuel or power sources such as generators or gasoline powered engine tools such as pressure washers might be exposed to toxic CO levels if the fuel or power sources are placed inside or too close to the exterior of the building causing CO to build up in the structure. The purpose of this HAN advisory is to remind clinicians evaluating persons affected by the storm to maintain a high index of suspicion for CO poisoning. Clinicians are advised to consider CO exposure and take steps to discontinue exposure to CO. Clinicians are also advised to ask a patient with CO poisoning about other people who may be exposed to the same CO exposure, such as persons living with or visiting them so they may be treated for possible CO poisoning.
Increase in West Nile Virus Activity in Mosquitoes
Based on data collected from May 24, 2017 to July 26, 2017, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, Bureau for Public Health Mosquito Surveillance Program is reporting several West Nile virus (WNV) positive mosquito pools across West Virginia with the greatest number of infected mosquitoes from Cabell County. WNV positive mosquito pools have also been detected in Berkeley, Fayette, Kanawha, Putnam, Wayne, Wetzel, and Wood counties this season.