Parents Of New Babies Should Be Considered For A Whooping Cough Booster, Say Experts

A booster vaccination for parents of new babies and other household members may be the most effective way of preventing the fatal form of whooping cough in young infants, say a group of paediatric intensive care doctors on http://www.bmj.com today. Whooping cough (pertussis) is a distressing infectious disease which affects infants and young children. Read more ...

As part of its investigation into a rare infection that can be associated with infant formula, the New Mexico Department of Health is advising people on the safest way to prepare formula. The Department of Health is investigating two cases of Enterobacter sakazakii illness, a rare cause of bloodstream and central nervous system infections, in a female infant from Lea County and a male infant from Otero County. The male infant has died, and the female infant is hospitalized. Read more ...

It appears that human ganulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) has been identified in China for the first time, and was transmitted between two humans rather than ticks, according to a study published on November 19, 2008 in JAMA. HGA, usually carried by ticks, and has symptoms similar to those of influenza. HGA has been noted in the United States since 1990 and Europe since 1997. Read more ...

Following a Request for Proposal issued in 2007 with the intent to procure an MVA-based, third generation smallpox vaccine, Public Works and Government Services Canada, on behalf of the Canadian Department of National Defence, has awarded a contract to Bavarian Nordic for the delivery of IMVAMUNE®. The Canadian authorities intend to use IMVAMUNE® as part of the country's bio-preparedness programme. Read more ...

Hospitals in Lincolnshire are taking a pro-active approach to battling infections by screening patients for MRSA on admission. At the moment, the United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust screens patients for MRSA who are admitted as an emergency and other groups dependant upon the types of procedures to be undertaken. Now the trust is working towards screening all elective patients for the infection, on admission, by March 2009. Read more ...

Although naturally occurring smallpox was eradicated in 1977, there is concern that bioterrorists might obtain smallpox from a laboratory and release it into the population. Under such circumstances, the supply of smallpox vaccine may be insufficient for universal administration. Read more ...

An international team of biochemists has discovered how an experimental drug unleashes its destructive force inside the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB). The finding could help scientists develop ways to treat dormant TB infections, and suggests a strategy for drug development against other bacteria as well. A report describing the research, led by Clifton E. Barry, III, Ph.D. Read more ...