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West Nile Virus :: Sixth West Nile virus bird detected in King County

Even as the mosquito season draws to a close, Public Health ? Seattle & King County continues to find birds infected with West Nile virus. A dead crow found near downtown Kent on October 26th and tested at the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory last week was determined to be positive for West Nile virus. This is the sixth positive bird finding in King County since early October, and is an indication that the virus is likely spread throughout the region.

Health :: Cooking and eating tips for weight loss during holidays

It is possible to enjoy the tempting offerings of the holiday season and still manage your weight, according to nutrition and weight management expert Madelyn Fernstrom, Ph.D., director of the UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center) Weight Management Center.

Child Care :: Heat or eat – the low income home energy assistance program can reduce health risks among young children

Evidence suggests that the stress of heating and cooling costs may adversely impact the health and nutritional status of children and other vulnerable individuals.

Health :: CDC Scientist Honored for Work in School Health

Growing up in the Bronx, Howell Wechsler, EdD, MPH always dreamed of becoming a writer. Not just any writer, but an investigative reporter like his heroes Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, the two Washington Post journalists who broke the Watergate scandal. Wechsler’s journalistic dream took a detour when service in the Peace Corps landed him in Zaire, Africa?a place that would eventually serve as the catalyst for his career in public health.

Flu :: Influenza vaccination for elderly people in residential care homes started

The Elderly Health Service of the Department of Health today (November 6) started the free influenza vaccination programme for more than 60,000 elderly people living in more than 700 residential care homes.

Flu :: Flu vaccination drive to launch

The 2006-07 Influenza Vaccination Programme will start tomorrow, covering 300,000 people considered to be in the eight needy or high-risk groups.

Flu :: Hospital costs for children with flu may be higher than thought

Going into another flu season, a new study reports that hospitalizing children for influenza may cost up to three or four times the previously accepted estimates. Pediatric researchers from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia say their finding strengthens the economic justification for broadly vaccinating children against flu. The cost of influenza-related hospitalizations in children was about $13,000 each — compared to prior estimates of $3,000 to $4,000.

Pregnancy :: Planning and preparation for preterm births

A research paper published in the November 2006 edition of BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology reveals seasonal and environmental variations can result in higher incidences of premature births.

Flu :: Year-round flu shots contribute to higher vaccination rates

It’s flu season, but it may not be the best time to schedule your child’s flu shot, according to one Penn State physician and researcher. Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center pediatrician Ian M. Paul recently studied vaccination records of two high-risk pediatric groups — infants less than age 2 years and children with asthma — and found that year-round scheduling of flu shot appointments contributes significantly to better vaccination rates.

Flu :: Delay in getting flu shots for children

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is alerting parents that there will be a delay in getting flu shots for children 6 months of age through age 3 until at least November. Sanofi pasteur, the sole manufacturer of injectable flu vaccine (FluZone) approved for children 3 years of age and younger, announced a shipment delay. Plenty of FluZone will be available, but pediatricians will receive most of their FluZone supply in November and December.