Public Health :: CDC Scientist Awarded China’s Highest Honor for Outstanding Contributions to Public Health

Robert E. Fontaine, M.D., CDC senior epidemiologist and Resident Advisor to the U.S. Field Epidemiology Training Program in Beijing, China, has been honored with the Friendship Award of 2007. The Friendship Award is the highest honor given by the Chinese government to recognize non-Chinese experts who have made outstanding contributions to China’s social and economic development.

Sleep :: Disturbed sleep linked to poorer daytime function in older women

One of the first large-scale studies to examine the association of sleep behaviors, neuromuscular performance and daytime function in a community dwelling of older women finds that poorer sleep is associated with worse physical function in older women during the daytime, according to a study published in the October 1 issue of the journal SLEEP.

Ebola :: Ebola haemorrhagic fever in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with the support of international partners, is continuing field investigations to determine the extent of the outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever in the Province of Kasai Occidental. Active surveillance is under way to investigate recent deaths in the affected communities, to identify other suspected cases and to follow-up on all contacts. Case numbers associated with the outbreak continue to rise and the situation has become further complicated by concomitant reports of cases of typhoid and Shigella dysenteriae type 1.

Oral Health :: Wrigley sugarfree chewing gums Orbit, Extra, and Eclipse got ADA Seal of Acceptance

After a rigorous review process, the American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs has awarded the ADA Seal of Acceptance to Wrigley sugarfree chewing gums Orbit, Extra, and Eclipse, because they are clinically shown to help prevent cavities, reduce plaque acid and strengthen teeth.

Infant :: California warns consumers to stop giving Baby’s Bliss gripe water apple-flavored to children

Dr. Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), today warned consumers, especially parents of infants, to immediately stop giving Baby’s Bliss Gripe Water – Apple Flavored to children because it may be contaminated with a parasitic microorganism called Cryptosporidium, a parasite that can cause intestinal infections.