Infectious Diseases & Vaccines | The Pump Handle

Environmental Health State, local public health lose critical funding because Congress fails to act on Zika: ‘Yes, we should be scared’

May 27, 2016 Kim Krisberg 2Comment

“In my darker hours when I’m sleeping at night, that’s where I go.” Those are words from Eric Blank, senior director for public health systems at the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), talking about the enormous difficulties that public health labs faced in confronting the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic. Now he fears that without emergency federal funds and in the face of new funding cuts, Zika virus will force the nation’s critical public health lab network into that same scenario — or into something even worse.

Infectious Diseases & Vaccines Yellow fever, Zika virus, and lessons we have to keep learning

May 26, 2016 Liz Borkowski, MPH 5Comment

Federal investment in controlling infectious diseases has saved lives and averted economic losses in the past. But without sustained support for public health and preparedness, we’ll remain at risk.

Environmental Health With mosquito season around the corner, Congress drags its feet on Zika funding

May 12, 2016 Kim Krisberg 8Comment

With near constant news on the threat of Zika virus and a quickly growing evidence base detailing the virus’ devastating impact on fetal brain development, you’d think Congress could get its act together to make sure our public health system is fully prepared and equipped to confront the mosquito-borne disease. Sadly, you’d be wrong.

Infectious Diseases & Vaccines Zika in the US: Resources from CDC, disappointing responses from lawmakers

April 11, 2016 Liz Borkowski, MPH 1Comment

As summer approaches, mosquito bites will become common, and the Zika virus could start spreading in parts of the continental US. Although public health officials are working hard to address this threat, the response from many lawmakers has been disappointing and, in some cases, erected barriers to successful research.

Government Study: Vaccine refusal is fueling the spread of potentially deadly diseases

March 23, 2016 Kim Krisberg 4Comment

A recent study finds vaccine refusals have, indeed, accelerated the resurgence of whooping cough and measles here in the U.S. The findings are making headlines around the country — and comment sections are filling up with vitriol from anti-vaxxers — but it would feel amiss not to highlight the study on a blog dedicated to public health. But first, let’s remind ourselves of the pain and suffering that preceded vaccines.

Food Safety & Nutrition Public health ROI: Foodborne illness network is saving thousands of lives and millions of dollars

March 18, 2016 Kim Krisberg

In another example of the value of investing in public health, a recent study finds that PulseNet, a national foodborne illness outbreak network, prevents about 276,000 illnesses every year, which translates into savings of $507 million in medical costs and lost productivity. That’s a pretty big return on investment for a system that costs just $7.3 million annually to operate.

Child Labor More evidence that paid sick leave is good for working families and public health

March 8, 2016 Kim Krisberg

It seems obvious that workers with paid sick leave are more likely to stay home and seek out medical care when they or a family member is ill. But it’s always good to confirm a hunch with some solid data.

Infectious Diseases & Vaccines Zika research: Microcephaly, stem cells, and, Guillain-Barré

March 7, 2016 Liz Borkowski, MPH 2Comment

Over the past few weeks, new published research has provided more evidence linking Zika virus to poor health outcomes

Cancer Study: Dramatic drop in HPV cases since introduction of the HPV vaccine

February 25, 2016 Kim Krisberg 9Comment

Another day, another study on the potentially life-saving impact of vaccines. This time it’s a new study on the vaccine against human papillomavirus, or HPV, a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to cervical cancer. Earlier this week, researchers announced that since the vaccine came on the scene, rates of HPV among young women in the U.S. have plummeted.

Environmental Health Achoo!! No paid sick leave for 91% of Arkansas poultry workers

February 5, 2016 Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH

On the day that Arkansas-based Tyson Foods announced $461 million in quarterly profits, a survey of Arkansas poultry workers found 91% did not have paid sick leave.