MedWorm: Health Protection Agency

MRSA and C. difficile quarterly update

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:46:09 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has today published a quarterly epidemiological commentary on trends of MRSA (meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) bloodstream infections and C. difficile (Clostridium difficile) infections from October 2007 to December 2009. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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Cases Of Tuberculosis Continue To Increase, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Provisional figures released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) show that cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the UK have increased by 5.5%, from 8,679 reported in 2008 to 9,153 in 2009. The figures, released in the agency's annual TB newsletter ahead of World TB Day on 24th March, show the main burden of this infection is still in London with 3,476 cases reported in 2009, accounting for 38% of the UK total. The West Midlands region reported the second highest number of cases, accounting for 11.3% of cases. A rise in cases was seen in eight out of nine regions... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Cases Of Tuberculosis Continue To Increase, UK

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:00:00 +0100

Increase in tuberculosis cases

Nursing in Practice — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 14:56:55 +0100

Health Protection Agency warns that the UK must remain vigilant to the threat of TB after the number of cases rose by more than 5% last year (Source: Nursing in Practice)

Tuberculosis cases up by 5% in year

Nursing Times Breaking News — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:29:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency has warned people to be vigilant after latest figures revealed the number of cases of tuberculosis rose by more than 5% last year. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Cases of tuberculosis continue to increase

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:21:03 +0100

Health Protection Agency publishes new figures for 2009 (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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Molecular epidemiology of rotaviruses in Bulgaria: annual shift of the predominant genotype

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:01:46 +0100

Abstract Rotavirus molecular epidemiology investigations provide important information about the incidence of rotavirus diseases and rotavirus strains in circulation in the prevaccine era. The purpose of this investigation was to study the burden of rotavirus disease, rotavirus strain diversity, and epidemiology specificities of rotavirus infections in Bulgaria. A total of 3,130 stools collected between 2005 and 2008 were tested by immune enzyme tests. G-P genotype identification of rotavirus strains were performed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Rotavirus etiology was confirmed in 32.4% of the samples tested. Rotaviruses affected predominantly children under 5 years of age (95.5%), with a peak prevalence between the ages of 7 and 36 ...

Key factors in imprecision in radiological emergency response assessments using the NAME model

Journal of Radiological Protection — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Author(s): S M Haywood, P Bedwell and M C HortAffiliation(s): Health Protection Agency, Radiation Protection Division, Chilton, Didcot, Oxon OX11 0RQ, UK; Met Office, FitzRoy Road, Exeter, Devon EX1 3PB, UK (Source: Journal of Radiological Protection)

London: Second Anthrax Case Confirmed In London

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS London can confirm that an injecting heroin user has tested positive for anthrax and is being treated in a London hospital. This is the third case of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user in England since similar cases were first seen in Scotland in December 2009. Twenty-four cases have so far been confirmed in Scotland and one in Germany. Similarities to the cases in Scotland suggest that the heroin, or a contaminated cutting agent mixed with the heroin, is the likely source of infection... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

London: Second Anthrax Case Confirmed In London

Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS London can confirm that an injecting heroin user has tested positive for anthrax and is being treated in a London hospital. This is the third case of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user in England since similar cases were first seen in Scotland in December 2009. Twenty-four cases have so far been confirmed in Scotland and one in Germany... (Source: Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today)

London: Second anthrax case confirmed in London

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:48:31 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS London can confirm that an injecting heroin user has tested positive for anthrax and is being treated in a London hospital. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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Have Your Say On Equality And Diversity Plans - Health Protection Agency

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:00:00 +0100

People with an interest in equality and diversity issues are being encouraged to have their say on the Health Protection Agency's (HPA) new Single Equality Scheme. From now until 13th May, the scheme is under public consultation and Stephen Daniel, chair of the HPA's Equality and Diversity Group, wants people to get involved: "We are committed to providing a health protection service that recognises, respects and responds to the diversity of the communities we serve. In order for us to do that effectively, it's vital for us to listen to what people think about our plans... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Have Your Say On Equality And Diversity Plans - Health Protection Agency

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 02:00:00 +0100

People with an interest in equality and diversity issues are being encouraged to have their say on the Health Protection Agency's (HPA) new Single Equality Scheme... (Source: Public Health News From Medical News Today)

Students' attitudes to the communications employed during an outbreak of meningococcal disease in a UK school: a qualitative study

Journal of Public Health — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:32:39 +0100

Conclusion In outbreak situations, rumours will spread rapidly in the absence of early communication, and this can be a significant cause of anxiety. The use of digital communication strategies should be considered, since they can seed dependable information that will disseminate rapidly through peer groups. (Source: Journal of Public Health)

Have your say on equality and diversity plans

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:05:47 +0100

Consultation begins on Single Equality Scheme (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Update: mumps outbreak --- new york and new jersey, june 2009--january 2010.

MMWR Morb Mortal Wkl... — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: State and local health departments, in collaboration with CDC, continue to investigate a mumps outbreak that began in New York in June 2009. The index case occurred in a boy aged 11 years who had returned on June 17 from a trip to the United Kingdom, where approximately 7,400 reports of laboratory-confirmed mumps were received by the Health Protection Agency in 2009. He then attended a New York summer camp for tradition-observant Jewish boys, where he became symptomatic on June 28. Subsequently, other camp attendees and a staff member were reported to have mumps, and transmission continued in multiple locations when the camp attendees returned home. As of January 29, 2010, a total of 1,521 cases had been reported, with onset dates from June 28, 2009, through January 29, 2010...

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North West: Anthrax Case Confirmed By HPA In Blackpool

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS Blackpool can confirm they are investigating the death of a drug injecting heroin user in Blackpool. The investigation has confirmed that the cause of death was anthrax following positive test results. This is the second case of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user in England, the first announced in London on 5 February. Similar cases have been seen in Scotland since December 2009 with nineteen cases having been confirmed and one in Germany... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

North West: Anthrax Case Confirmed By HPA In Blackpool

Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS Blackpool can confirm they are investigating the death of a drug injecting heroin user in Blackpool. The investigation has confirmed that the cause of death was anthrax following positive test results. This is the second case of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user in England, the first announced in London on 5 February... (Source: Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today)

Another case of anthrax in injecting heroin user in England confirmed by HPA

NeLM - Mental Health — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News An investigation by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS Blackpool into the death of an injecting heroin user has confirmed that the cause of death was anthrax. This is the second case of anthrax in an injecting drug user in England; the first was in London (see CAS communication at link below). Similar cases have been seen in Scotland since December 2009 with 19 cases having been confirmed and one in Germany. Similarities to the cases in Scotland suggest that the heroin, or a contaminated cutting agent mixed with the heroin, is the likely source of infection. (Source: NeLM - Mental Health)

Guidance for the Management of Norovirus Infection in Cruise Ships 2007

Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Specialist Library - Small intestine — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 11:32:40 +0100

These guidelines from the Health Protection Agency, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and Association of Port Health Authorities, are for health professionals, port health, and other agency staff and the crew of affected vessels for the identification and management of norovirus outbreaks aboard cruise vessels. They also form the basis of a standard approach to minimise the impact of the disease being brought aboard a vessel by passengers and crew, particularly during periods of heightened activity of the virus in the UK and other countries where a significant number of passengers are due to join the vessel. This is not a prescriptive document as it is recognised that each individual incident has to be managed according to the circumstances prevailing and the decisions of the outbreak contro...

Trends over calendar time in antiretroviral treatment success and failure in HIV clinic populations*

HIV Medicine — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed the care of people with HIV, but it is important to monitor time trends in indicators of treatment success and antic future changes. We assessed time trends from 2000 to 2007 in several indicators of treatment success in the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (CHIC) Study, and using national HIV data from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) we developed a model to project future trends. The proportion of patients on ART with a viral load 50 copies/mL. Numbers of deaths are projected to remain low. There have been continued improvements in key indicators of success in patients with HIV from 2000 to 2007. Although the number of patients who have ETCF is projected to rise in the future, the number of such patients with viral loads >50 copies/mL i...

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Anthrax Alert For Heroin Users In London

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS London can confirm that a drug injecting heroin user has tested positive for anthrax and is being treated in a London hospital. This is the first case of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user in England since similar cases were first seen in Scotland in December 2009. Nineteen cases have so far been confirmed in Scotland. Similarities to the cases in Scotland suggest that the heroin, or a contaminated cutting agent mixed with the heroin, is the likely source of infection... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Anthrax Alert For Heroin Users In London

Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 08:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS London have confirmed that a drug injecting heroin user has tested positive for anthrax and is being treated in a London hospital. This is the first case of anthrax seen in an injecting drug user in England since similar cases were first seen in Scotland in December 2009. Nineteen cases have so far been confirmed in Scotland... (Source: Bio-terrorism / Terrorism News From Medical News Today)

London heroin user tests positive for anthrax

Nursing Times Breaking News — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 07:00:00 +0100

A drug injecting heroin user is being treated in a London hospital after testing positive for anthrax, the Health Protection Agency announced today. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Anthrax alert for heroin users in London

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:26:06 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and NHS London can confirm that a drug injecting heroin user has tested positive for anthrax and is being treated in a London hospital. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Anthrax alert for heroin users in London

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:06:43 +0100

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Indoor radon concentration measurement in the dwellings of district Poonch (Azad Kashmir), Pakistan

Radiation Protection Dosimetry — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 12:52:11 +0100

The present study deals with measurement of indoor radon concentrations in dwellings of the district Poonch of the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. In this context, CR-39-based box-type radon detectors were installed in drawing rooms and bedrooms of 80 selected houses and were exposed to indoor radon for 3 months. After exposure, the CR-39 detectors were etched for 9 h in 6 mol NaOH at 70°C and the observed track densities were related to radon concentrations. Measured indoor radon concentrations in the studied area ranged from 27 ± 6 to 169 ± 4, 29 ± 6 to 196 ± 4 and 31 ± 5 to 142 ± 2 Bq m–3 in the drawing rooms and 74 ± 5 to 172 ± 3, 32 ± 6 to 191 ± 4 and 27 ± 5 to 155 ± 2 Bq m–3...

Quango bill hits £46.5bn

HSJ — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 11:28:00 +0100

Spending on quangos such as Monitor and the Health Protection Agency has increased by almost £10bn under Gordon Brown, the Cabinet Office revealed yesterday. (Source: HSJ)

What price safety?

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:05:03 +0100

Do the new body scanners at airports expose travellers to excessive radiation?So-called "naked" body-scanning machines at airports, the latest defence against would-be plane bombers, have already raised concern for breaching flyers' privacy and, potentially, feeding the voyeurism of security officials. But could being screened also pose a health risk?The question arises because one of the two types of new scanner – those that deploy "back-scatter" x-ray technology – uses ionising radiation to generate the images that indicate if someone is concealing something dangerous. The Department for Transport, which ordered the introduction of whole-body scanners at all UK airports after the plot to blow up an aeroplane over Detroit on Christmas Day, says that they are completely safe."The l...

Warning over 'souvenir' foetal scan images

Nursing Times Breaking News — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:53:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency has said there is no danger to unborn babies from ultrasound scans used for diagnostic purposes, but warned parents to consider whether they want to have extra ultrasound scans to receive pictures as mementoes. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Warning over 'souvenir' baby scans

NHS News Feed — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:33:00 +0100

Conclusion Ultrasound has a long history of use in medical, surgical and antenatal care. Ultrasound images are produced from echoes formed when high frequency sound waves bounce off organs in the body. Different tissues in the body are characterised by differences in amplitude, arrival times and frequency of echoes, with highly reflective structures such as bone giving the brightest spots on the ultrasound scan. In pregnancy, ultrasound remains the safest way of looking at the developing baby without exposing the mother or baby to the risks of radiation. As the HPA says, there is little evidence of the longer-term health effects of ultrasound exposure to developing babies. However, the fact that antenatal ultrasounds have been used for several decades without any apparent ill effects is pr...

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Scientists Issue Comprehensive Report Into Health Effects Of Ultrasound, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

The independent Advisory Group on Non-Ionising Radiation (AGNIR), which reports to the Health Protection Agency, has reviewed the latest scientific evidence on the health effects of ultrasound (frequencies above 20 kilohertz) and infrasound (below 20 Hz). The report finds that the available evidence does not suggest that diagnostic ultrasound affects mortality of babies during pregnancy or soon after birth. The evidence also does not suggest any effect on childhood cancer risk... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Scientists Issue Comprehensive Report Into Health Effects Of Ultrasound, UK

MRI / PET / Ultrasound News From Medical News Today — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 10:00:00 +0100

Scientists issue comprehensive report into health effects of ultrasound

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:39:40 +0100

Scientists issue comprehensive report into health effects of ultrasound

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:39:40 +0100

Ruling on doctor in MMR scare

NHS News Feed — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:54:00 +0100

The doctor who sparked the MMR controversy was “dishonest, irresponsible and showed callous disregard for the distress and pain” of children, the General Medical Council (GMC) has ruled. The ruling has been reported by many newspapers. The GMC said Dr Andrew Wakefield “abused his position of trust” when conducting research into a proposed link between the MMR vaccine, autism and bowel disorders. He carried out clinically unnecessary and invasive tests on children without ethical approval or appropriate qualifications. Wakefield also failed to disclose conflicts of interest to The Lancet medical journal, which in 1998 published the research paper that sparked the MMR scare. The paper has since been withdrawn by The Lancet and discredited. The scare nonetheless led to a dramatic dro...

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eHealth

Clinical Governance Sitewide RSS Feed — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:03:00 +0100

is a new online education and training service for healthcare professionals, exclusively for the NHS and provided by the Health Protection Agency. The CPD approved online training is funded by the ... (Source: Clinical Governance Sitewide RSS Feed)

From the Lancet to the GMC: how Dr Andrew Wakefield fell from grace

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:37:50 +0100

Sarah Boseley charts the downfall of the consultant whose report led to a drop in MMR uptake and divided medical opinion• MMR doctor 'failed to act in interests of children'It all began with a paper published in the prestigious Lancet medical journal in February 1998.The paper caused a massive slump in the numbers of children being vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella and the repercussions are still with us now – MMR uptake has never completely recovered.The authors were Dr Andrew Wakefield, Dr Simon Murch and Professor John Walker-Smith, who were all at the time working at the Royal Free hospital in London.Wakefield was the lead author of the study and chief proponent of the theory that there was a link between the MMR jab, given to children around the age of 18 months and ag...

Incidence of 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 infection in...

PCCAS: Full newsfeed — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:55:03 +0100

Researchers from the Health Protection Agency report a pair... (Source: PCCAS: Full newsfeed)

Incidence of 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 infection in...

Children's NSF Newsfeed — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:38:52 +0100

Researchers from the Health Protection Agency report a pair... (Source: Children's NSF Newsfeed)

Incidence of 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 infection in...

Public Health Newsfeed — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:44:53 +0100

Researchers from the Health Protection Agency report a pair... (Source: Public Health Newsfeed)

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Common household chemical linked to thyroid disease

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:05:00 +0100

• Household chemical linked to thyroid disease• Scientists call for full investigation into safetyA common household chemical found in everything from sofas and carpets to pots and pans has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid disease, in the first major study carried out on its effect upon health.The substance, used to make nonstick cookware, stain-resistant furnishings and greaseproof wrappers, is believed to get into the body through contaminated food or household dust. Once in the body it accumulates in organs and other tissues.People with high levels of the chemical in their blood were found to be twice as likely to have thyroid problems as those with the lowest levels, according to a survey of medical records of nearly 4,000 otherwise healthy US adults. The study is publis...

Cross-sectional serological study of incidence of 2009 pandemic influenza A H1N1 infection in England

NeLM - News — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Lancet Area: News In the Lancet, researchers from the Health Protection Agency report a pair of cross-sectional serological surveys in which they address the level of pre-existing immunity to 2009 pandemic H1N1 in the population and, estimate the proportion of the population infected during the first pandemic wave in the UK. They obtained 1403 serum samples taken in 2008 (before first wave of H1N1 infection) and 1954 serum samples taken in August and September 2009 (after the first wave of infection) as part of the annual collection for the Agency's seroepidemiology programme from patients in England. They calculated the proportion of samples with antibodies to pandemic H1N1 virus in 2008 by age group and compared the proportion of samples with haemagglutination inhibit...

Nuclear energy risks are not exaggerated

Guardian Unlimited Science — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:05:14 +0100

Most scientists in this field agree that there is danger even in small doses of radiationYou reported the view that radiation risks are exaggerated, but left out vital information on radiation protection (Radiation health threat overstated – Oxford professor, 11 January). The article relied upon and extensively cited a retired professor of particle physics, Wade Allison, who is neither a radiation biologist nor an epidemiologist, and is not in my view an expert in radiation risks. Indeed, the other three scientists quoted in the article pointedly refrained from supporting Allison. His sole contribution to the literature is a self-published book.An article alongside (Nuclear theory: the current consensus) states that "a single dose below 100 millisieverts (mSv) is usually consi...

Health Protection Agency Welcomes Addition Of New Pneumococcal Vaccine To Childhood Immunisation Programme

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) welcomes the Department of Health's replacement of the current pneumococcal vaccine (PCV) with a vaccine that protects against further strains of the disease. The current PCV vaccine in use successfully protects against the seven major strains which cause pneumococcal infection. The new vaccine will protect against the seven strains already contained in the current vaccine as well as six other common strains of the infection. Pneumococcal infection can cause diseases such as pneumonia, septicaemia and meningitis... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Health Protection Agency Welcomes Addition Of New Pneumococcal Vaccine To Childhood Immunisation Programme

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:00:00 +0100

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Pneumococcal serotypes causing pediatric meningitis in Turkey: application of a new technology in the investigation of cases negative by conventional culture

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:43:30 +0100

Abstract The surveillance of serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) provides further insight into the pathogenesis of pneumococcal disease and is important in order to track vaccine impact. Although the Quellung reaction has been accepted as the standard method for serotyping, prior antibiotic use causes a gap in studies based on bacterial culture. A total of 31 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples found to be positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the ply gene during an active surveillance were tested in a Bio-Plex multiplex antigen detection assay capable of detecting 14 serotypes/groups (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F/A, 8, 9V, 14, 18, 19A, 19F, and 23F). Twenty-seven CSF samples could be serotyped. The most common serotype...

Health Protection Agency welcomes addition of new pneumococcal vaccine to childhood immunisation programme

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:03:27 +0100

Children to receive protection against 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Health Protection Agency welcomes addition of new pneumococcal vaccine to childhood immunisation programme

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 11:52:45 +0100

Children to receive protection against 13 strains of pneumococcal bacteria (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Dose estimation software for radiation biodosimetry.

Health Physics — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:19:05 +0100

Authors: Ainsbury EA, Lloyd DC Cytogenetic analysis of chromosome damage in blood lymphocytes is widely used for radiation biodosimetry. Mathematical and statistical analysis is extremely important for accurate assessment of the data and results, and there are a number of classical statistical methods which are routinely employed. However, the large number of different mathematical techniques, the dependence of the models on certain statistical principles, and the complexity of some of the methods can lead to errors in data analysis and thus misinterpretation of results. Cytogenetic dose estimation software has been developed to address these problems by simplifying mathematical and statistical analysis of the cytogenetic data. "Dose Estimate" is a collection of mathematical and statis...

Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:31:38 +0100

A small increase in the rate of flu-like illness in England has been reported this week. The rate remains low and well within the baseline zone. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:31:38 +0100

A small increase in the rate of flu-like illness in England has been reported this week. The rate remains low and well within the baseline zone. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Patchy sexual health LESs are 'detrimental' to patient care

Pulse — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:40:00 +0100

Local enhanced services in sexual health may be ‘perversely worsening’ the provision of care and creating inequalities in access, according to Health Protection Agency researchers. (Source: Pulse)

Patchy sexual health LESs are 'detrimental' to patient care

Pulse — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:40:00 +0100

Weekly pandemic flu media update (8th January 2009)

NeLM - News — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News According to the most recent update from the Health Protection Agency (HPA), most indicators show that flu activity is continuing to decrease across the UK (the indicators may have however been influenced by the holiday period). According to data from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme, the consultation rate for flu-like illness in England has decreased to 11.2 per 100,000 in week 53 compared to 12.7 in week 52. This is below the English baseline threshold of 30/100,000, and therefore the trend estimates previously produced on a weekly basis are no longer appropriate. For further details, please see the link below. (Source: NeLM - News)

'Irrational fears' give nuclear power a bad name

Guardian Unlimited Science — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 20:32:38 +0100

Wade Allison says misplaced health stigma has prevented the full benefits of nuclear energy being exploredThe health dangers from nuclear radiation have been oversold, stopping governments from fully exploiting nuclear power as a weapon against climate change, argues a professor of physics at Oxford University.Wade Allison does not question the dangers of high levels of radiation but says that, contrary to scientific wisdom, low levels of radiation can be easily tolerated by the human body.Most scientists who have responded disagreed with Allison's conclusions, but his comments have highlighted the lack of understanding of how the body deals with low doses of radiation, a crucial issue given it is increasingly used in modern medical procedures such as scanning and cancer treatment.Nuclear ...

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Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:17:45 +0100

The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme has decreased to 12.7 per 100,000 in week 52 compared to 24.7 in week 51. This is below the English baseline threshold of 30/100,000. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:01:16 +0100

Most indicators show that flu activity is continuing to decrease across the UK. Some caution must be exercised, however, as the indicators may be influenced by the holiday period. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:01:16 +0100

Protection of pregnancy patients during diagnostic medical exposures to ionising radiation

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:00:01 +0100

This 24-page advisory document was jointly produced by the Health Protection Agency, The Royal College of Radiologists and the College of Radiographers in March 2009, and aims to reflect current scientific understanding and evidence for the protection of pregnant patients during diagnostic medical exposures to ionising radiation. The document gives a summary of advice before detailing the scientific evidence of the health effects of ionising radiation on the growing embryo, and outlines practical guidance on how to reduce or prevent unnecessary fetal exposure for pregnant patients. Tabular data is used to convey the typical fetal dose of radiation and the associated risks of childhood cancer. This document is aimed at operators and practitioners of diagnostic radiology and is available in ...

MRSA and clostridium difficile data

PCCAS: Full newsfeed — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:36:06 +0100

The Health Protection Agency has published surveillance data... (Source: PCCAS: Full newsfeed)

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Three Children Die With Suspected Meningitis In Suffolk, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) can confirm that three children from the Ipswich area have died from suspected meningitis. The first child died in mid-December 2009. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) can confirm that three children from the Ipswich area have died from suspected meningitis. The first child died in mid-December 2009. At present it is not believed this case is linked to the most recent deaths (31st December 2009 and 1st January 2010)... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Three Children Die With Suspected Meningitis In Suffolk, UK

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 08:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) can confirm that three children from the Ipswich area have died from suspected meningitis. The first child died in mid-December 2009. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) can confirm that three children from the Ipswich area have died from suspected meningitis. The first child died in mid-December 2009... (Source: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today)

Three children die with suspected meningitis in Suffolk

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:27:13 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) can confirm that three children from the Ipswich area have died from suspected meningitis. The first child died in mid-December 2009. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Three children die with suspected meningitis in Suffolk

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 10:27:13 +0100

Weekly swine flu update (31 December 2009)

NeLM - News — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Department of Health (DH) Area: News According to the latest weekly update from the Department of Health, most indicators show that swine flu activity is continuing to decrease across the UK. Some caution must be exercised, however, as the indicators may be influenced by the holiday period. The update also states that: . The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme has decreased to 12.7 per 100,000 in week 52 compared to 24.7 in week 51. This is below the English baseline threshold of 30/100,000. . The estimated cases self referring to the National Pandemic Flu Service have shown decreases in all areas of assessments, authorisations and collections, across all regions and a...

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Three children die with suspected meningitis in Suffolk

Health Protection Agency — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 19:34:55 +0100

Protective custodian

BMA daily feed — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 15:22:17 +0100

David Heymann barely had his feet under the desk at the Health Protection Agency when swine flu hit the headlines. But, the HPA chair tells Polly Newton, the UK agency’s response has been exemplary — and in its staff it has a repository of expertise and experience that it should be more eager to share with the rest of the world (Source: BMA daily feed)

Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:45:59 +0100

Anthrax in injecting drug users

Public Health Newsfeed — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:21:02 +0100

The Health Protection Agency has published an algorithm for... (Source: Public Health Newsfeed)

Anthrax in injecting drug users

PCCAS: Full newsfeed — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:24:09 +0100

The Health Protection Agency has published an algorithm for... (Source: PCCAS: Full newsfeed)

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Sheep farmers still stuck under a Chernobyl cloud

Guardian Unlimited Science — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:05:00 +0100

Ever since radiation from Chernobyl rained down on the UK 23 years ago, sales of sheep in affected areas have been restricted. But frustrated farmers now claim the meat is safe – and that testing should stopLakeland sheep farmers, like the rare-breed Herdwicks many still rear today, are of hardy stock and refuse to be moved by a forecast of rain. It was no different during the first few days of May 1986, when an unseasonably intense downpour lashed down on the Cumbrian fells, topping its tarns and lakes, and driving walkers and day-trippers towards the sanctuary of the tea rooms.David Ellwood – then a 30-year-old sheep farmer who had just taken on a National Trust tenant farm above the hamlet of Ulpha in the Duddon valley – remembers that week well. "It was lambing time," he rec...

Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:21:35 +0100

The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme has decreased to 24.7 per 100,000 in week 51 compared to 29.7 in week 50. This is below the English baseline threshold of 30/100,000. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:21:35 +0100

Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:48:11 +0100

The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme has decreased slightly to 29.7 per 100,000 in week 50 compared to 33.1 in week 49. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Health Protection Agency publishes Annual Evidence Update focussing on HIV in children and adolescents.

Euro Surveill — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 20:32:02 +0100

Authors: Hansraj F PMID: 20003894 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Euro Surveill)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

HPA weekly pandemic flu update 17th December 2009

NeLM - Infections — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News The key points from the Health Protection Agency's weekly pandemic flu update as of 17th December 2009 are as follows: . The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England has decreased slightly to 29.7 per 100,000 in week 50 compared to 33.1 in week 49. This is just below the English baseline threshold of 30/100,000. . The estimated cases self referring to the National Pandemic Flu Service have shown decreases in all areas of assessments, authorisations and collections. . HPA modelling gives an estimate of 9000 new cases in England last week (range 5000 to 19,000) which represents a small decrease from the previous week. . The HPA estimates a cumulative total number of cases of ...

Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:50:25 +0100

Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson to retire from his role

MEDEV News — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

England's Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, will step down in May 2010 after 12 years of service, the longest serving Chief Medical Officer of modern times. Sir Liam is the 15th person to take up the independent role since the first Chief Medical Officer was appointed in 1855 as a response to the cholera epidemics that swept Victorian England. Since 1998, Sir Liam has been at the forefront of reforms to the NHS and major improvements to the country's public health. His work and policy recommendations in the role have led to many reforms including: Smokefree public places and work places; the creation of the Health Protection Agency; the introduction of clinical governance in the NHS; the setting up of the National Patient Safety Agency; new legislation for research using embryo...

Now Gordon Brown can't even count on Sir Elton John's vote

Telegraph Health — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:42:50 +0100

Once regarded as one of the Labour Party's most stalwart supporters, Sir Elton John tells Mandrake that he has now joined, along with his boyfriend David Furnish, the ranks of "floating voters". (Source: Telegraph Health)

Royal College Of Pathologists Vice President Wins Healthcare Scientist Of The YearAward 2009

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 19:00:00 +0100

The Royal College of Pathologists is pleased to be able to congratulate Vice President Tim Wreghitt on his award for Healthcare Scientist of the Year 2009 awarded at the Government's Chief Scientific Officer Conference on November 24. Dr Tim Wreghitt, is a Regional Microbiologist for the Health Protection Agency (East of England) and Honorary Consultant Virologist at Addenbrooke's Hospital. His research interests have centred on viral infections in transplant patients, especially donor-acquired disease and respiratory infections... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Swine flu deaths examined

NHS News Feed — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:51:00 +0100

Conclusion The H1N1 flu pandemic was announced by the World Health Organization on June 11 2009, after the strain first emerged in Mexico in March. So far, this well conducted investigation into all deaths in England known to be attributable to swine flu from July-November 2009 has found 138 deaths out of an estimated 540,000 cases, which is about 26 deaths per 100,000 people (0.026% of those affected). Other points that to note: As the researchers say, the swine flu mortality rate (0.026%) seems much lower than in twentieth-century flu pandemics. They report that the rate in the 1918-9 H1N1 pandemic was 2-3%, and about 0.2% in the subsequent pandemics (1957-8 and 1967-8). About two-thirds of those who died had significant underlying illness, but there was still a third who did not ...

Increase in hepatitis C diagnoses for 2008

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:05:53 +0100

According to latest figures released by the Health Protection Agency, more than 8,000 people were diagnosed with hepatitis C last year in England. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Increase in hepatitis C diagnoses for 2008

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:05:53 +0100

According to latest figures released by the Health Protection Agency, more than 8,000 people were diagnosed with hepatitis C last year in England. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Increase in hepattis C diagnoses for 2008

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:57:38 +0100

According to latest figures released by the Health Protection Agency, more than 8,000 people were diagnosed with hepatitis C last year in England. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

HPA report: Hepatitis C in the UK 2009

NeLM - News — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News The Health Protection Agency has published its annual report on hepatitis C for 2009 which shows that laboratory reporting of newly diagnosed infections in England increased in 2008 by 6% compared to 2007, with 8196 new cases reported in 2008. It is estimated that currently around 185,000 individuals in the UK are chronically infected with hepatitis C (142,000 in England & Wales, 39,000 in Scotland and 4,000 in Northern Ireland). Predictions from the Agency indicate that the future burden of this disease on the health service will be substantial if awareness, diagnosis and treatment do not increase. Recommendations from the report include the following: . All primary care organisations in England and Wal...

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HPA weekly pandemic flu update 10th December 2009

NeLM - News — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News The weekly pandemic flu update from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) as of 10th December 2009 indicates the following: . The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England has decreased slightly to 33.1 per 100,000 in week 49 compared to 38.6 in week 48. This remains above the English baseline threshold of 30/100,000. . The estimated cases self referring to the National Pandemic Flu Service have shown decreases in all areas of assessments, authorisations and collections. This is across all age groups. . HPA modelling gives an estimate of 11,000 new cases in England last week (range 6,000 to 24,000) which represents a significant decrease from the previous week. . The HPA estima...

Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:57:23 +0100

• The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme has decreased slightly to 33.1 per 100,000 in week 49 compared to 38.6 in week 48. This remains above the English baseline threshold of 30/100,000. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

HPA weekly pandemic flu update (3rd December 2009)

NeLM - News — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News The key points from the weekly pandemic flu update (to 3rd December 2009) from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) are as follows: . The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England from the RCGP scheme has decreased slightly to 38.6 per 100,000 in week 48 compared to 39.2 in week 47, but this remains above the English baseline threshold of 30/100,000. . Most indicators show that flu activity is starting to decrease across the UK. . Respiratory syncytial virus laboratory reports continue to rise. . The estimated cases self referring to the National Pandemic Flu Service have shown decreases in all areas of assessments, authorisations and collections, with the exception of a sligh...

Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:53:50 +0100

The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme has decreased slightly to 38.6 per 100,000 in week 48 compared to 39.2 in week 47. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

MRSA and C. difficile continue to fall

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:54:48 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has today published a quarterly epidemiological commentary on trends of MRSA (meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) bloodstream infections and C. difficile (Clostridium difficile) infections from July 2007 to September 2009. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

TB Figures Continue To Increase, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:00:00 +0100

The number of people developing tuberculosis (TB) continues to increase despite earlier signs of stabilising, according to a report released today by the Health Protection Agency. Last year in the UK 8,655 cases of TB were reported to the Health Protection Agency which represents an increase of 2.9% from 2007 when 8,411 cases were reported. The burden of this infection remains in the UK's major urban areas, with London reporting 39% of cases... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

HPA Annual report on tuberculosis surveillance in UK 2009

NeLM - News — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News The Health Protection Agency has published its annual report on tuberculosis surveillance in the UK for 2009. Key findings include the following: . In 2008 in the UK, 8,655 cases of tuberculosis were reported (14.1 per 100,000 population), an increase of 2.2% in the rate of disease compared with 2007. . The main burden of disease was concentrated in major urban areas; 39% of cases were reported from London, a rate of 44.3 cases per 100,000. . The majority of cases continue to occur in the non-UK-born (72%) and those aged 15-44 years (61%). . The rate among the non-UK-born population has declined to 86 per 100,000; most were diagnosed two or more years after entry into the UK (77%). ...

HPA publishes epidemiological commentary on trends in MRSA and Clostridium difficile infections July 2007 to September 2009

NeLM - News — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published a quarterly epidemiological commentary on trends of MRSA bloodstream infections and Clostridium difficile infections from July 2007 to September 2009. The latest figures on MRSA bloodstream infections show a continued decline: overall there has been a 57% decrease in the number of episodes reported during the surveillance period in England, from 1083 cases in Q3/2007 (July to September) to 465 cases during the same time period in 2009. The incidence of trust-apportioned and all other episodes of Clostridium difficile infection have decreased between Q3/2007 (July to September) and the same period in 2009. Between Q3/2007 and Q3/2009, there has been a 61% decrease in the counts of trust-...

Health Protection Agency publishes Annual Evidence Update focussing on HIV in children and adolescents

Eurosurveillance latest news — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

(Source: Eurosurveillance latest news)

TB figures continue to increase

Health Protection Agency — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:55:55 +0100

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HPA publishes data on surgical site infection in orthopaedic surgery (April 2004 to March 2009)

NeLM - News — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This report is an analysis of the data collected by NHS Trusts in England during the five years since surveillance of surgical site infection (SSI) following orthopaedic surgery became mandatory in April 2004. The report covers the following: . Introduction (surveillance of SSIs; requirements of the mandatory surveillance; amendments to the mandatory surveillance in 2008; using the data to inform practice) . Rates of SSI in orthopaedic surgery . Characteristics of the SSI (type; micro-organisms reported as causing SSI) . Variations in rates of SSI between trusts [trust tables are available to view at the link below] Please see the link below for details. (Source: NeLM - News)

When Nature turns cook: An epidemiological feast: Report of the John Snow Society Pumphandle Lecture 2009, delivered by Dr David Heymann

Public Health — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The 17th annual Pumphandle Lecture was held appropriately on 8th September 2009: in 1854 on this day, the pump handle was removed from the Broad Street pump and an enduring symbol of public health intervention was born. Public health needs such anniversaries and the hero of the 1854 cholera outbreak, Dr John Snow, might also have appreciated that the main lecture theatre at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has been named after him. There was a full house in the lecture theatre to hear Dr David Heymann reflect on his epidemiological experience over three decades, helping to solve and control outbreaks from China to Zaire and from Ebola virus to ‘Swine Flu’. Following a career with CDC and then WHO, where he became Assistant Director General, Dr Heymann is currently the...

E. Coli O157 Associated With Travel To Benidorm In Spain, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency is investigating a number of cases of the gastrointestinal infection E. coli O157 associated with travellers returning from the resort of Benidorm in Spain. So far the HPA has been made aware of 14 confirmed cases of E. coli O157 among travellers returning to the UK, with onset dates ranging from 12th - 21st November. All laboratory confirmed cases are adults. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

E. Coli O157 Associated With Travel To Benidorm In Spain, UK

GastroIntestinal News From Medical News Today — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Terrence Higgins Trust Calls For National HIV Screening Programme, As UK Reports Record Numbers Living With HIV

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

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Terrence Higgins Trust Calls For National HIV Screening Programme, As UK Reports Record Numbers Living With HIV

HIV / AIDS News From Medical News Today — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

A Third Of HIV Patients Diagnosed Late, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

A third of adults diagnosed with HIV in the UK last year were diagnosed late, according to figures released today by the Health Protection Agency. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Revised Guidelines For Ready-To-Eat Foods, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Revised guidelines for assessing the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods placed on the market are being launched by the Health Protection Agency today. This latest revision has a different emphasis than previous versions. They are risk based focusing on public health, consumer protection, and provide advice on actions and investigations which should be considered. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

A Third Of HIV Patients Diagnosed Late, UK

HIV / AIDS News From Medical News Today — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

A third of adults diagnosed with HIV in the UK last year were diagnosed late, according to figures released today by the Health Protection Agency. In 2008 there were 7,298 new diagnoses of HIV in the UK with an estimated 32% (2,310) of adults over 15 years being diagnosed at a point after which treatment should already have begun (CD4 cell count (Source: HIV / AIDS News From Medical News Today)

Revised Guidelines For Ready-To-Eat Foods, UK

Nutrition/Agriculture News From Medical News Today — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

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British tourists hit by E coli bug in Spain

Scotsman.com News - Health — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

SEVERAL British tourists have contracted the E coli 0157 infection after holidaying in the Spanish resort of Benidorm, the Health Protection Agency says. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Benidorm E. coli strain in the UK

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:46:09 +0100

The Health Protection Agency is investigating a number of cases of E. coli O157 in travellers returning from Benidorm in Spain. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

E. coli O157 associated with travel to Benidorm in Spain

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:05:38 +0100

Terrence Higgins Trust calls for National HIV Screening Programme, as UK reports record numbers living with HIV

Terrence Higgins Trust — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:55:09 +0100

Data published today by the UK's Health Protection Agency shows that in 2008, an estimated 83,000 people were living with HIV in the UK. This is an eight percent increase on 2007 and means that there are more people living with HIV in the UK than ever before. Some 27% of this total remain undiagnosed and have HIV without knowing it. There are now over 22, 000 people in the UK with undiagnosed HIV.In response to the new data, Sir Nick Partridge, Chief Executive, Terrence Higgins Trust said: “The level of undiagnosed HIV in the country is completely unacceptable. With early diagnosis and effective treatment, most people with HIV can live to old age. If left undiagnosed, they will die earlier, be significantly more ill and more likely to infect others. HIV testing is easy, quick and saves l...

Revised guidelines for ready-to-eat foods

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:33:10 +0100

Revised guidelines for assessing the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods placed on the market are being launched by the Health Protection Agency today. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

A third of HIV patients diagnosed late

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:23:13 +0100

A third of adults diagnosed with HIV in the UK last year were diagnosed late, according to figures released today by the Health Protection Agency. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Rapid HIV Testing First for Liverpool on World AIDS Day

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine - Latest News — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:50:42 +0100

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is leading a partnership with NHS Liverpool Community Health, the Health Protection Agency, Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Liverpool John Moores University, to offer a free, while you wait HIV testing service to anyone in Liverpool on 1, 2 and 3 December, on a drop-in basis with a result in 20 minutes. (Source: Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine - Latest News)

HPA annual report of HIV in the UK (2009)

NeLM - News — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News The Health Protection Agency has published its annual HIV report; key findings include the following: . The number of people living with HIV in the UK continues to rise, with an estimated 83,000 infected at the end of 2008, of whom over a quarter (27%) were unaware of their infection. . During 2008, there were 7298 new diagnoses of HIV in the UK, a slight decline on previous years. . New diagnoses among men who have sex with men remained high in 2008. . New HIV diagnoses among those who acquired their infection heterosexually within the UK have risen, from an estimated 740 in 2004 to 1130 in 2008. . Over half of patients were diagnosed with a CD4 cell count of diagno...

Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:11:59 +0100

The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme has increased slightly to 39.2 per 100,000 in week 47 compared to 35.9 in week 46. This remains above the English baseline threshold of 30/100,000. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

HPA statistics on cases of meningitis C on 10th anniversary of introduction of Group C meningococcal vaccine

NeLM - Immunology and vaccination — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News According to figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA), there were only 13 cases of Meningitis C in 2008/09 compared to 955 in 1998/99, a decline of 99% largely due to the use of meningococcal C vaccine. Prior to the vaccine's introduction in November 1999 around 1000 cases of Group C meningitis and septicaemia were recorded in England and Wales every year, accounting for just under 40% of all meningococcal cases and resulting in over 100 deaths per year. An immunisation expert at the Agency said "the introduction of the Group C meningococcal vaccine to the childhood immunisation programme has proved to be one of the most effective health protection measures of recent years, saving hundreds of lives." However she warns "we...

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

H1N1 rates "not as bad as expected"

Nursing in Practice — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:04:23 +0100

Thousands of children across the country may have had swine flu without feeling ill, the Health Protection Agency says (Source: Nursing in Practice)

One in five children have already had swine flu, says HPA

Pulse — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:50:00 +0100

Nearly one in every three children in some parts of the UK - and between 15% and 20% across the country - have already been infected with swine flu, according to the Health Protection Agency. (Source: Pulse)

One in five children have already had swine flu, says HPA

Pulse — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:50:00 +0100

A third of school children may have had swine flu, HPA warns

HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:20:00 +0100

Up to a third of school children in hotspot areas such as London and the West Midlands may have contracted swine flu during the first wave of the pandemic, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has said. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Independent Nurse News)

10 Years Of Meningitis C Vaccine: Outstanding Health Protection Measure Of The Past Decade

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0100

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

10 Years Of Meningitis C Vaccine: Outstanding Health Protection Measure Of The Past Decade

Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0100

The introduction of the Group C meningococcal vaccine to the childhood immunisation programme has proved to be one of the most effective health protection measures of recent years, saving hundreds of lives said Health Protection Agency (HPA) immunisation expert Dr Mary Ramsay. Prior to the vaccine's introduction in November 1999 around 1000 cases of Group C meningitis and septicaemia were recorded in England and Wales every year. (Source: Immune System / Vaccines News From Medical News Today)

10 years of meningitis C vaccine: outstanding health protection measure of the past decade

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:23:02 +0100

Behind the Headlines: Swine flu latest from the NHS, including strain resistant to oseltamivir in Wales

NeLM - Immunology and vaccination — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: NHS Choices Area: News The Behind the Headlines service from NHS Choices has produced a weekly update on the latest swine flu headlines from the NHS, including details of a strain of swine flu resistant to oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) which has spread between patients at a hospital in Wales. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has confirmed that five patients at the unit, who all had serious underlying health problems and suppressed immune systems, were resistant to the antiviral drug. The HPA said the risk to the general healthy population was low and there was no evidence that the new strain is more virulent than any other type of flu. In addition, the virus was still sensitive to zanamivir (Relenza®). Other topics discussed include: . Who is a ...

HPA statement on possible transmission

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:41:31 +0100

The HPA is working with colleagues from the Public Health Service of Wales to investigate a number of possible cases of person to person transmission of oseltamivir resistant swine flu. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:49:07 +0100

The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme has decreased slightly to 35.9 per 100,000 in week 46 compared to 37.8 in week 45. This is still above the English baseline threshold of 30/100,000. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Superbugs and Superdrugs

Nature Network London - Upcoming Events — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:11:10 +0100

The continued emergence of antibacterial resistant strains of bacteria is placing an increasingly heavy burden on the world’s health services and is having a dramatic effect on global health. There is a real need to develop new antimicrobials to combat this increasing threat; however as highlighted by the recent ECDC/EMEA Technical Report – The bacterial challenge: time to react – “Industry’s pipeline contains very few new antibiotics active against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Without stimulating research and development into new antibiotics, an increasing number of infected patients will be without effective treatment". This conference will bring you up to date with new and emerging products in the antimicrobials market, with a particular focus on antibacterials a...

European antibiotic awareness day

Health Protection Agency — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:17:53 +0100

Today (18th November 2009) marks the second annual European Antibiotic Awareness Day, established to highlight the problem of increasing antibiotic resistance and the need for prudent use of antibiotics. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

E. Coli O157 In Surrey: Update, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of confirmed cases of E Coli O157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey remains 93. No cases are currently in hospital As the number of cases has remained the same for the past three weeks, there will be no further updates on figures linked to Godstone farm. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

E. Coli O157 In Surrey: Update, UK

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:00:00 +0100

E. Coli O157 in Surrey: Update

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:10:08 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of confirmed cases of E Coli O157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey remains 93. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

Reducing The Risk Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From Household Appliances Over Winter, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

With the start of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, the Health Protection Agency is today reminding people to have their fossil fuel and wood burning appliances - such as boilers, heaters and cookers - checked by an appropriately registered engineer before the winter sets in. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Reducing The Risk Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From Household Appliances Over Winter, UK

Public Health News From Medical News Today — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:00:00 +0100

Reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from household appliances over winter

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:03:54 +0100

HPA Advice On The Use Of Sunbeds

Health News from Medical News Today — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

Sunbeds should be off limits to the under 18s and should not be used for cosmetic tanning - say scientists at the Health Protection Agency. The issue of sunbed use has come back into the public eye following the publication of Cancer Research UK research in the British Medical Journal which shows worrying levels of sunbed use by under-18s. The HPA's position on sunbeds is: 'Sunbeds emit UVR. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

HPA Advice On The Use Of Sunbeds

Cancer / Oncology News From Medical News Today — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:00:00 +0100

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

The virus that bugged Anna Friel's West End show

the Mail online | Health — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:12:24 +0100

As the Health Protection Agency reports a rise in outbreaks of norovirus, the winter vomiting bug, DR ELLIE CANNON explains how to deal with it. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

HPA advice on the use of Sunbeds

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:42:48 +0100

Sunbeds should be off limits to the under 18s and should not be used for cosmetic tanning – say scientists at the Health Protection Agency. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Swine flu cases fall by a quarter

Pulse — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:50:00 +0100

The number of estimated new swine flu cases has fallen significantly in the past week, the Health Protection Agency has announced. (Source: Pulse)

Swine flu cases fall by a quarter

Pulse — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:50:00 +0100

The number of estimated new swine flu cases has fallen significantly in the past week, the Health Protection Agency has announced. (Source: Pulse)

Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:55:40 +0100

The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme decreased to 36.0 per 100,000 in week 45 compared to 37.7 in week 44. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

MedWorm Message: Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm Swine Flu RSS news feed - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.

E. Coli O157 In Surrey: Update, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of confirmed cases of E Coli O157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey remains 93. No cases are currently in hospital Notes - Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E coli) O157 bacteria usually cause diarrhoea which settles within seven days without treatment. The diarrhoea may contain blood. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

E. Coli O157 In Surrey: Update, UK

Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses News From Medical News Today — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0100

E. Coli O157 in Surrey: Update

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:17:59 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of confirmed cases of E Coli O157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey remains 93. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Young people in Hillingdon to receive information on how to get Chlamydia tests through the post

Terrence Higgins Trust — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:03:37 +0100

During this month, more than 40,000 young people in Hillingdon will be receiving Chlamydia information through the post and a chance to order a free Chlamydia postal test kit. Young people can get tested for free at many sites in the borough including their GP, local Pharmacies, Contraception and sexual health clinics.Terrence Higgins Trust has been commissioned by NHS Hillingdon to assist their health professionals in running this scheme. Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that affects around one in ten young people. In most cases infected people have no signs or symptoms. If untreated, Chlamydia can cause serious health problems, including infertility in men and women. The main aim is to detect the disease early and provide free treatment.Dr Marion Marshall, a GP at the Me...

Weekly pandemic flu media update

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:43:37 +0100

The consultation rate for flu-like illness in England from the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) scheme decreased to 37.7 per 100,000 in week 44 compared to 42.8 in week 43. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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E. Coli O157 In Surrey: Update, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of cases of E. Coli O157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey remains 94. No cases are currently in hospital. Updates will now be weekly. The next update will be published on Tuesday, November 10. Notes - Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

E. Coli O157 In Surrey: Update, UK

Health News from Medical News Today — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:00:00 +0100

E. Coli O157 in Surrey: Update

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:36:27 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) reports that the total number of cases of E Coli O157 linked to Godstone Farm in Surrey remains 94. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Annual report from the NHS Blood and Transplant/Health Protection Agency Centre for Infections Epidemiology Unit

NeLM - News — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News This is the fifth infection surveillance report from the NHSBT/HPA Epidemiology Unit, presenting donor data for the calendar year 2008 and other horizon-scanning work on emerging infectious diseases, post-transfusion infections and residual risk calculations. Data produced by the unit are used widely throughout NHSBT and the other UK Blood Services to ensure an evidence-based approach is used in donor selection guidelines. This data also contributes to the national haemovigilance scheme - Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT). (Source: NeLM - News)