MedWorm: Health Protection Agency

Current alert level: Level 3 - Cold Weather Action in one or more regions of England

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:00:20 +0100

There is a 100% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 1000 on Thursday and 1000 on Monday in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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Development made in breakdown of a Meningitis B vaccine component

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:24:35 +0100

Scientists from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) are a step closer to ensuring the stability of a component of a vaccine that may one day be used to protect against Meningitis B. The research is published today (Tuesday) in Vaccine. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Current alert level: Level 3 - Cold Weather Action in one or more regions of England

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:18:24 +0100

There is a 100% probability of severe cold weather/icy conditions/heavy snow between 10.00 on Friday and 10.00 on Tuesday in parts of England. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Update on Legionnaires’ Cluster Associated with a Hotel in Spain

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:48:06 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware of nine cases of Legionnaires’ disease in English holiday makers associated with the Diamante Beach Hotel in Calpe, Costa Blanca since January 2012, in addition to four Spanish cases so far reported. Subsequently two of the English patients are reported to have died from their illness. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Outbreak of salmonella strikes UK

OnMedica Latest News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Health Protection Agency says watermelons may be the source Related items from OnMedicaE. coli linked to long-term illnessSalmonella found in kebab shop salads Environment and health link to be tested Poor patients more likely to die after heart surgery than rich'Mad cow's disease' confirmed in patient with haemophilia for first time (Source: OnMedica Latest News)

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Update on Legionnaires' cluster associated with a hotel in Spain

NeLM - News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has been alerted by the Spanish public health authorities about two further cases of Legionnaires' Disease in UK residents who stayed at the Diamante Beach Hotel in Calpe, Costa Blanca. One of these cases is reported to have died. This brings the total number of UK residents associated with this cluster to 11, with three deaths. The HPA will continue to monitor this situation extremely closely and support the Spanish public health authorities who are leading on the investigation and management of this incident. (Source: NeLM - News)

Public Health operational guidelines for typhoid and paratyphoid (Enteric Fever)

NeLM - News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News The aim of this guidance is to support public health practitioners in identifying the sources of typhoid or paratyphoid infection, and reduce the risks of secondary transmission. (Source: NeLM - News)

Current alert level: Level 3 - Cold Weather Action in one or more regions of England

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:37:46 +0100

There is a 100% probability of severe cold weather between 1000 on Monday and 1000 on Friday in parts of England. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Outbreak of Salmonella Newport

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:31:28 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is investigating an outbreak of a strain of Salmonella Newport infection among 30 people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland since the beginning of December 2011. Cases of illness caused by the same strain have been confirmed in Scotland, Ireland and Germany. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

HPA investigates outbreak of Salmonella Newport

NeLM - News — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is investigating an outbreak of a strain of Salmonella Newport infection among 30 people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland since the beginning of December 2011. Cases of illness caused by the same strain have been confirmed in Scotland, Ireland and Germany. The figures compare to 10, 12, and 11 cases over the same period in 2008, 2009 and 2010 respectively. Around 200 cases of Salmonella Newport are reported in England, Wales and Northern Ireland each year. Infection with Salmonella Newport causes a similar illness to other forms of Salmonella infection and symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fever. The head of the gastrointestinal diseases department at the HPA said: ...

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Kytococcus shroeteri endocarditis successfully managed with daptomycin; a case report and review of the literature.

Journal of Medical Microbiology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

We report on the first case of K. shroeteri endocarditis to be treated successfully by daptomycin and review the published literature of K. shroeteri endocarditis. There is no published daptomycin susceptibility data for Kytococcus and additional work was carried out on six other isolates stored at the Laboratory of HealthCare Associated Infections (LHCAI), Health Protection Agency (HPA) Centre for Infections, Colindale, London. PMID: 22301612 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology)

Current alert level: Level 3 - Cold Weather Action in one or more regions of England

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:36:45 +0100

There is a 100% probability of severe cold weather between 1000 on Monday and 1000 on Friday in parts of England. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Identification and genomovar assignation of clinical strains of Pseudomonas stutzeri

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:43:11 +0100

Abstract The identification of Pseudomonas stutzeri clinical isolates through conventional phenotypic methods was compared with identification through partial rpoD gene sequencing. We observed that commercial phenotypic systems easily confuse P. stutzeri with other Pseudomonas species. We also demonstrated that most of the clinical strains of P. stutzeri herein studied (79%) belonged to genomovar 1 of the species. We propose the use of partial rpoD gene sequence analysis as a complementary molecular tool for the precise routine identification and genomovar assignation of P. stutzeri clinical isolates, as well as for typing and epidemiological studies. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s10096-012-1547-4Authors C. Scotta, Microbiología, Depa...

Application of Legionella pneumophila-specific quantitative real-time PCR combined with direct amplification and sequence-based typing in the diagnosis and epidemiological investigation of Legionnaires’ disease

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 06:56:39 +0100

Abstract The detection of Legionella pneumophila DNA in clinical specimens using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) combined with direct sequence-based typing (SBT) offers rapid confirmation and timely intervention in the investigation of cases of Legionnaires’ disease (LD). We assessed the utility of a specific L. pneumophila qPCR assay targeting the macrophage infectivity potentiator (mip) gene and internal process control with three clinical specimen types from confirmed LD cases. The assay was completely specific for L. pneumophila, as demonstrated by positive results for 39/39 strains from all subspecies and 16 serogroups. No cross-reaction was observed with any of the 54 Legionella non-pneumophila (0/69 strains) or 21 non-Legionella (0/58 strains...

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Safe travels? HIV transmission among Britons travelling abroad

HIV Medicine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsA substantial number of UK‐born adults are acquiring HIV infection in countries with generalized HIV epidemics, and in common holiday destinations. Of particular concern is the high proportion of men infected reporting sex with a commercial sex worker. We recommend HIV prevention and testing efforts be extended to include travellers abroad, and that sexual health advice be provided routinely in travel health consultations and in occupational health travel advice packs, particularly to those travelling to high HIV prevalence areas and destinations for sex tourism. Safer sex messages should include an awareness of the potential detrimental health and social impacts of the sex industry. (Source: HIV Medicine)

Health Protection Agency confirms new incinerator study

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:38:14 +0100

A new study to further extend the evidence base as to whether emissions from modern well run Municipal Waste Incinerators affect human health has been approved by the Health Protection Agency. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

HPA helps solve radon problems in West Oxfordshire homes

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:37:19 +0100

Hundreds of homes across West Oxfordshire have been found to have high levels of radioactive gas radon. Last summer, the Health Protection Agency invited about 9,000 householders across West Oxfordshire to apply for a free test for radon, a naturally occurring gas present in all homes. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Hepatitis B vaccination coverage and uptake in prisons across England and Wales 2003-2010: A retrospective ecological study.

Vaccine — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Prisoners are a vulnerable group with a high prevalence of hepatitis B infection and the custodial setting plays an important role in the delivery of hepatitis B vaccination to this hard to reach group. This study suggests that variation in hepatitis B vaccination coverage and uptake may exist by geographical region and prison category. Further research is required to confirm and identify possible explanations for our findings. PMID: 22265944 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

HPA helps solve radon problems in Orkney homes

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:48:03 +0100

Hundreds of householders across Orkney are being advised to act to protect their health, after HPA tests detected high levels of radioactive gas radon. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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16 January 2012: Cold weather plan: Level 3 alert issued

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:56:24 +0100

There is a 90% probability of severe cold weather between 1000 on Sunday and 1100 on Tuesday in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Terrence Higgins Trust seeks views of those living with or at risk of HIV in Shropshire

Terrence Higgins Trust — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 10:34:44 +0100

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is inviting people living with HIV in Shropshire, as well as those at increased risk of infection (gay and bisexual men, and African communities), to have their say on HIV services in the county. Jointly funded by NHS Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire County NHS, the consultation will run until Wednesday 1st Febuary.THT is inviting people from the above groups to contribute their views in a number of ways; either completing an online survey, or taking part in a focus group interview. Topics covered will include safer sex, HIV testing, and knowledge around local services. THT, NHS Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire County NHS will then use the information generated to shape future HIV prevention and care services in the county.HI...

Two Decades of Experience With the Haemophilus influenzae Serotype b Conjugate Vaccine in the United Kingdom.

Clinical Therapeutics — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Control of Hib disease is currently the best that has been achieved since the introduction of the routine Hib vaccination almost 20 years ago. PMID: 22244051 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Clinical Therapeutics)

Cornish radon hotspot targeted

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 10:58:11 +0100

Thousands of households in a part of Cornwall with historic radon problems are being offered a free test for levels of the radioactive gas radon. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

New Guidelines to Control Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Infections in UK Hospitals Launched

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:55:19 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) together with the group A streptococcal (GAS) Working Group* has today launched new guidelines for the investigation, control and prevention of GAS infection in acute healthcare settings, including maternity units, in the UK. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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Experimental hepatitis C vaccine tested

NHS News Feed — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:15:00 +0100

Conclusion This was a small, early-stage human study into a new vaccine against the hepatitis C virus. While such research is required to determine the safety profile of a new therapy, little information on the effectiveness of the vaccine can be gleaned from the study. Phase I clinical trials are designed to determine the optimal dose of a new therapy, and to assess the safety and tolerability of treatments. This study shows that the developed vaccine is well tolerated and safe to use, and the preliminary results indicate that the immune response may be similar to that of people with a natural immunity to the virus. In addition to the small study size and the focus on safety and not effectiveness, there are other practical limitations to the study that should be considered before it is co...

Whooping cough cases double in past year to over 1,000

the Mail online | Health — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:12:52 +0100

Cases of whooping cough have more than doubled in the last year, according to the Health Protection Agency - although they said peaks of this kind are normal. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Whooping cough cases on the rise

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:20:23 +0100

Cases of whooping cough in England and Wales have more than doubled in the past year, says the Health Protection Agency. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Whooping cough cases increase

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:19:26 +0100

Cases of whooping cough (pertussis) reported to the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in England and Wales have more than doubled from 421 cases in 2010 to 1040 in 2011. Increases in levels of whooping cough are seen every three to four years and figures in 2011 are in line with cases reported in the last peak year of 2008. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Practice nurses have 'vital' role in identifying at risk migrants

Nursing Times Breaking News — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:01:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency has called on practice nurses and other primary care practitioners to identify migrants who may be at risk from infectious disease. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

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Majority of new HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis B cases are found in immigrants

the Mail online | Health — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:52:41 +0100

Three-quarters of tuberculosis cases reported in Britain last year were born abroad, with many diagnosed two or more years after their arrival, according to a Health Protection Agency report. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

HPA publishes gastrointestinal infections annual report (2010)

NeLM - News — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published its first annual report on gastrointestinal infections, covering the development of surveillance systems, and reporting surveillance data on food-borne and non-food-borne outbreaks in 2010, then specifically data on Vero Cytotoxin-producing E coli, salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter, Norovirus and other gastrointestinal pathogens. Please see the link below for details. (Source: NeLM - News)

HPA publishes report on surgical site infections

NeLM - News — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published a report summarising data on surgical site infections (SSIs) collected by NHS hospitals and independent sector NHS treatment centres in England participating in one of 17 surgical categories of surveillance between April 2004 and March 2011. Data presented include both submissions made on a voluntary basis by participating hospitals and data submitted as part of the Department of Health's mandatory healthcare-associated infection surveillance programme. Please see the link below for details. (Source: NeLM - News)

HPA publishes report on migrant health

NeLM - News — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published its second report on Migrant Health, and the first UK-wide report (the baseline report focused on England, Wales and Northern Ireland). Please see the link below for details. (Source: NeLM - News)

Seroprevalence of serum bactericidal antibodies against group W135 and Y meningococci in England in 2009.

Clinical and Vaccine Immunology — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Trotter CL, Findlow H, Borrow R Abstract Serological surveillance has been used in the UK to inform vaccine policy for several infections, including group C meningococci. Meningococcal conjugate vaccines, containing capsular groups A, W135 and Y in addition to C are now available but their use in the UK is restricted to at risk groups and travellers to endemic areas. The aim of this study is to establish a baseline for natural immunity for groups W135 and Y. Serum samples collected in 2009 from individuals of all ages were obtained from the Health Protection Agency Seroepidemiology Unit, which collects residual sera from participating laboratories across the country. Serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) activity against two reference strains representing group Y (strain M03 2...

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Winter vomiting bug: 40 hospital trusts and 800 patients fall victim in just 1 week

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:57:11 +0100

The total number of norovirus cases so far this season is up a fifth compared with the same time last year, figures from the Health Protection Agency show. But officials insist the weekly rates are no worse than usual. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

HPA publishes second migrant health report

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 10:35:18 +0100

The Health Protection Agency’s (HPA) second report on Migrant Health, and the first UK-wide report is published today. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

NHS Choices assessment of press reports about spread of norovirus in hospitals

NeLM - News — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: NHS Choices Area: News The 'Behind the Headlines' service from NHS Choices has produced a quality assessment of press reports that "wards have been closed over fears of norovirus outbreak" (reported by the Daily Telegraph and Daily Mail; December 18/19th 2011). The articles were based on a warning from health officials about the serious threat posed by norovirus, after wards had to be closed at eight UK hospitals. Please see the link below for details. According to the Health Protection Agency overall laboratory reports suggest that the levels of norovirus are typical for this time of year. The Agency confirms that as part of infection control measures in hospitals, ward closures are implemented to prevent further transmission and reduce disr...

Levels of norovirus within seasonal norms

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:08:18 +0100

Norovirus is highly contagious and can be transmitted by contact with an infected person; by consuming contaminated food or water or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. The virus spreads rapidly in closed environments such as hospitals, schools, nursing and residential homes. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Winter vomiting bug shuts hospital wards

NHS News Feed — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 11:08:00 +0100

"Dozens of hospital wards closed over fears of norovirus outbreak," The Daily Telegraph has reported today. The paper said that health officials have issued a warning about the serious threat posed by the winter diarrhoea and vomiting bug, norovirus, after wards had to be closed at eight UK hospitals. Reports of closed wards have also hit the headlines of many local newspapers. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus and the most common infectious cause of diarrhoea and vomiting in the UK. It is often called the ‘winter vomiting bug’ as its peak season is over the winter months. It is easily spread between people, usually by an infected person not washing their hands properly after using the toilet. The most effective prevention is thorough hand washing. Outbreaks occur every ...

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HPA issues winter malaria warning

Nursing Times Breaking News — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:35:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has warned that winter tourists must have anti-malaria tablets if they are visiting a country where the deadly disease is a problem. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)

Health Protection Agency-Healthcare Product Research, Development and GMP Manufacture

Pharmaceutical Technology — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency has been working with the pharmaceutical industry for over 50 years, undertaking contract research, development and manufacture of healthcare products. This includes expe... (Source: Pharmaceutical Technology)

HPA warns winter sun seekers to seek protection from malaria

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:30:08 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is reminding UK travellers visiting friends and family or taking winter sun holidays to ensure they take anti-malaria tablets when visiting countries where malaria is prevalent. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Tuberculosis Diagnosis Rate Higher Among New Mothers After Childbirth

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:00:00 +0100

According to a new UK-wide cohort study published online in the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the incidence of TB (tuberculosis) diagnosis is substantially higher in new mothers after childbirth, indicating that this group of women represents a potentially new target group selected for screening. In a collaborated study, researchers from the Health Protection Agency and the University of East Anglia, evaluated data obtained from the General Practice Research Database on all pregnant women between 1996 and 2008... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

HPA: New study finds risk of TB diagnosis increased in women after pregnancy

NeLM - News — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a press release noting the results of a UK study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, which found that the risk of tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis is significantly increased in women during the first six months after pregnancy. The researchers analysed data from the General Practice Research Database on all women who were pregnant between 1996 and 2008 (192,801 women and 264,136 pregnancies). There were 177 cases of TB among this group - they calculated that this was equivalent to a rate of 15.4 per 100,000, which is higher than that seen in those who are not pregnant (9.1 per 100,000). After adjusting for age, region and socio-economic stat...

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Diagnosis Of Tuberculosis Is Increased In Postpartum Women

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 09:00:00 +0100

The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis is significantly increased in mothers postpartum, suggesting a potential new population to target for screening, according to a new UK-wide cohort study. In the joint study between the Health Protection Agency and the University of East Anglia, researchers analyzed data on all women with pregnancies between 1996 and 2008 from the General Practice Research Database, which contains records from 460 practices across the UK, representing 5.5 percent of the UK population... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Pregnant women and new mothers are 70 times more likely to get tuberculosis

the Mail online | Health — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:03:01 +0100

The researchers from the Health Protection Agency warned midwives and GPs in the UK to look out for the symptoms of TB because it can be fatal if not treated. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

New study finds post natal women have an 'increased risk' of TB

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:02:59 +0100

The risk of TB diagnosis is significantly increased in women during the first six months after pregnancy, according to a new UK-wide study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine today (Friday). (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Health Protection Agency publishes annual TB report (2011)

NeLM - News — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News A press release from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) details some of the findings included in its annual tuberculosis (TB) report for 2011 (the full report was not available on the website at the time of posting). The main findings include the following: . Although significant progress has been made in increasing the proportion of patients completing treatment, 5% of patients with TB do not complete the full six months as they are lost to follow-up . There were 8,483 new cases of TB reported in the UK in 2010 - a decrease of 4.9% from 2009. . London accounted for the highest proportion of cases in the UK (almost 40%), followed by the West Midlands (11%). . Sixty per ce...

One in 20 TB patients do not complete treatment

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:41:03 +0100

One in 20 TB patients are failing to complete the full treatment for their infection because they are lost to follow up, according to new Health Protection Agency (HPA) figures published in its Annual TB Report 2011 today (Tuesday). (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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Experts renew calls for routine HIV testing at GP surgeries

NHS Networks — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 +0100

The call comes from the Health Protection Agency (HPA), as latest figures reveal that more than 21,000 people in the UK are unaware that they have the infection. The HPA's annual ‘HIV in the UK' report found that 6,660 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in the UK, and that one in five people visiting an STI clinic in 2010 did not accept an HIV test. The report - which coincides with World AIDS day today - confirmed that infections probably acquired within the UK almost doubled in the last decade from 1,950 in 2001 to 3,640 in 2010 and exceed those acquired abroad - 3,020. (Source: NHS Networks)

Over 90 per cent of campylobacter outbreaks at catering venues in 2011 linked to undercooked chicken liver pate

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:35:57 +0100

New figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have revealed that over 90 per cent of outbreaks of Campylobacter food poisoning at catering venues in 2011 were linked to chicken liver pate consumption. In light of this, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is again reminding caterers to cook poultry livers thoroughly to avoid the risk of food poisoning. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

HPA report: Sexually transmitted infections in men who have sex with men in the UK (2011)

NeLM - News — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has published its annual report on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK. Some of the key findings highlighted include the following: . In 2010, an estimated 40,000 MSM in the UK were living with HIV (26% of these were unaware of their infection) and an estimated 3,000 were newly diagnosed with HIV, the highest annual number ever. . Out of those diagnosed in 2010, 39% were diagnosed late (CD4 count <350 cells/mm3) and 18% very late (<200). . Overall, one in 20 MSM is living with HIV in the UK, with one in 11 in London. . Diagnoses of Lymphogranuloma venereum rose from 190 in 2009 to ...

HPV Vaccination Change Is A Good Thing, Says British Dental Health Foundation

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0100

The Government's plan to switch its Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination from "Cervarix" to Gardasil" from Sep. 2012, has been welcomed by the British Dental Health Foundation. The leading oral health charity believes that the novel vaccine will deliver increased health benefits and prevent genital warts. In 2010, 75,000 individuals were diagnosed with genital warts, according to the Health Protection Agency. Already, the vaccination program helps save the lives of approximately 400 individuals with cervical cancer each year... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Number of people with HIV in the UK poised to hit 100,000 as infections rise 6% in a year

the Mail online | Health — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:30:29 +0100

Nearly 100,000 people are living with HIV in the UK, with a quarter unaware that they have the disease, according to the Health Protection Agency. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

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THT urges gay men to take three steps to reduce spread of HIV, as numbers of new diagnoses rise to ‘highest ever’ figure

Terrence Higgins Trust — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:28:44 +0100

According to new figures released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), in 2010 there were 3,000 gay and bisexual men diagnosed with HIV in the UK, the highest yearly figure since records began. This means men who have sex with men (MSM) made up 69% of all HIV infections acquired through sex in the UK that year, despite representing between 3% and 4% of the general population.HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) is calling on the entire gay community to place a renewed emphasis on safer sex, and is highlighting three steps gay men can take to help reduce the spread of HIV on the scene:Use condoms with every new partner, and continue using them until you’ve both been tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).Attend a full sexual health check up...

Charity gives three point plan to reduce HIV as diagnoses continue to rise across the UK

Terrence Higgins Trust — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 12:19:32 +0100

Thirty years on from the start of the UK HIV epidemic, Terrence Higgins Trust responds to new figures released by the Health Protection Agency showing there were 91,500 people living with HIV in 2010, with one in four of these (24%) undiagnosed and dangerously unaware they have the infection.Gay men and black Africans are still at highest risk of having HIV, though many Africans were infected abroad rather than in the UK. Diagnoses of HIV in gay men reached 3,000 in 2010, their highest ever level, accounting for 69% of HIV infections sexually acquired in the UK. Numbers of people infected through heterosexual sex in the UK tripled (in the last decade) and continue to rise.In response to the new prediction that by 2012 there will be 100,000 people living with the infection in the UK, HIV an...

HPA urges 'universal testing' for HIV as it is revealed more than 21,000 people are unaware they have the infection

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:24:44 +0100

The number of people living with HIV in the UK reached an estimated 91,500 in 2010, with a quarter of those unaware of their infection, according to Health Protection Agency (HPA) figures published today (Tuesday) ahead of World AIDS Day on 1 December. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

HIV testing should be 'universal' says HPA

Telegraph Health — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:45:23 +0100

Everybody who attends a sexual health clinic should be offered an HIV test, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA), because a quarter of those living with it do not know they carry the virus. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Diversity of TRIM5α and TRIMCyp sequences in cynomolgus macaques from different geographical origins

Immunogenetics — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:58:19 +0100

Abstract The TRIM5α restriction factor can protect some species of monkeys, but not humans, from HIV infection. It has also emerged that some monkeys have a cyclophilin A domain retrotransposed into the TRIM5 locus resulting in the expression of a TRIMCyp protein with anti-retroviral activity. A high degree of sequence variation in the primate TRIM5 gene has been reported that varies between populations of rhesus macaques, a widely used non-human primate model of HIV/AIDS, and recently shown to correlate with susceptibility to simian immunodeficiency viruses in this species. Cynomolgus macaques are also used widely in HIV research. A non-indigenous population on Mauritius has highly restricted genetic diversity compared with macaques from Indonesia. The relative allelic di...

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HPA urges 'universal testing' for HIV as it is revealed more than 21,00 people are unaware they have the infection

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:26:28 +0100

National reference doses for dental cephalometric radiography.

The British Journal of Radiology — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:13:50 +0100

Conclusion: This report proposes provisional NRDs of 40 mGy cm(2) and 25 mGy cm(2) for adult and child lateral cephalometric radiographs, respectively; these doses could be considered by employers when establishing their local DRLs. PMID: 22101581 [PubMed - in process] (Source: The British Journal of Radiology)

New guidelines for the management of norovirus

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:18:56 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA), together with other professional bodies from the norovirus working group have today launched the new ‘Guidelines for the management of Norovirus outbreaks in acute and community health and social care settings’ As well as researching the average level of mercury found in people’s hair, experts at the HPA will be investigating the average level of cadmium, phthalates and tobacco smoke chemicals found in people’s urine in the UK. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Duplicate HIV-1 viral load testing in HAART-treated patients with low level viraemia on the Roche COBAS Ampliprep Taqman assay: Category: Scientific free paper

Journal of Infection — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:05:46 +0100

The aim of highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is to suppress HIV-1 viral load (VL) to undetectable levels. All patients on HAART should have a VL measured at regular intervals in order to monitor the success of therapy. In October 2006 the Newcastle Health Protection Agency (HPA) laboratory replaced the Roche COBAS HIV-1 Ampliprep Amplicor Monitor (CAP/CA) assay with the more-sensitive Roche COBAS Ampliprep Taqman HIV-1 (CAP/CTM1) assay. Both locally and internationally the introduction of the CAP/CTM1 assay was associated with a significant unexplained increase in the detection of low level HIV-1 viraemia (VL 50 to 1000 copies/ml). (Source: Journal of Infection)

Utility of ribotyping in the detection of Clostridium difficile outbreaks in a single University hospital: Category: Lesson in Microbiology & Infection Control

Journal of Infection — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:05:46 +0100

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the leading cause of nosocomial diarrhoea. Although there has been a reduction in the total number of cases reported to the Health protection Agency (HPA) in England and Northern Ireland between 2007/8 and 2009/10, it remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity. (Source: Journal of Infection)

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The epidemiology of invasive non-type b encapsulated Haemophilus influenzae disease in England & Wales in the era of routine Hib immunisation

Journal of Infection — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:05:45 +0100

The objective of ths study was to describe the epidemiology, clinical presentation and outcome of invasive non-type b encapsulated H. influenzae between January 2009 and March 2010. (Source: Journal of Infection)

Increased Human Pathogenic Potential of Escherichia coli from Polymicrobial Urinary Tract Infections in Comparison to Isolates from Monomicrobial Culture Samples: Category: Scientific free paper

Journal of Infection — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:05:45 +0100

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infections in the UK and the prevalence of UTI increases in the population with age. Whilst enormous publicity surrounds cases of Clostridium difficile and MRSA in hospitals, and the resultant fatalities of such outbreaks, the incidence of morbidity and mortality associated with these two infectious agents is minor when compared to septicaemia complicating UTI, where Mortality rates can reach 33%. The diagnosis of UTI is routinely performed in the clinical laboratory by microbiological culture of a urine sample according to the national standard method developed and approved by the Health protection Agency. Infections caused by a single organism are usually treatable with an antibiotic regimen advised on the basis of antibiotic suscep...

Clinical experience with daptomycin for the treatment of bacteraemia in the United Kingdom: Category: Scientific free paper

Journal of Infection — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 11:05:45 +0100

We present the data from the first 2.5 years of daptomycin use for the treatment of bacteraemia in the UK. These data were taken from nine UK institutions participating in EU-CORESM. Data were collected on patient demographics, antibiotic usage, microbiological and clinical outcomes and adverse events from pts treated with DAP between January 2006 and August 2009. All pts included in the registry had received at least one dose of DAP. Outcomes were assessed by investigators as cured, improved, failure and non-evaluable. All adverse events were recorded regardless of study drug relationship. (Source: Journal of Infection)

New guidelines for the management of norovirus

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 09:15:09 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA), together with other professional bodies from the norovirus working group have today launched the new ‘Guidelines for the management of Norovirus outbreaks in acute and community health and social care settings’. As well as researching the average level of mercury found in people’s hair, experts at the HPA will be investigating the average level of cadmium, phthalates and tobacco smoke chemicals found in people’s urine in the UK. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

CAS communication: HPV immunisation programme - change of supply to Gardasil® from September 2012

NeLM - News — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: CAS Area: News The Director of Immunisation has issued a communication informing of a change in the choice of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for the national HPV immunisation programme for girls in school year 8 (aged 12 to 13 years). Following a competitive tendering exercise, the Department of Health (DH) will be providing Gardasil® from September 2012. Unlike the current vaccine in use (Cervarix), Gardasil also protects against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause nearly all genital warts. Figures from the Health Protection Agency show that 75,000 people were diagnosed with genital warts in 2010. According to a BBC report, some sexual health experts had criticised the DH decision in 2008 to opt for Cervarix, the cheaper of the two vaccines. A consultant in sexual hea...

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Genital warts vaccination to be offered to schoolgirls

Guardian Unlimited Science — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:38:30 +0100

Doctors welcome news and predict that genital warts could be eradicated among heterosexuals within 20 yearsSchoolgirls across the UK will be offered immunisation against genital warts, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, in a move welcomed by doctors.It will expand the existing vaccination against cervical cancer for 12- and 13-year-olds.The change will take place at the start of the next school year in August and September 2012. All 12- and 13-year-old schoolgirls will be offered a vaccine called Gardasil, which protects against the two strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV) that cause 70% of cervical cancers and also two other strains that produce 90% of genital warts.It will replace Cervarix, which has been used since immunisation began in 2008 but only offers pr...

Protest at exclusion from debate

BMA daily feed — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 12:02:00 +0100

BMA not invited to join forum about transfer of Health Protection Agency staff (Source: BMA daily feed)

Scientists to assess the level of toxic chemicals in European people

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 09:32:32 +0100

Scientists at the Health Protection Agency are to investigate the extent to which people are being exposed to several chemicals found in the environment. As well as researching the average level of mercury found in people’s hair, experts at the HPA will be investigating the average level of cadmium, phthalates and tobacco smoke chemicals found in people’s urine in the UK. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

GUM trainees and workforce planning

Sexually Transmitted Infections — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Workforce planning is an inexact science. Crucial information such as consultant retirement plans and the actions of trusts in developing new posts, refilling vacancies and reconfiguring services in the face of financial pressures are unknowns. ‘Liberating the NHS’1 is likely to result in far-reaching consequences for the genitourinary medicine (GUM) workforce. Pension changes may result in more immediate workforce implications. Other variables such as ‘community working’, new commissioning arrangements, development of other specialties and actions of devolved nations will take time to impact. From the Health Protection Agency's 2010 data the number of sexually transmitted infections diagnosed in UK GUM clinics is 30% higher than a decade ago and the total number of...

Health Protection Agency welcomes the Approval of ERWINAZE™ Biologics License Application for Treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:31:57 +0100

The Health Protection Agency welcomed the news that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the Biologics License Application (BLA) for ERWINAZE™. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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Advice on reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning over winter

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:31:22 +0100

With the start of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, the Health Protection Agency is advising 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 Protection Agency)

HPA advice on reducing the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning over winter

NeLM - News — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News To mark the start of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued advice about how to reduce the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, which is associated with around 50 deaths per year in England and Wales. The Agency is advising the public to have any fossil fuel and wood burning appliances checked by an appropriately registered engineer before winter, and to fit an audible CO alarm (meeting European Standards EN 50291) in their homes. (Source: NeLM - News)

Antibiotics can't cure colds – but a placebo may | Andrew Brown

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:00:00 +0100

The overprescribing of antibiotics by under-pressure GPs to a public convinced they cure colds could prove fatal in the long runThe news that doctors are under pressure to prescribe antibiotics for colds and flu offers a tremendous opportunity to make complementary medicine work for us all. The Health Protection Agency has just released a survey showing that antibiotics are overprescribed because the public believes they will cure colds and flu.The problem with antibiotics for colds and flu is not just that they don't work. If that were all, they would be only a waste of money. But the long-term danger is that they will spread antibiotic resistance, which really would kill very large numbers of people. The spread of organisms like MSRA in inadequately cleaned hospitals could lead us back t...

Half of patients expect antibiotics for coughs and colds

HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 10:50:00 +0100

Half of patients expect to be prescribed antibiotics for coughs and colds, a Health Protection Agency (HPA) survey has found. (Source: HealthcareRepublic Pharmacist News)

Over half of all people who visit their doctor with coughs and colds still expect antibiotics

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 09:35:59 +0100

Twenty per cent of adults visited their doctor with a recent respiratory tract infection such as a cough, cold, flu or sore throat and half expected to be prescribed antibiotics for their illness, according to research, commissioned by the Health Protection Agency (HPA)and launched on European Antibiotic Awareness Day today (Friday). (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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HPA survey: Patient expectation on being prescribed antibiotics by GP

NeLM - News — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News According to the findings of a survey conducted by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), over half of patients visiting their GP with a recent respiratory tract infection, expect to be prescribed antibiotics for their illness. The survey, which was carried out in January 2011, involved 1767 people and covered a range of different questions such as people's attitudes towards having them for coughs, colds, flu and sore throats as well as their attitudes towards antibiotic resistance and how they use them. Findings included the following: . 53% of those who contacted a doctor or nurse went expecting antibiotic treatment . 25% of those who responded said they believed that antibiotics work on most coughs and co...

People believe 'antibiotic myths'

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:52:41 +0100

A quarter of people wrongly believe antibiotics work on most coughs and colds, a Health Protection Agency survey has found. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

Flu vaccinations for all children move a step closer

Telegraph Health — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:09:58 +0100

The Department of Health has indicated it might vaccinate all children against flu in the future, after the Health Protection Agency (HPA) found it could be cost effective to do so. (Source: Telegraph Health)

Botulism recall for Loyd Grossman korma sauce

NHS News Feed — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 17:17:00 +0100

A batch of Loyd Grossman Korma sauce has been recalled after two cases of botulism in Scotland. The two family members were hospitalised after they had eaten from a jar that was later found to contain botulism-causing bacteria. Both are reportedly recovering well. Only one jar from the batch is known to have been contaminated, but as a precautionary measure the the Health Protection Agency is advising the public to immediately dispose of any products from the batch. The recall applies to all 350g jars of Loyd Grossman Korma sauce with a best before date of February 2013 and a batch code of: 1218R 07:21. The matter is currently being investigated and medical professionals across the UK have been advised to look out for people with possible symptoms. Supermarkets are also removing any produ...

HPA radon drive targets even more Cornwall residents

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:40:05 +0100

Offers of free HPA radon tests have gone out to thousands more Cornwall residents. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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Recall of Loyd Grossman Korma sauces following botulism link

Health Protection Agency — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:45:54 +0100

Preliminary tests carried out by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have identified the toxin that causes botulism from a used jar of Loyd Grossman Korma sauce. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is advising consumers who have purchased the particular batch of the product to not consume it. A full recall of this product batch has been issued and the sauce is being removed from shop shelves. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Cases of botulism being investigated in Scotland

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 18:14:53 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware of two cases of suspected botulism in children in Scotland. These cases have not yet been confirmed microbiologically but the symptoms point towards it being botulism. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

HPA urges 'At risk' groups to obtain influenza vaccination

NeLM - News — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued a reminder that all those in a clinical 'at risk' group, who have been invited for flu vaccination by their GP and who have not yet received it, to take up the offer. Figures from the Agency's Weekly National Influenza Report show that 61% of over 65's, 16% of pregnant women and 37% of those in a clinical risk group aged under 65 years have been vaccinated to date. A spokesperson said "it is not yet known which flu strains will be most common this winter but getting vaccinated now will provide important protection over the coming winter months against the strains that do circulate - including H1N1 'swine' flu. Last winter there were 602 confirmed flu deaths reported to the HPA. Where...

‘At risk’ groups urged to get vaccinated before flu starts circulating widely

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:18:37 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is today reminding all those in a clinical “at risk” group, who have been invited for flu vaccination by their GP and who have not yet received it, to take up the offer. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Health Protection Agency (HPA) reveals that drugs users face an increased risk from wound botulism and tetanus

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:03:33 +0100

People who inject drugs (PWID) are at an increased risk for spore forming bacteria infections such as wound botulism and tetanus, according to the latest HPA annual report “Shooting Up”. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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HPA annual report 'Shooting Up' finds that drugs users at increased risk from wound botulism and tetanus

NeLM - Mental Health — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News According to the latest Health Protection Agency (HPA) annual report 'Shooting Up', people who inject drugs (PWID) are at an increased risk of developing bacterial infections such as wound botulism and tetanus. Prior to 2000, no cases of wound botulism had been associated with PWID in the UK, but in the past decade, 163 suspected cases have been reported to the Agency. Tetanus infections show a similar trend, very rarely reported among PWID before 2003, with 34 cases having been reported since. The report also found that a range of other bacterial infections, including MRSA, and viral infections, such as HIV and hepatitis C, are continuing to occur among people who inject drugs. (Source: NeLM - Mental Health)

NICE publishes quality improvement guide on preventing and controlling healthcare associated infections

NeLM - News — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0100

Source: NICE Area: News The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), in partnership with the Health Protection Agency (HPA), have developed a quality improvement guide "Prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections" offering advice on the management or organisational actions to prevent and control healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) in secondary care settings. Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) can develop either as a direct result of healthcare interventions such as medical or surgical treatment, or from being in contact with a healthcare setting. The term HCAI covers a wide range of infections. The most well known include those caused by meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), meticillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (...

Update on Legionnaires’ cluster in UK travellers returning from Corfu

Health Protection Agency — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 16:37:15 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware of a further case of Legionnaires’ disease in people who have travelled to Corfu since August, bringing the total to 14. The HPA is also aware of one case of the non-pneumonic form of the infection in a returning UK traveller from Corfu. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

HPA sessions to help solve radon problems in Highland homes

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:16:59 +0100

The latest wave of tests for radioactive gas radon in the Highlands, found nine homes had readings more than four times over the point that HPA recommends action. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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[Newsdesk] Highlights from the 51st ICAAC

The Lancet Infectious Diseases — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Emerging antibiotic resistance figured large at this year's Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) held in Chicago (IL, USA), Sept 17–20. David Livermore (Health Protection Agency [HPA], London, UK) gave the opening keynote address about Gram-negative multidrug-resistant organisms, such as those carrying the NDM-1 carbapenemase. Livermore warned that unless development of new antibiotics is reinvigorated, the antibiotic revolution of the 20th century will end with Gram-negative resistance. (Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases)

Performance of the GenoType® MTBDRPlus assay in routine settings: a multicenter study

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 05:48:50 +0100

Abstract Former Soviet Union countries including the Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia) are hot spots for an emerging epidemic of drug resistant tuberculosis (TB). As a part of the development of a co-ordinated network of centers for diagnostic trials across Eastern Europe we conducted a retrospective multicenter analysis of the performance of the GenoType® MTBDRPlus assay for TB identification and susceptibility to isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) in routine settings. A total of 1,045 primary samples, 1045 TB cultures derived from these specimens and 306 separate M. tuberculosis isolates tested in 2007–2010 at four participating sites (Tartu, Estonia; Riga, Latvia; Vilnius, Lithuania; and Samara, Russian Federation) were included in the analysis. The...

HPA advice sessions to help solve radon problems

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:48:36 +0100

The latest wave of tests for radioactive gas radon in Aberdeenshire, has identified homes with the area’s highest readings. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Occupational transmission of hepatitis C in healthcare workers and factors associated with seroconversion: UK surveillance data

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 23:50:47 +0100

Summary. The study aims were to describe a case series of occupationally acquired hepatitis C (HCV) infections in UK healthcare workers and examine factors associated with transmission using exposure data reported to the Health Protection Agency between July 1997 and December 2007. Fifteen reported cases of documented HCV seroconversion occurred after percutaneous exposure, the majority from hollow‐bore needles used in the source patient’s vein or artery and contaminated with blood or blood‐stained fluid. The seroconversion rate was 2.2% (14/626). In multivariable analysis of healthcare workers with percutaneous exposure to blood or blood‐stained fluid, we demonstrate that blood sampling procedures (odds ratio [OR], 5.75; 95% CI, 1.33–24.91; P = 0.01) and depth of injury (...

Update on Legionnaires’ cluster in UK travellers returning from Corfu

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:33:05 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware of a further confirmed case of Legionnaires’ disease in people who have travelled to Corfu since August, bringing the total to 13. Another possible case with travel history to Corfu is under investigation. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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Fish pedicure risk "very low"

NHS News Feed — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:45:00 +0100

“Trendy fish pedicures could spread HIV and hepatitis C,” The Sun has today reported. Its front-page story said that officials have raised an “alert” over the treatment, popular in beauty spas, where tiny fish are used to nibble away areas of hard foot skin. While The Sun has been carping on about warnings and alerts, the newspaper seems to have overestimated the scale of the risk, which health experts have described as being “extremely low”. Rather than being an alert, the news is based on a report by the Health Protection Agency that has set out good practice for so-called ‘fish spas’ that offer the service. While the report did acknowledge that the risk of infections could not be completely ruled out, it is important to view this in context and not be reeled in by fishy ...

THT comment on HIV risk of fish pedicure spas

Terrence Higgins Trust — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 12:19:24 +0100

Following a statement from the Health Protection Agency on the risk of HIV transmission through fish pedicure spas, Terrence Higgins Trust released the following statement.Lisa Power, Policy Director at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: "The risk of HIV being transmitted through a fish pedicure is so small as to be almost impossible. HIV is a fragile virus once it is outside the body; it cannot be passed on via animal or insect bites. For transmission to occur, two successive clients would need open wounds on their feet and there would have to be huge amounts of infected blood in the water. The reality is, in this country, too many people are contracting HIV because they aren't using condoms, not because they're going for fish pedicures." (Source: Terrence Higgins Trust)

Fish pedicures unlikely to cause infection

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:55:22 +0100

The risk of infection associated with Garra rufa fish pedicures is likely to be very low, Health Protection Agency (HPA) scientists said today. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Update on Legionnaires' cluster in UK travellers returning from Corfu

NeLM - News — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued an update on the Legionnaire's cluster - three further cases have now been confirmed, which brings the total to 12 confirmed cases in people who have travelled to Corfu since August. Another three possible cases with travel history to Corfu are currently under investigation. Laboratory tests have identified three different subtypes of Legionnella from the patients' samples, suggesting that one common source is unlikely. In addition, detailed questioning of the people who became unwell has also failed to reveal a common source. The HPA is continuing to advise people going on holiday to Corfu to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires' disease - please see the lin...

Update on Legionnaires’ cluster in UK travellers returning from Corfu

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:10:52 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is aware of a further three confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease in people who have travelled to Corfu since August, bringing the total to 12. Another three possible cases with travel history to Corfu are under investigation. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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Authors' response

Thorax — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We welcome the correspondence1 2 relating to our recent editorial3 and thank the authors for their interest. Mr Thomas from the Royal Bournemouth Hospital presents two interesting local audits. The first highlights the possibility of wasted resources in screening individuals identified by the Port Health Control Unit as having an abnormal chest x-ray. The second demonstrates the potential shortcoming in the NICE guidelines, which can lead to an underidentification of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection. We share Mr Thomas's concerns, particularly on this latter point. Dr Pareek and colleagues from Imperial College and the Health Protection Agency show that the NICE guidance is often not followed and that it is TB services which serve the areas with the highest TB burden which appear least l...

International day for disaster reduction

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:12:27 +0100

Today marks the United Nations International Day for Disaster Reduction; the focus of this year’s awareness day is on the valuable contribution that children can make in reducing the impact of natural disasters and in making decisions that can safeguard both their lives and the lives of people in their community. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Challenge of responding to PVL positive Staphylococcus aureus skin infection

BMJ Online First — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

We applied Health Protection Agency guidelines to the management of 32 cases of laboratory confirmed Panton Valentine leukocidin (PVL) positive Staphylococcus aureus infection1 notified to the NHS... (Source: BMJ Online First)

Gonorrhea Becoming Harder To Treat, Cefixime Often No Good Any More

Health News from Medical News Today — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 06:00:00 +0100

Gonorrhea is becoming more and more drug resistant, UK authorities are warning. The Health Protection Agency, UK, says it will no longer recommend cefixime as the first choice of treatment because laboratory tests show it is becoming increasingly less effective. The Agency says there have been reports of treatment failure in patients on cefixime. Cefixime has been the most widely used antibiotic to treat gonorrhea during the last ten years. The HPA (Health Protection Agency) is now recommending doctors use a combination of ceftriaxone by injection along with oral azithromycin... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme (GRASP) report 2010

NeLM - News — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News The Health Protection Agency has published the 2010 GRASP (Gonococcal Resistance to Antimcrobials Surveillance Programme) report. This programme has monitored the trends and drifts in susceptibility in gonococcal isolates since 2000. It was this programme that informed a change in national guidelines in 2002 from ciprofloxacin, the antimicrobial agent of choice, to the third generation cephalosporins, cefixime and ceftriaxone. The GRASP report in 2009 gave worrying indications that there was a drift towards decreased susceptibility to these agents, particularly for cefixime, the oral agent that has been most widely used. In 2011, the first reports of treatment failures began to emerge both in England and in other European countries. &nbs...

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Gonorrhoea could become 'untreatable' warns HPA

Telegraph Health — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:01:53 +0100

There is a "very real threat" that a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) could become "untreatable" due to its growing resistance to antibiotics, the Health Protection Agency has warned. (Source: Telegraph Health)

First line treatment for gonorrhoea forced to change as failure of drugs looms

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:19:56 +0100

The oral antibiotic most widely used over the past decade to treat gonorrhoea – cefixime – is no longer recommended as the first choice for treatment in the UK (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Legionnaires' health scare for Corfu visitors

Scotsman.com News - Health — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has launched an investigation into a cluster of cases of Legionnaires' disease in tourists and visitors who have been to Corfu. (Source: Scotsman.com News - Health)

Legionnaires’ cluster in UK travellers returning from Corfu

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:59:13 +0100

(Source: Health Protection Agency)

Legionnaires' disease outbreak linked to Corfu

Guardian Unlimited Science — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:47:03 +0100

Health Protection Agency investigates cluster of legionnaires' cases among people who have been to the Greek islandA cluster of cases of legionnaires' disease in people who have been to Corfu is being investigated by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).The organisation said it was aware of nine cases of the disease in people between the ages of 39 and 79 who had travelled to different areas of the Greek island since August.The HPA is working with colleagues in the UK, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), and Greek public health authorities to try to find the possible source or sources.They said although cases all had a history of recent travel to Corfu, a UK source of infection could not be ruled out.As a precaution, it will investigate possible UK sources, as well...

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Legionnaires' link to Corfu break

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:27:52 +0100

There have been nine cases of Legionnaires' disease in the UK all linked to travelling to Corfu since August, according to the Health Protection Agency. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

HPA Issues Warning About An Outbreak Of Shigella Flexneri Dysentery In Men Who Have Sex With Men

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:09:28 +0100

Sexual health experts at the Health Protection Agency (HPA) have today issued an alert about an outbreak of an infection known as Shigella flexneri dysentery. It is thought that the infection is being transmitted between men during sex. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

HPA Study Confirms Cost-Effectiveness of Screening All Intensive Care Patients For MRSA

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:16:03 +0100

A study led by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has shown screening all intensive care unit (ICU) patients for MRSA using new molecular tests that can deliver results within just a few hours, is likely to represent a good use of NHS resources. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

HPA issues warning about an outbreak of shigella flexneri dysentery

NeLM - News — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has issued an alert about an outbreak of Shigella flexneri dysentery. It is thought that the infection is being transmitted between men during sex. Fourteen cases have been identified in the Greater Manchester area, predominantly among men who have sex with men aged between 30-50 years, since July 2011. In addition, since May 2011, 5 cases have been reported in the London area in men who have sex with men. As there is a likelihood of an increase in other areas across the UK, the HPA is stressing the need for men who have sex with men to consult their doctor if they have diarrhoea, especially if it is bloody (main symptom of Shigella flexneri), and for health professionals to be on the alert for possible c...

Surgical site infections in otorhinolaryngology

International Journal of Surgery — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 22:52:31 +0100

Introduction: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are an important cause of health-care associated infections. The Health Protection Agency's Surveillance of Healthcare Associated Infections Report in 2008 published SSIs rates of various surgical procedures in England. Feedback on SSI rates can enable the unit to compare its rates over time and with other hospitals. (Source: International Journal of Surgery)

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National Poisons Information Service publishes annual report showing drop in 'legal high' poisonings following ban

NeLM - News — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has reported that banning 'legal highs' including mephedrone has led to a fall in the number of queries on how to treat users. In an annual report published by the National Poisons Information Service (a service commissioned by the HPA) monthly total queries about mephedrone dropped sharply after April 2010 - when the substance was officially classified as a Class B drug under misuse of drug regulations. Monthly telephone enquiries about the drug had peaked in March 2010 at about 120, but since January 2011, they were down to ten or fewer per month. Other key findings in this year's report include (taken directly from source): . The service received more than 286 phone inquiri...

Drop in ‘legal high’ poisonings following ban

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:03:54 +0100

Banning so-called ‘legal highs’ including mephedrone led to a fall in the number of queries on how to treat users, poisoning experts have found. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

UK E. coli O157 outbreak associated with soil on vegetables

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:42:13 +0100

Consumers reminded to wash vegetables thoroughly and observe good kitchen hygiene. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

VIDEO: Leek soil linked to E. coli cases

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:15:22 +0100

Soil stuck on leeks and potatoes may have been the source of an E. coli outbreak in the UK earlier this year, according to the Health Protection Agency. (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

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HPA advises on UK E. coli O157 outbreak associated with soil on vegetables

NeLM - News — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News Following an investigation into 250 cases of gastrointestinal illness caused by an unusual strain of E. coli O157, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has reminded consumers to thoroughly wash vegetables and observe good kitchen hygiene. The investigation into the outbreak, which is now over, revealed an association between illness and handling certain loose raw vegetables in the home, which, although safe to eat, could have had soil on them containing harmful bacteria. Handling raw vegetables in the home explained many, but not all, of the cases. Please refer to the link below for further details and advice from the HPA on food preparation to reduce the risk of infection. (Source: NeLM - News)

Leek soil linked to E. coli cases

BBC News | Health | UK Edition — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:31:04 +0100

Leeks and potatoes may have been the source of an E. coli outbreak in the UK earlier this year, according to the Health Protection Agency (HPA). (Source: BBC News | Health | UK Edition)

UK E. coli O157 outbreak associated with soil on vegetables

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:04:18 +0100

Consumers reminded to wash vegetables thoroughly and observe good kitchen hygiene. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

NHS Immunisation Statistics, England 2010-11

The IC : Immunisation — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:55:00 +0100

SummaryThe information in this bulletin, about immunisation statistics in England, comes from: 1. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) and Health Protec... (Source: The IC : Immunisation)

Routine testing for HIV is acceptable and effective, show pilot studies

BMJ Online First — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Patients and healthcare professionals are ready and willing to accept routine testing for HIV in areas of high prevalence of the disease, according to the Health Protection Agency.The agency has... (Source: BMJ Online First)

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As students return to university HPA reminds of meningitis and measles risk

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:36:21 +0100

The Health Protection Agency is reminding students about the importance of receiving the MMR and Men C vaccinations before they return to university campus, where outbreaks can occur. In a leaflet available on the HPA website, students are also advised on how to spot the early signs of these serious infections. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Alarm in hospitals as superbug cases surge leaving hundreds of patients battling 'untreatable' infections

the Mail online | Health — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 05:18:24 +0100

Super-resistant bacteria are at their highest levels yet, having accounted for fewer than five cases a year before 2008, according to figures from the Health Protection Agency. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Antibiotics losing the fight against deadly bacteria

The Independent - Science — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 23:00:01 +0100

Our last line of defence against bacterial infections is fast becoming weakened by a growing number of deadly strains that are resistant to even the strongest antibiotics, according to new figures given to The Independent on Sunday by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). (Source: The Independent - Science)

New software on Toxbase to enable detection of new compounds introduced onto UK drug scene

NeLM - News — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency (HPA) Area: News According to a conference presentation, the Health Protection Agency's National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) is to install new software to its Toxbase database to detect new compounds as they are introduced onto the UK drug scene. Toxbase is an online information resource used by healthcare professionals seeking advice on the treatment of poisoning, which until now, had to be searched retrospectively to reveal new trends. The software will automatically flag up new cases of interest within hours of patients presenting at A&E departments across the country. An email will be generated informing NPIS that the page of interest has been viewed within five minutes of it being accessed by a healthcare professional. This could...

130 poisoned by wild mushrooms

Telegraph Health — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:10:55 +0100

Scores of people have been poisoned by eating wild mushrooms so far this autumn, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has warned. (Source: Telegraph Health)

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Wild mushroom caution urged by poisons specialists

Health Protection Agency — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:07:06 +0100

Wild food enthusiasts are being urged to take extra care when picking mushrooms, by the Health Protection Agency’s poisons experts. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Genetic sequencing revolutionising the control of healthcare associated infections

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:16:26 +0100

Cutting edge genetic sequencing technology holds the key to helping to control the spread of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) according to research presented at the HPA's annual conference, Health Protection 2011, at the University of Warwick today (Tuesday 13 September). (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Computer software to spot emergence of new 'legal highs'

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 15:04:15 +0100

A computer early warning system is to spot new so-called ‘legal highs’ as they emerge across the country, according to findings presented at the HPA's annual conference - Health Protection 2011 - at the University of Warwick today (Wednesday). (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Unique 'find and treat' TB service found to be cost-effective

Health Protection Agency — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 14:47:58 +0100

A mobile X-ray unit, which identifies people with TB infection in hard to reach communities has proved a cost effective way of treating people with TB in London. These findings are published in the British Medical Journal and will be at the HPA's annual conference - Health Protection 2011 - at the University of Warwick today (Wednesday). (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Think twice when preparing your ice!

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:49:32 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is calling for people and businesses to take better hygiene measures when preparing ice for food and drink consumption, as poor practices are revealed in a poster presentation at the HPA's annual conference - Health Protection 2011 - at the University of Warwick today (Tuesday). (Source: Health Protection Agency)

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Demand for post exposure rabies vaccine trebles since 2000

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:41:11 +0100

A threefold increase in the number of people seeking post-exposure vaccine for rabies suggests that more UK travellers may be putting themselves at risk of contact with potentially rabid animals, according to findings presented at the Health Protection Agency's annual conference - Health Protection 2011 - at the University of Warwick today (Tuesday). (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Think skin during the Olympics – with HPA help!

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:34:44 +0100

Sports fans in the capital for the London 2012 Olympic Games could protect against sunburn, by checking their phones for HPA updates on levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) it’s revealed at the HPA's annual conference - Health Protection 2011 - at the University of Warwick today (Tuesday). (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Population study reveals that 'one in four' suffer from a gastro infection every year

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:29:57 +0100

Infectious intestinal disease (IID) now affects up to 17 million people in the community in the UK annually, and rates in England have increased by nearly 50 per cent since the early 1990s, delegates to Health Protection 2011, the Health Protection Agency’s annual conference at Warwick University, were told today. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

Health information for Hajj pilgrims

NeLM - News — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), Health Protection Agency Area: News The National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) has issued updated health information for pilgrims attending the Hajj pilgrimage, which is expected to fall between 4 and 9 of November this year. Information is also available for healthcare professionals, regarding vaccination requirements, food and water hygiene requirements, malaria, heat and sun-related hazards accidents and injuries, and other health advice. Please see the links below for further details. (Source: NeLM - News)

BMJ articles on Panton Valentine leukocidin associated Staphylococcus aureus infection (PVL-SA)

NeLM - News — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: British Medical Journal, Health Protection Agency Area: News The British Medical Journal has published two articles concerning Panton Valentine leukocidin associated Staphylococcus aureus (PVL-SA) infection. The first is an 'Uncertainties' article, discussing whether contacts of patients with PVL-SA should be screened and decolonised. The authors note that PVL-SA has emerged worldwide in the past decade, mainly causing skin and soft tissue infection; surveillance data suggest this is a rare disease in most of Europe, however this may be an underestimation as routine samples of mild to moderate skin infections are not usually sent for testing in primary care. The Health Protection Agency advises a relatively aggressive approach to the management of PVL-...

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HPA information on outbreak of botulism in France

NeLM - News — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has been made aware of eight cases of botulism in French adults in France, all of whom are now being treated in hospital. All of the infected cases consumed either a green olive and almond tapenade, or a spreadable tomato paste, which are sold under the brand names "Les Délices de Marie-Claire", "Terre de Mistral" and "Les Secrets d'Anaïs". All of these products have been tested and it has been confirmed that they are contaminated with the toxin that causes botulism, and have now been withdrawn from sale in France. No cases have been identified in the UK, but anyone who has recently travelled to these areas and purchased any products with these brand names is being urged not to eat...

Botulism outbreak in France

Health Protection Agency — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:01:21 +0100

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has been made aware of eight cases of botulism in French adults in France. Five of these cases were confirmed in the Vaucluse region of southern France and three were in the Somme, in northern France. All of these cases are now being treated in hospital. (Source: Health Protection Agency)

HPA confirms the Salmonella Enteritidis PT 14b outbreak is over

NeLM - News — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 23:00:00 +0100

Source: Health Protection Agency Area: News According to a report by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Phage Type (PT) 14b that affected 262 people in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man since the beginning of April 2011 has been declared over. The source of infection was traced to eggs that had been distributed from a specific shed on one farm in Spain. The number of new cases of Salmonella Enteritidis PT 14b reported to the HPA has dropped to the usual background levels, which indicates that the measures taken by the outbreak control team partners and the Spanish authorities were effective. (Source: NeLM - News)

Salmonella Enteritidis PT 14b outbreak is over

Health Protection Agency — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 08:28:52 +0100

An outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis Phage Type (PT) 14b that affected 262 people in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man since the beginning of April this year has been declared over. The majority of the cases were in North West England (111), the West Midlands (38), Yorkshire and Humberside (36) and the East Midlands (31). (Source: Health Protection Agency)