The Fort Wayne Allen County Department of Health

Alerts and Advisories

Health Alerts

The following alerts and advisories are meant to inform health care providers and others in the community on a variety of topics related to public health.

6/17/13 MERS-CoV Update
ð There have been eight clusters of cases, which occurred among close contacts or in healthcare settings, and provide clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of MERS-CoV, possibly involving different modes, such as droplet and contact...

6/3/13 Hepatitis A and MERS-CoV update
Hepatitis A Post Exposure Prophylaxis We had a good response to our clinic this weekend, providing: Vaccination: 1,103 IG: 17 Unfortunately we ran out of vaccine on Sunday, but the state department of health is working...

5/31/13 Hepatitis A Case
Today we received laboratory confirmation of a case of Hepatitis A in a food handler. We will be offering a post exposure prophylaxis Hepatitis A vaccine clinic on June 1 from 12 noon to 8 p.m. and June 2 from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. at the Southwest...

5/28/13 Infectious Disease Update
H7N9 So far has sickened at least 131 people, 36 of them fatally. A NEJM study of 111 patients infected with H7N9 shows: 76.6% were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and 27.0% died. The median age was 61 years and 42.3% were 65 years...

5/22/13 H7N9 and Novel Corona Virus updates
H7N9 · Per the World Health Organization (WHO), since May 8, 2013, no new laboratory-confirmed cases of human infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) have been reported to WHO by the National Health and Family Planning Commission,...

5/14/13 Corona Virus and H7N9 update
Novel Corona Virus (http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/cidrap/content/other/sars/news/may1313corona.html) The World Health Organization (WHO) said the growing number of clusters of novel coronavirus (nCoV) cases offers increasing evidence that the virus can...

5/7/13 Corona and H7N9 Update
We are currently tracking two new viral infections, please find updates below. Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) This is the novel virus we reviewed in early April. The CDC first reported human infection from this virus in September 2012. The WHO...

4/30/13 H7N9 Update
The reach and number of H7N9 infections in China continued to expand over the past 3 days, with Hunan province reporting its first case and four others reporting six more, lifting the outbreak's total to 126 with 24 deaths. Investigations into...

4/25/13 H7N9 Update
Below you will find information from various sources regarding what is currently known about this virus. I think it would be a good idea to review your pandemic plans for your staff and facility. I sure hope that this does not rise to that level, but...

4/18/13 H7N9 Update
Situation Update There have been 14 new cases of novel influenza A (H7N9), which brings the total to 78 cases, 16 of them fatal. There is still no evidence of human to human transmission according to the WHO. Cases have been confirmed in the...

4/17/13 H7N9
On April 1, 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) first reported 3 human infections with a new influenza A (H7N9) virus in China. Since then, additional cases have been reported. Most reported cases have severe respiratory illness and, in some...

4/8/13 E.coli 0121; New Corona Virus
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 (STEC O121) Overview: A total of 24 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O121 (STEC O121) have been reported from 15 states. Â· 78% of ill...

3/7/13 Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)
Many of you probably heard the CDC media report about the increase in Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). I just want to give you a bit more detail on this issue. The Enterobacteriaceae are a large family of gram-negative bacilli that are...

2/6/13 Flu update, TB and Typhoid
Influenza Update National For the week of January 20-26, the proportion of people seeing their health care provider for influenza-like illness (ILI) decreased but remains above the national baseline. However, all regions except for two (in the...

1/14/13 Influenza Update
National Pneumonia and Influenza Mortality: The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was slightly above the epidemic threshold. Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths: Two influenza-associated pediatric deaths...

1/7/13 Influenza Update
Topic: Influenza National The proportion of people seeing their health care provider for influenza-like illness (ILI) is above the national baseline for the fourth consecutive week having climbed sharply from 2.8% to 5.6% over the past 4 weeks...

1/3/13 Flu
We really are seeing increased activity nationally and locally. National The proportion of visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) increased once again and is above the national baseline for the third consecutive week. States...

12/12/12 Vaccine Updates
There have been some recent vaccine updates that I would like to share with you. Pregnant Women: On October 24, 2012, the ACIP voted to recommend tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) for pregnant women...

12/10/12 Flu and Rapid Tests
National Overall, influenza viruses are being detected more widely in the United States. Eight states reported widespread influenza activity (Alabama, Alaska, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island and South Carolina). This is twice...

12/412 Influenza
According to the CDC, flu activity in the United States has increased substantially throughout the nation, most notably in the south central and southeast regions of the country. Influenza activity through November in the United States was much higher...

8/31/12 Hantavirus
Summary: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with the National Park Service and the California Department of Public Health on an investigation of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) in people who stayed at Yosemite National...

8/22/12 West Nile Virus/Salmonella
West Nile Virus AS you have no doubt read there has been a significant increase in West Nile Virus activity this year, particularly in southern states. We have also seen activity in our community as well, but not on that large a scale. Epi as of...

8/9/12 Variant Influenza A Update
From ISDH: Update on H3N2v Health officials have now confirmed 113 cases of variant influenza A (H3N2v), impacting 18 counties statewide. State and local health officials continue to investigate the outbreak. More cases are expected to be confirmed...

7/20/12 Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect
Child abuse/neglect is a very important medical and public health issue and there is concern that there may be barriers to efficient reporting. In order to assess if this is a problem, we are encouraging healthcare providers to take the survey below. ...

7/16/12 Syphilis
We have seen a recent increase of syphilis over the past few months. Below you will find our local epidemiology and a table that you might find helpful in diagnosing the "great imitator" syphilis. Please feel free to call with any questions or...

4/30/12 Hand Sanitizer and Infectious Disease Stats
Hand Sanitizer and Alcohol Distilling alcohol from hand sanitizer with salt and drinking the substance straight-up is the newest recreational drug issue for kids. According to Dr. Mowry from Indiana Poison Control, we have only had 3 cases this year of...

4/19/12 Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) Just a reminder that we are seeing increased TB activity. Please have a high index of suspicion for TB â€“ both pulmonary and extrapulmonary â€“ and send sputum or other specimens for smear and culture. Below you will find our most...

12/22/2011 Pertussis
Local physicians have commented that they are seeing Pertussis cases on the rise locally. There have been 3 confirmed cases in Allen County but a number of physicians are testing for Pertussis via serology and it is important to note that these are not ...

11/17/11 Shigella
We have identified that we have had an increase in the number of Shigella cases in the past few weeks. 2008 2009 2010 2011 11 cases ...

9/29/11 Listeria and Influenza
As of 11am EDT on September 26, 2011, a total of 72 persons infected with the four outbreak-associated strains of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported to CDC from 18 states. All illnesses started on or after July 31, 2011. The number of...

9/7/11 Flu Vaccine
It's that time again. Below is an update on flu vaccines for our upcoming season. There are more options to choose from! Types of Influenza Immunization Available: Inactivated Vaccine (shots) a regular flu shot approved for people ages 6...

9/1/11 Air Quality Action Day for Ozone forecast for Sept. 2, 2011
The ozone level for Fort Wayne and Allen County has been forecast to be high enough to warrant a CAUTION on Friday, Sept. 2. Active children and adults, the elderly, and people with heart or lung disease should limit or avoid prolonged outdoor...

8/31/11 Raw Milk
It is becoming increasingly popular to consume raw milk from local producers. Raw milk and raw dairy products may carry many types of disease-causing germs, such as: Campylobacter: Incubation period 2 â€“ 5 days; Symptoms include diarrhea,...

8/2/11 Emergency birth control medicine
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning U.S. consumers not to use the emergency birth control medicine labeled as Evital. These products may be counterfeit versions of the "morning after pill" and may not be safe or effective in...

6/22/11 Measles Outbreak in Northern Indiana
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has been notified of five (5) confirmed cases of measles in Northeastern Indiana. Community exposures may have occurred and area residents may have been exposed. These cases appear to be related to an...

6/6/11 Shiga Toxin-producing E. coli
CDC is monitoring a large outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 (STEC O104:H4) infections ongoing in Germany. The strain of STEC that is causing this illness, STEC O104:H4 is very rare. The illness that it causes is similar to that...

4/13/2011 Bath salts
We are hearing that there are an increased number of people trying the new drug called bath salts and they are not just teens. Below you will find some updated info, courtesy of Dr. Mowry at Indiana Poison Center. Epidemiology: U.S. American...

3/21/2011 Influenza, Hepatitis and More
Influenza National Â· Eleven influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported bringing the season total to 71. Four of these deaths were associated with an influenza B virus, three were associated with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses, two...

3/8/11 Flu Updates and FDA Drug Alerts
Influenza Activity in Indiana Flu season continues onâ€¦. This is the 6th week in a row that we have seen influenza activity in our influenza sentinel sites at levels greater than 4.5%. Typically, we do not see those levels of ILI for more than 4...

3/1/11 Measles and Influenza update
Measles Exposure A young woman who traveled from the U.K. to 3 different U.S. airports last Tuesday while infected with measles may have passed the virus on to others. She landed in Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C., after flying...

2/8/11 Flu activity
State Data Â· Flu activity is picking up nationally and locally. Please review this info. Â· Please strongly encourage parents to immunize themselves and their children (review new death table). Â· There is...

1/24/11 Varicella and Tdap
Varicella is a febrile illness with acute onset of a generalized maculopapulovesicular rash. There is typically a prodromal period of malaise and fever for up to 48 hours prior to rash development. The rash usually begins as maculopapular on the...

1/18/11 Influenza update
Flu season is well underway, with national influenza-associated hospitalizations on the rise in the last three weeks. Almost two-thirds of national influenza infections are Influenza A, the majority of these being the H3N2 subtype. It is also...

11/8/10 Norovirus
It's backâ€¦â€¦. We are starting to see cases of Norovirus in our assisted living facilities. That means that you will all be seeing this as well. Remember that immunity to this virus is short lived â€“ on the order of four months or so. So even if you...

9/13/10 Varicella
Topic: Varicella and Pertussis The Indiana State Department of Health is investigating multiple cases of pertussis (whooping cough) and varicella (chickenpox). So far in 2010, there have been 367 cases of pertussis and 222 cases of varicella...

8/31/10 Salmonella and Flu Vaccine
Date: August 31, 2010 Topic: Salmonella and Flu Vaccine, WNv activity Salmonella We have yet to have any cases related to the egg recall in Indiana. Investigations continue in Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina,...

8/17/10 Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Date: August 17, 2010 Topic: EEE Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been identified in mosquitoes in Northern Indiana. While this is an Arboviral disease, it has a much higher morbidity and mortality rate than West Nile virus. Epi EEE is...

8/11/10 West Nile virus and Dengue fever
Date: August 11, 2010 Topic: H1N1 and Arboviral disease H1N1 Good news, the WHO has declared the H1N1 pandemic officially over. Furthermore, the current seasonal flu vaccine does contain protection against H1N1. Thanks again to all of you who...

8/5/10 Influenza A (H3N2) Virus Infections
Date: August 5, 2010, Topic: Influenza A (H3N2) Virus Infections Well, the good news is H1N1 is gone for now, the bad news is another influenza virus is causing outbreaks of seasonal flu throughout the country. Summary Influenza A (H3N2)...

8/4/2010 Syphilis
Date: August 4, 2010 Topic: Syphilis We have noted a recent increase in the number of patients diagnosed with early syphilis. Last year we had 4 cases, this year we have a total of 6 and we are still investigating a cluster of potential cases. ...

7/6/10 Pertussis
Date: July 6th, 2010 Topic: Pertussis We continue to see Pertussis cases on the rise locally and nationally. There have been 161 cases counted in Indiana for 2010 with approximately 75 additional cases under investigation. Typically there is a...

6/1/10 IV Drugs
Date: June 1, 2010 Topic: IV drugs The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting healthcare professionals not to use certain intravenous (IV) bags of metronidazole, ondansetron, and ciprofloxacin because of potential contamination. FDA has...

5/18/10 Pertussis
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is investigating increased pertussis activity throughout the state. As of May 16, the ISDH has reported 70 cases of pertussis to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) with more than 35 other cases...

5/14/10 Q Fever
Increasing reports of Q fever among deployed U.S. military personnel due to endemic transmission in Iraq, as well as a large ongoing outbreak of Q fever in the Netherlands, may place travelers to these regions at risk for infection. Q fever is a zoonotic...

4/30/10 K2 Synthetic Marijuana
Date: April 30, 2010 Topic: K2 Synthetic Marijuana Use among Teenagers and Young Adults in Indiana Another issue that docs need to know about: 'K2'-also known as 'K2 Spice', 'Spice', 'K2 Summit', 'Genie', 'Zohai', 'Dragon's Slice', 'K2...

4/29/10 Dengue Fever
Date: April 28, 2010 Topic: Potential for Dengue Infection among Relief Workers Returning from Haiti Summary: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received reports of dengue fever among relief workers returning from Haiti,...

3/26/10 Campylobacter Outbreak
Date: March 26, 2010 Topic Campylobacter Outbreak The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH), in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Illinois Department of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is...

3/23/10 Rotavirus Vaccine
Date: March 23, 2010 Topic: Rotavirus Vaccine Suspension Summary: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has learned that DNA from porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1), a virus not known to cause disease in humans, is present in the Rotarix...

3/19/10 Norovirus
We are starting to have clusters of cases of Norovirus in our community. We have been made aware that they anticipate another robust season of Norovirus â€“ on the order of what we had a few years ago. Below is a brief overview of Norovirus. ...

3/10/10 Disaster Volunteers
Date: March 10, 2010 Topic: Disaster Volunteers Last Thursday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 11 cases of the P.falciparum malaria infection, acquired in Haiti, have been confirmed among emergency personnel...

3/1/10 LifeScan Recalls Specific Lots of Consumer and Professional OneTouch® SureStep® Test Strips Due To Inaccurate Readings at High Levels
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- MILPITAS, Calif., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- LifeScan, Inc. is conducting a voluntary recall in the United States of eight lots of OneTouch® SureStep® Test Strips, used by people with diabetes to measure their blood glucose levels at...

3/2/10 Rx Hope symposium for disaster volunteers
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Department of Health, Associated Churches, the Behavioral Health Response Team, the Community Emergency Response Team, the Fort Wayne Medical Society, Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, and Parkview Health have partnered to...

2/24/10 School Vaccines
Date: February 24, 2010 Topic: School vaccines In 2009, the Indiana State Legislature revised the Indiana code to require all 6th through 12th grade public, charter or private school students to receive additional immunizations against the...

2/19/10 County Health Rankings
Health Outcomes Allen County Ranking Mortality ...

2/15/10 H1N1 update
H1N1 National Info All subtyped influenza A viruses reported to CDC were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses. The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was below the epidemic threshold. Three influenza-associated pediatric deaths...

1/25/10 H1N1 update
H1N1 National Info CDC estimates that between 39 million and 80 million cases of 2009 H1N1 occurred between April and December 12, 2009. The mid-level in this range is about 55 million people infected with 2009 H1N1. CDC estimates that between about...

12/15/09 H1N1 update
H1N1 National Info As part of its quality assurance program, the manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur, performs routine, ongoing stability testing of its influenza A (H1N1) vaccine after the vaccine has been shipped to providers. Stability testing...

12/10/09 H1N1 update
During week 47 (November 22-28, 2009), influenza activity continued to decrease in the U.S. · Over 99% of all subtyped influenza A viruses being reported to CDC were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses. · The proportion of deaths...

12/2/09 H1N1 update
During week 46 (November 15-21, 2009), influenza activity continued to decrease in the U.S. Over 99% of all subtyped influenza A viruses being reported to CDC were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses. The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia...

11/16/09 H1N1 Update
National Data Synopsis: It's getting better! During week 44 (November 1-7, 2009), influenza activity decreased slightly in the U.S. · All subtyped influenza A viruses being reported to CDC were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses. · ...

11/2/09 H1N1 update
National Data Synopsis: During week 42 (October 18-24, 2009), influenza activity increased in the U.S. Ã° All subtyped influenza A viruses being reported to CDC were 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses. The proportion of outpatient visits for...

10/26/09 H1N1 Update
H1N Update October 26, 2009 Local Updates: Â· Protocol for distribution of H1N1 vaccine: Each county is able to determine who they will distribute the H1N1 vaccine to as it arrives. Our process is that we will distribute vaccine within 24 -48...

10/15/09 Antivirals and Vaccine
Epidemiology We are seeing an increase in transmission among young people and are hearing that many of you are inundated with calls from patients. Antivirals I have been authorized to release a portion of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)...

10/12/09 H1N1 update
GLOBAL UPDATES: The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus remains the predominant influenza virus in circulation worldwide and has not demonstrated significant mutation. NATIONAL UPDATES: Current Flu Epidemiology National Week ending October 3,...

10/08/09 H1N1 Status Report
Human Influenza A Virus (H1N1) STATUS REPORT â€“ 10/07/0909 Deborah A. McMahan, MD â€“ Health Commissioner John Silcox â€“ Communications Director GLOBAL UPDATES: The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus remains...

9/30/09 Healthy Homes for Healthy Kids
Take the following quiz 1. More is known about the health risk of radon exposure to humans than about most other human carcinogens. (True or false) 2. Enough data exists to be able to say with certainty that thousands of preventable lung cancer...

9/28/09 H1N1 Update
GLOBAL UPDATES: The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus remains the predominant influenza virus in circulation worldwide and has not demonstrated significant mutation. NATIONAL UPDATES: Current Flu Epidemiology As of September 19, 2009): Â ...

9/28/09 Nationwide Public Health Alert Issued Concerning Life-Threatening Risk Posed by Cocaine Laced with Veterinary Anti-Parasite Drug
Topic: Nationwide Public Health Alert Issued Concerning Life-Threatening Risk Posed by Cocaine Laced with Veterinary Anti-Parasite Drug (http://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/advisories/090921vet5101.aspx) The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services...

9/21/09 H1N1 status report
GLOBAL UPDATES: The 2009 H1N1 influenza virus remains the predominant influenza virus in circulation worldwide and has not demonstrated significant mutation. NATIONAL UPDATES: On September 15, 2009 the The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved...

9/11/09 H1N1 Weekly Update
While the summer has demonstrated relatively low levels of flu activity, virtually all of the circulating flu virus is the 2009 Influenza A H1N1 virus. In anticipation of a potential surge of flu activity this fall, we will begin to provide a weekly...

9/9/09 Signs and Symptoms of the Flu: A guide for parents
Both influenza (flu) flu and the common cold cause respiratory symptoms, but they are caused by very different viruses. Because the symptoms can appear to be similar, it can be difficult to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone...

9/3/09 Testing for H1N1
Topic: Testing for H1N1 Confirmatory Testing: According to the latest CDC H1N1 influenza surveillance, 99% of circulating Influenza A virus is H1N1. Therefore, it is prudent to assume that patients who test positive for Influenza A on the rapid...

8/31/09 H1N1 vaccine
Vaccine Five manufacturers are producing H1N1 vaccine and the vaccine is expected to be available by mid-October. However, the initial supply of these vaccines might not be enough to meet the demand for vaccine. For this reason, CDC's Advisory...

8/25/09 Rabies
This year we have noted a significant increase in the number of bats that we have had tested for rabies that are positive. Last year we had 1 rabid bat and this year as of this date, we have had 5. We also had an opossum bite but results are pending. As...

8/17/09 Pertussis
As of August 7th, 127, cases of pertussis have been reported in Indiana in 2009, compared to 28 cases as of the same week in 2008. Indiana ended 2008 with 271 cases and it is expected that the number will increase in 2009. In addition, there has been...

7/29/09 Pregnant Women and H1N1
Pregnant women infected with the new H1N1 swine flu have a much higher risk of severe illness and death, U.S. government researchers said on Wednesday, confirming a trend that has worried global health experts. While pregnant woman have always...

7/27/09 H1N1 and vaccine and West Nile virus
Nationally, confirmed cases are 43,771 with 302 deaths. Neurologic complications, including seizures, encephalitis, encephalopathy, Reye syndrome, and other neurologic disorders, have been described previously in association with...

7/23/09 H1N1 and Pertussis
H1N1 Â Over 99% of all subtyped influenza A viruses being reported to CDC were novel influenza A (H1N1) viruses. (You should consider that most of what you are seeing that tests positive for Influenza A is H1N1, McMahan) Â The Indiana...

7/14/09 Drug Recall and West Nile virus
Propofol Voluntary Recall The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been investigating recent cases of febrile reactions among patients undergoing endoscopy in the United States. This...

7/6/09 H1N1 Update
National and local update: To date, Indiana has had 267 confirmed cases in 16 counties, 7 cases in Allen County. There have been 34 hospitalizations, with some patients requiring ventilatory support, however no reported deaths. Across the...

Air Quality Action Day forecast for Wednesday, June 24
The ozone level for Allen County for WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 has been forecast to be high enough to warrant a CAUTION Air Quality Health Effects 8-Hour Ozone Average (ppb) Good No Health Notice - No...

6/22/09 Gardisil, Scabies, H1N1
Gardasil Our department has recently been allowed to order more Gardasil vaccine to provide and the age range has been expanded to include those 19 years to 26 years. If you have patients (or children) who are in need of the vaccine or who are going...

6/2/09- Flu Update
State/Local Â We have been told of our first case of H1N1 in Allen County â€“ the case was diagnosed via our sentinel site. No other details will be provided. No other steps in terms of prophylaxis are necessary. Â CDC recommends...

5/8/09 - Flu Update
Global Updates: World Health Organization phase: Â Worldwide, laboratories now have officially reported 2,500 human cases of the new swine flu in 25 countries with 46 deaths. Â No change in WHO pandemic phases of 5 o While...

5/7/09 - Flu Update
Global Updates: World Health Organization phase: Â Worldwide, laboratories now have officially reported 2099 cases 1490 human cases of the new swine flu in 23 countries. Â No change in WHO pandemic phases of 5 National...

5/6/09 - Flu Update
Global Updates: World Health Organization phase: Worldwide, laboratories now have confirmed 1490 human cases of the new swine flu in 21 countries. No change in WHO pandemic phases of 5 National Updates: National...

5/5/09 - Flu Update
Global Updates: World Health Organization phase: Worldwide, laboratories now have confirmed 1490 human cases of the new swine flu. No change in WHO pandemic phases of 5 National Updates: National data (to date)...

5/4/09 - Flu Update
Global Updates: World Health Organization phase: Â Worldwide, laboratories now have confirmed 898 human cases of the new swine flu in 18 countries. Â No change in WHO pandemic phases of 5 National Updates: Â National...

5/3/09 - Flu Update
Global/National: CDC has now confirmed 226 cases of swine flu in the United States, in 30 states. CDC also reports that 30 people hospitalized so far have been mostly older children and young adults. CDC has issued new...

5/1/09 - Flu Update
Global/National: CDC has issued new guidance for school closure. One new recommendation is that if a school is closed, it should be for a minimum of 14 days. To minimize staffing shortages encourage staff need to make alternate child care...

4/30/09 - Update
Updates No cases in Allen County at this time Global: Â The Who has raised the pandemic level to 5 â€“ widespread human infection. Â From today, WHO will refer to the new influenza virus as influenza A(H1N1). National: Â ...

4/30/09 - School Nurses
Thank you for the hard work you are doing. I did want to give you an update regarding this issue. The new name of this virus is Influenza A (H1N1)-North American/Human flu. As I am sure you have heard, the WHO has raised the pandemic...

4/30/09 - Daycare Providers
I would like to share some information about the current swine flu outbreak. The Influenza A (H1N1)-North American/Human flu (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among...

4/29/09 North American Human Influenza A Update
Update National/Global: The CDC confirmed that current swine flu outbreak has claimed its first US victim -- a 23-month-old child in Texas. The current name is: Influenza A (H1N1)-North American/Human flu instead of swine flu. ...

4/28/09 Swine Flu Update
Below you will find an updated information regarding Swine Flu. Thank you all for your attention to this issue and all of your questions and concerns. We have had the first case of swine flu in Indiana â€“ I do not know the exact location at...

4/27/09 Swine Flu Update
Below you will find updated information regarding the current outbreak of Swine Flu. Sorry this is so long, updates will be shorter. Please remember that this is in the early stages of this novel virus infection, so information and recommendations...

4/24/09 Swine Flu
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly cause outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases...

3/16/09 Influenza Update
During week 9 (March 1-7, 2009), influenza activity in the United States remained high, but is at approximately the same level as in the previous week. Indiana is experiencing widespread activity. Circulating strains The results of tests...

3/12/09 Lead Product Alert (Burmese)

3/12/09 Lead Product Alert (English)

2/17/08 Salmonella and Pertussis
Dr. Monroe has asked us to remind physicians of the potential for Salmonella in patients with diarrhea. She would like your assistance in educating patients you see in your practice about the risk of eating recalled products and to report diagnoses of...

2/16/09 Influenza update
Per Shawn Richards, Respiratory Epidemiologist for ISDH Â§ Indiana will be reporting widespread influenza activity to the CDC for week 5. This is only an indication of geographic spread and not severity. Â§ Indiana Sentinel ILI...

1/20/09 Salmonella Update
Everything old is new again! As I am sure you have all been reading, Salmonella has been identified as the causative agent in a national outbreak that has caused illness in 474 people from 43 states and caused 6 known deaths. Of persons for whom data...

1/13/09 Antivirals During Flu Season
Although influenza activity is low in the United States to date, preliminary data from a limited number of states indicate that the prevalence of influenza A (H1N1) virus strains resistant to the antiviral medication oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is high...

12/18/08 New Reportable Diseases
As of December 12th, the Communicable Disease Rule has been amended to include several new diseases. The new reportable diseases include: Powassan EncephalitisDengue and Dengue Hemorrhagic FeverGiardiasisVibriosis (non-choleraHepatitis...