[National public health institutes: a coordinated and comprehensive approach toward influenza A H1N1 and other threats to public health]. / Los institutos nacionales de salud pública: un enfoque coordinado e integral contra la influenza A H1N1 y otras amenazas a la salud pública.

The current influenza A H1N1 epidemic has demonstrated once again the importance of being able to count on robust, coordinated, and comprehensive public health systems. Countries that do rely on such health systems have proven to recognize, diagnose, and treat influenza in a timely manner, and to provide the public with the education needed to minimize the number of deaths and acute cases. The International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) recommends that all countries begin to coordinate their national public health efforts. IANPHI offers its support and guidance to all who would create or strengthen their national public health institutes. By strengthening national public health systems, the ability to collaborate and the security of all countries is heightened. These institutions exist for the public good, and any improvements made to them are also a contribution toward better health for the population.

Los institutos nacionales de salud pública: un enfoque coordinado e integral contra la influenza A H1N1 y otras amenazas a la salud pública / National public health institutes: a coordinated and comprehensive approach toward influenza A H1N1 and other threats to public health

The current influenza A H1N1 epidemic has demonstrated once again the importance of being able to count on robust, coordinated, and comprehensive public health systems. Countries that do rely on such health systems have proven to recognize, diagnose, and treat influenza in a timely manner, and to provide the public with the education needed to minimize the number of deaths and acute cases. The International Association of National Public Health Institutes (IANPHI) recommends that all countries begin to coordinate their national public health efforts. IANPHI offers its support and guidance to all who would create or strengthen their national public health institutes. By strengthening national public health systems, the ability to collaborate and the security of all countries is heightened. These institutions exist for the public good, and any improvements made to them are also a contribution toward better health for the population.

A serological evaluation of an immunization programme in Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands

A serological survey in Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies, suggested that immunization against poliomyelitis carried out since 1971 had been unexpectedly ineffective. Immunity as judged by antitoxin levels was satisfactory for tetanus but poor for diptheria. The value of serological studies in the evaluation of immunization programmes is demonstrated. Effective evaluation of a vaccination programme must involve accurate vaccination records and continuous surveillance of disease incidence, cold chain adequacy, and vaccine delivery to susceptible groups (AU)

Contaminated roof-collected water as a possible cause of an outbreak of salmonellosis

Roof-collected rainwater is a common source in subtropical regions and has not been associated with human illness. In Trinidad, the West Indies, a church group attending a rural camp, developed gastrointestional illness, caused by Salmonella arechevalata. This rare serotype was isolated from stool specimens of campers, food eaten at the camp, and a water tap, which was supplied by a storage tank of roof collected rainwater. The surface of the roof, used as water catchment, was covered with bird faeces. It is postulated that rainwater, falling on the roof, washed off animal excrement which contained S. archevalata and led to the outbreak of salmonellosis through camper ingestion of contaminated food and water.(Summary)

Histoplasmosis in Belize, Central America

After two small outbreaks of histoplasmosis in Belize, an epidemiological survey was carried out. Forty percent of 141 persons in two groups tested demonstrated a positive histoplasmin reaction. In one study group there was a significant association between visiting caves and histoplasmin positivity. Histoplasma capusulation was not isolated in 20 soil specimens collected from outbreak-associated caves, but was isolated from 1 of 26 bats collected from the same caves. The presence of histoplasmosis in Belize, C.A. is documented, and this disease should be considered in differential diagnosis in patients, both residents and visitors in Belize, with compatible clinical presentations (AU)

Epidemiological characteristics of tetanus in Trinidad (1973 - 1975)

In the 3 years 1973-1975, 88 persons were known to have had tetanus in Trinidad. The distribution of patients by age was unusual only for those 20-49 years old, in which males predominated. Of the 88 patients, 65 reported a recent injury; 46 of these were on the foot or leg. The case-fatality ratio was 30 percent; fatal cases had notably shorter incubation periods(most, less tha n9 days). Immunization status was not known for 66 percent (58/88). Of those with known immunization status, 9 of the 19 who had never been vaccinated against tetanus died; only 1 of the other 11 died. There was no consistent seasonal pattern of occurrence of cases. The incidence of tetanus decreased from 7.5 cases/100,000 population in 1968 to less than 3/100,000 in 1973-1975. Vaccination for the groups at higher risk of developing tetanus is now being stressed throughout Trinidad. (AU)

Lead absorption in a community of potters in Barbados

In a community of potters in Barbados where lead glazes traditionally have been used, a survey of 12 potters, 19 of their family members, and 24 controls revealed elevated blood lead levels in the potters, their family members, and the neighbours who used pottery for culinary purposes. Dust from the potters' homes and work areas contained lead in concentrations up tp 320,000 ppm. Pottery was found to have lead release levels up to 3,125 microgram/ml. Six people had upper extremity tremor associated with elevated blood lead levels. This survey demonstrates the risk of using lead glazes in pottery production to family members of potters as well as the potters themselves and emphasizes the need for surveillance of occupational hazards in developing countries. (AU)