Monitors of H1N1 might have it Sep 23, 2009
Rich Knecht, R.N., is the coordinator for bioterrorism at the Erie County Health Department. Behind him is an electron micrograph of the avian influenza virus. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Fighting disease outbreaks with 2-way health information exchange Sep 22, 2009
Rapid, secure two-way exchange of health information between medical care providers and public health officials is critical to dealing with disease outbreaks, bioterrorism incidents, illness from food borne contaminants, and other threats. Doctors, medical laboratories, and hospitals need efficient ways to inform public health agencies about emerging risks, and public health officials need effective approaches to monitoring, detecting, and informing medical providers about outbreaks. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Nanoparticle Treatment For Burns Curbs Infection, Reduces Inflammation Sep 18, 2009
Uses for nanoemulsions include treatments for cold sores, now in phase 3 clinical trials, and for toenail fungus and cystic fibrosis infections, as well as vaccines against influenza and bioterrorism agents. Before the burn treatment can be tested in people, further laboratory studies are needed to examine the nanoemulsion's effects on the overall healing process. (Science Daily)
Ohio gives $1.5M to Dayton health programs Sep 17, 2009
will receive $985,800 for addressing bioterrorism, other outbreaks of infectious disease and other public health threats and emergencies at the county and regional level. Public Health Dayton & Montgomery County will receive $479,200 for community-based efforts to improve the health status of women and children in Ohio by identifying needs and implementing programs and services to address the identified needs; and. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
Scientists Move Closer To A Safer Anthrax Vaccine Sep 8, 2009
The research is significant because anthrax is considered a major bioterrorism threat ... Anthrax is a common disease among grazing animals such as cows, goats, and sheep but can also result from bioterrorism. (Science Daily)
Ohio drafts plan to train EMTs to give flu vaccine Sep 7, 2009
The plan could be the first use of a law enacted after bioterrorism threats following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The emergency workers could administer only swine flu shots, not vaccinations for seasonal flu. (FOX19.com, OH)
Preparedness test disburses medicine Sep 4, 2009
All neighbor islands have received a stockpile of antiviral medicine that will be more than doubled next month in the second phase of an emergency response exercise, says Wes McDermott, state bioterrorism preparedness response chief ... States must ensure they can transport and deliver the medications statewide in event of a pandemic, bioterrorism terrorism attack or natural disaster ... All neighbor islands have received a stockpile of antiviral medicine that will be more than doubled next... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Mock weather emergency tests staff Sep 2, 2009
Otsego Memorial Hospital is part of the Regional Medical Bioterrorism Defense Network, which includes the hospitals, Medical Authorities, and local public safety entities of the following counties: Alpena, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Manistee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, and Wexford. This regional network manages community disease surveillance and emergency management systems, with the goal of... (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Frist: Ted Kennedy's death a loss for mankind Aug 28, 2009
And he was the masterful legislative colleague who never sacrificed his liberal principles standing for the everyday person as we joined each other on the health committee as respective co-chairmen to write and pass bills on disparities among the poor, emerging infectious diseases such as HIV and avian flu, and preparing the nation and the world to fight bioterrorism. His death is a loss not just for Massachusetts and the Senate, but for all of mankind. (CNN -- US)
Sen. Ted Kennedy's legacy on par with that of his brothers Aug 28, 2009
reasonable1 wrote on Aug 27, 2009 10:26 AM:" Senator Kennedy knew he was a product of privilege, and he knew he had to give back.Some of his efforts, clipped from online articles: Minimum wage increases, unemployment benefits, a safe work environment, worker training, pay equity, education and health care; helping workers hold on to health care, advocating for student loans, joining the picket lines with nurses, helping children read, getting meals to senior citizens or fighting to protect a... (Longview Daily News, WA)
TRM approves $ for town health services Aug 28, 2009
The final request from the Health Department was for $61,839 to cover the costs of Fairfield's continued planning and response to bioterrorism, pandemic influenza and other public health emergencies. The town expects to continue to develop the Local Bioterrorism and Public Health Emergency Response Plan along with its Mass Dispensing Plan. (Fairfield Minuteman, CT)
Michigan group courts homeland security to create jobs Aug 27, 2009
With Michigan in need it has the highest unemployment rate in the nation Leslie Touma thinks there's opportunity in other areas of defense: cybersecurity, border monitoring and bioterrorism. They are sectors the state has the talent base to fill. (USA Today -- Money)
Maryland hospitals to share data on swine flu, other diseases Aug 25, 2009
The system gathers symptom data reported in hospital emergency rooms to track disease outbreaks, public health emergencies and suspicious patterns of illness that could serve as an early warning for chemical and bioterrorism attacks. The data will be shared among the 46 hospitals. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Single Host Gene May Hold Key To Treating Both Ebola And Anthrax Infections Aug 25, 2009
8, 2007) Amid continuing concerns that anthrax might be used as a bioterrorism weapon, government researchers report development of a faster, more sensitive blood test for detecting the deadly toxins produced. . (Science Daily)
UPMC wants to make vaccines Aug 22, 2009
He said traditional response to pandemics and bioterrorism failed to yield timely, desired results ... The focus would be vaccines and medicines to counter pandemics and bioterrorism, especially those that private producers are reluctant to produce because of costs and low volumes ... Production could be stopped and redirected should another pandemic or act of bioterrorism occur. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
UPMC proposes vaccine production center Aug 21, 2009
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center proposes to create the world's leading vaccine-production center by 2013 to enhance the country's abilities to deal with pandemics and bioterrorism ... The key point is to produce vaccines quickly and cost-effectively to counteract a new outbreak of disease or act of bioterrorism ... The hearing will help to determine whether the nation's current vaccine production system is prepared for pandemics or bioterrorism. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Question and answer: Kevin Sweet, Maynard health officer Aug 20, 2009
He maintains an adjunct senior faculty position at Cambridge College s School of Management, teaching a course on bioterrorism and disaster management. But he is already preparing for flu season and potential outbreaks for the H1N1 virus in Maynard in the fall. (Beacon Villager, MA)
Grace Rollins, 98, longtime Emory benefactor Aug 11, 2009
She fulfilled the pledge and gave additional gifts for faculty development, bioterrorism research and school leaders. Essentially, the school would not be what it is without her family. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Overly Emotional Language May Be Counter-productive When Issuing Warnings About Pandemics And Hospital Infections Aug 9, 2009
8, 2009) 'During the SARS and bird flu scare scientists and health organisations used disaster metaphors, such as "tsunami," "perfect storm" and "bio-terrorism" to mobilise the media, governments, and individuals to prepare for a pandemic in waiting. Such terms can make people sit up and listen, but they can also lead to panic or cynicism,' says Professor Brigitte Nerlich, who led the research. (Science Daily)
Some measures won't help prevent flu pandemic - report Aug 6, 2009
Writing in the journal Biosecurity and Bioterrorism, Courtney, Dr. D. A. Henderson and colleagues said it appears that the new H1N1 is now too widespread to try to stop. "In 1957 it was decided pretty early on that efforts to quarantine or isolate people would not be effective," Courtney said. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Daily TV guide Aug 4, 2009
Experimental documentary about a college professor suspected of bioterrorism. NR (2007). (Boston Globe)
Local internist adds another title as county public health officer Jul 28, 2009
- Takes the lead on preparing the county for potential bioterrorism or weapons of mass destruction attacks. - Reviews and approves medical protocols and policies for local agencies. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Bioterrorism and disaster preparedness explored in special issue of Medical Decision Making Jul 28, 2009
The article "Predicting Hospital Surge after a Large-Scale Anthrax Attack: A Model-Based Analysis of CDC's Cities Readiness Initiative Prophylaxis Recommendations," examines one of the CDC's principal bioterrorism-response programs, the Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI), a program that recommends the medical countermeasures necessary to minimize the hospital surge resulting from anthrax-related illness and response in the first two days after a major bioterrorism attack ... "How hospitals and... (EurekAlert!)
Early Detection And Quick Response Are Key To Defense Against Anthrax Attack Jul 27, 2009
8, 2007) Amid continuing concerns that anthrax might be used as a bioterrorism weapon, government researchers report development of a faster, more sensitive blood test for detecting the deadly toxins produced. (Jan. (Science Daily)
County Has Second Case of H1N1 Virus Jul 24, 2009
The money represents the unspent part of an $18,000-plus federal bioterrorism grant. The rest of the money was used to pay for materials and related expenses connected with preparations at the local level in case of a bioterrorism attack. (The Pilot Newspaper)
Toxin Detection As Close As An Inkjet Printer Jul 20, 2009
Similar technology may soon be used to develop paper-based biosensors that can detect certain harmful toxins that can cause food poisoning or be used as bioterrorism agents. See also. (Science Daily)
UNC-Greensboro spinoff targets new uses for bioterror technology Jul 16, 2009
A technology first conceived of as a defense against bioterrorism nearly a decade ago by scientists at is making a comeback through a company spinoff aimed at the water utility and food industries. and its CEO, Greg Bowers, expect to introduce rapid pathogen-testing products based on the research of UNCG professors Vince Henrich and Parke Rublee to the water utility market next year. (Triad Business Journal, NC)
New Drug Fights Anthrax Toxin Jul 10, 2009
"This drug strengthens America's arsenal against bioterrorism that would work in the face of antibiotic-resistant anthrax bacterium," said lead researcher Sally Bolmer, senior vice president of development and regulatory affairs at Human Genome Sciences Inc., the company that developed raxibacumab. The drug works differently than antibiotics, Bolmer noted. (MEDLINEplus)
War games spark better-informed decisions Jul 7, 2009
After the terrorist attacks in 2001, three health care industry stakeholders and three government agencies the Health and Human Services and Defense departments and the Federal Emergency Management Agency held a two-day war game to improve the countrys preparedness for an act of bioterrorism. According to the authors, the game depicted a disease-based attack on two U.S. cities with no relevant vaccine available. (FCW.com)
Moving Mountain Confronts U.S. President -- Cooper Has Written a Zany Novel About a Marijuana Crackdown by the DEA and An Uppity Mountain That Makes a Non-Negotiable Demand of the President of the United States Jul 7, 2009
As for novels, in addition to Flea Circus the author has written three: Mister Right, a bawdy novel of Internet adventure, the zany character novel Tex, and Flight from Ann Arbor, a suspense novel about bioterrorism. COOPER graduated from the University of California-Berkeley and now lives in Colorado. (Primezone Releases)
Eczema Patients Most At Risk For Dangerous Viral Infections Jun 30, 2009
This situation could limit the ability of those people to safely receive vaccinations in case of a smallpox bioterrorism event. The Atopic Dermatitis Vaccinia Network (ADVN) is an NIH-funded multi-center network charged with better understanding the susceptibility of eczema patients to the vaccinia infection and to search for ways to protect against it. (Science Daily)
Georgia to overhaul health agencies Jun 27, 2009
The changes involve agencies that will decide the state s role should swine flu vaccine be distributed and the state s response to a bioterrorism attack ... The state s preparedness for a major emergency, such as a bioterrorism event or natural disaster, needs improvement, she said. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Wash. U. biodefense center gets $37M Jun 26, 2009
The MRCE, established in 2003, is one of 11 centers dedicated to developing new or improved ways to treat, diagnose or prevent diseases that could be use for bioterrorism, such as anthrax, or infectious diseases, like West Nile fever, plague and dengue fever. Washington University School of Medicine's 2,100 employed and volunteer faculty physicians also are the medical staff of and hospitals. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Scientists block Ebola infection in cell-culture experiments Jun 24, 2009
No vaccine exists for the virus, and it is considered a high-risk agent for bioterrorism. Natural Ebola outbreaks strike periodically, often with devastating effect; recent examples include outbreaks in Uganda in 2008 and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2007. (EurekAlert!)
Researchers 'All Aglow' Over New Test Of Toxin Strength Jun 21, 2009
8, 2004) Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a pair of rapid-fire tests for botulinum toxin, a feat that could underpin new technologies to thwart bioterrorism and spur the ... 14, 2005) One big problem that could occur with a possible worldwide bioterrorism attack goes beyond any health scare it s politics, says a homeland security. (Science Daily)
'FDA has a lot on its plate' as new chief takes over Jun 17, 2009
Hamburg, who has expertise in bioterrorism, would oversee food safety and tobacco, while Sharfstein, 39, the former Baltimore health commissioner who prompted the FDA to warn against the use of pediatric over-the-counter cold and cough remedies, would oversee medical products. Hamburg says there's no truth to that. (USA Today)
Fairbanks dedicates new virology laboratory Jun 17, 2009
Smallpox was eradicated in the late 1970s, but samples were kept and it emerged as a bioterrorism concern in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks. "The fire department can't even get in here," Schmidt said of the secured room. (Juneau Empire)
Case of swine flu confirmed at Mount Nittany Medical Center Jun 16, 2009
"With the emergence of bioterrorism, the SARS epidemic and avian flu, the medical center has developed organization plans to respond to such threats which would now include swine flu.". Penn State has also been preparing for a local swine flu case, university spokesman Geoff Rushton said. (Daily Collegian, PA)
University of Maryland School of Medicine awarded $20M from NIH Jun 3, 2009
The institute will use the funding to sequence and analyze the genomes of bioterrorism agents and disease outbreaks, such as swine flu or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The research could lead to the creation of new drugs, vaccines and diagnostic tools to treat infectious diseases. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
World in our hands May 30, 2009
Lee expects bright prospects for Malaysian rubber gloves in the long term with higher take-up rate as the emergence of new diseases like theA(H1N1) virus, SARS, variants of the bird flu and bioterrorism resulted in heightened awareness on hygiene both from the developed and developing countries. Expanding gloves market. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
GeneThera Updates Its Shareholders and Investing Public May 26, 2009
FDA nominee, Dr. Margaret Hamburg, a bioterrorism expert who once served as New York City health commissioner, says she wants to restore public confidence in the Food and Drug Administration by putting science first and running an open and accountable operation. The agency is facing a range of new and daunting challenges,'' Hamburg said in her written statement. (Primezone Releases)
La Jolla Institute unlocks mystery of potentially fatal reaction to smallpox vaccine May 25, 2009
"Since atopic dermatitis affects as many as 17 percent of children in the U. S. and since eczema vaccinatum carries a fatality rate of 5-10 percent, therapies that prevent or treat eczema vaccinatum successfully are crucial should the need for mass vaccination against smallpox arise in response to bioterrorism," said Harvard pediatrics professor Raif S. Geha, M.D., chief of immunology at Boston Children's Hospital and a principal investigator in the NIH funded network investigating eczema... (EurekAlert!)
Depositions Taken In Anthrax Case May 22, 2009
Hatfill, a physician and bioterrorism specialist, worked from 1997 to 1999 in the Army's infectious diseases laboratory at Maryland's Fort Detrick. Hatfill alleges that Justice officials leaked discrediting and false information to the media about him that caused him great harm. (Yahoo News -- Biological and Chemical Weapons)
Zelizer: Democrats play defense on security May 21, 2009
Since 2006, Democrats have spoken about areas of vulnerability, like port security and bioterrorism, where, they say, Republicans had refused to invest sufficient resources needed to ensure the safety of the nation. But other than a few provisions that were contained in the economic stimulus bill that dealt with these issues, Obama has been relatively quiet about his homeland security plans. (CNN -- US)
Newsweek: Can Tom Frieden fix the CDC? May 20, 2009
In the wake of the terrorist attacks on 9/11, the rest of the world was focused on bioterrorism. Frieden recognized the importance of the issue, but said, "Terrorists will never kill as many New Yorkers as smoking." (Terrorists killed nearly 3,000 people on 9/11. (MSNBC -- Health)
New CDC director was outspoken NYC health chief May 20, 2009
Gerberding s defenders, however, countered that she kept the agency above political concerns and expanded its mission to include bioterrorism research, combating AIDS globally and responding to national health threats. Since Gerberding s departure Jan. 20, the top job at the CDC has been held temporarily by Richard Besser, 49, who headed the CDC office that focuses on threats from biological, chemical, natural, infectious, nuclear and radiological sources. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Senate Confirms Obama's Pick for FDA Chief May 19, 2009
Dr. Margaret Hamburg, a bioterrorism expert, will be sworn in as the 21st commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration and only the second woman to hold the post in 100 years of agency history ... As an assistant health secretary under President Bill Clinton, Hamburg helped lay the groundwork for the government's bioterrorism and flu pandemic preparations. (Newsmax)
METI shows growth where others stagnate May 18, 2009
METI manufactures interactive patient simulators used to mimic human medical scenarios, including trauma, heart attack, drug overdose and bioterrorism. They are used by defense organizations, medical schools, nursing schools and other entities involved in medical education. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
Obama picks NY official as CDC chief May 17, 2009
The CDC is the country's lead agency to prevent and address health problems including infectious diseases, unhealthy lifestyles and the threat of bioterrorism. Frieden is known for his aggressive efforts to limit smoking in New York. (Xinhuanet, China)
Obama names NYC health chief to head CDC May 17, 2009
The , based in Atlanta, Georgia, is the lead federal agency to help state and local health authorities detect and control chronic disease and infectious disease threats, including bioterrorism. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg praised Frieden's work for the city. (CNN -- Health)
New York City health chief to head CDC May 16, 2009
The CDC is the nation's lead agency to prevent and address health problems from infectious disease to unhealthy lifestyles to the threat of bioterrorism. Frieden could also play a central role as an adviser in Obama's efforts to reform the nation's health care system. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
New chief says CDC "committed to science" May 16, 2009
Gerberding s defenders countered that she kept the agency above political concerns and expanded its mission to include bioterrorism research, combating AIDS globally and responding to national health threats. Frieden s memo also stressed the importance of improving our health care system to increase access, affordability and quality. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Novel Therapy May Prove Effective In Treatment Of 30 Percent Of Cancers May 15, 2009
3, 2008) Bavituximab, a newly developed anti-viral drug shows promise as a new strategy to fight viral diseases, including potential bioterrorism. (Jan. (Science Daily)
USA ill-equipped for a swine flu pandemic, experts fear May 14, 2009
States, cities and public health agencies have made enormous progress in preparing for health crises such as bioterrorism and a flu pandemic since the anthrax attacks in 2001, says Neal Cohen of Hunter College's School of Urban Public Health, who was New York City's health commissioner from 1998 to 2002. CDC: YOUR HEALTH: INTERACTIVES. (USA Today -- News)
Roadway might reduce jams at Lake Land May 12, 2009
Lensink said the Field House would mainly be utilized under the current proposal if SBLHC would need more room to treat a large number of patients from disasters ranging from bioterrorism to a major tornado. n Approved articulation agreements with Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College for a smoother transition for students completing criminal justice and elementary education degrees. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Scientists discover how smallpox may derail human immune system May 12, 2009
However, public health concerns regarding the possible re-emergence of the virus through bioterrorism have led to renewed interest in the development of treatments for the disease and safer vaccines. . (EurekAlert!)
UPMCs proposed vaccine factory gains momentum May 11, 2009
Four major infectious disease threats within 25 years, plus the threat of bioterrorism putting that all together has given us new momentum, said Dr. Arthur Levine, senior vice chancellor for health sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. Every time there s a threat of a pandemic, there s renewed interest in the fact that vaccines are made in someone else s country. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
Public health emergency funding takes hit May 10, 2009
Georgia has repeatedly cut spending on public health emergencies this decade, despite heightened anxieties over bioterrorism and, more recently, the swine flu virus. The cuts cast doubt on the state s ability to detect and contain virulent outbreaks such as pandemic influenza, experts inside and outside state government say. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Personnel, agreements on LLC board agenda May 9, 2009
This would be utilized as part of a bioterrorism hospital disaster plan where SBLHC would have an excess of victims for its facilities. A farmland lease agreement and academic agreement with Saint Mary-of the-Woods College are also on Monday s agenda. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Preparing for the worst May 8, 2009
Anthony Fauci, head of America s , says the American government has been funding many such firms in preparation for bioterrorism and pandemics. But he points out that none of the firms has so far got a pandemic flu vaccine past safety trials. (The Economist)
FDA Nominee Vows To Revamp Food Safety May 8, 2009
Dr. Margaret Hamburg, a bioterrorism expert who once served as New York City health commissioner, breezed through her confirmation hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committee, with no senators expressing opposition ... Hamburg, as an assistant health secretary under President Bill Clinton, helped lay the groundwork for the government's bioterrorism and flu pandemic preparations. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Trust for America's Health on Nomination of Tara O'Toole for Under Secretary for Science and Technology at the Department of Homeland Security May 8, 2009
"Tara O'Toole is a renowned and highly recognized international expert on biodefense and public health preparedness. She will be a major asset as the Under Secretary for Science and Technology at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, bringing a range and depth of experience to the position. In her work as Assistant Secretary of Energy for Environment Safety and Health during the Clinton Administration, she helped protect Americans from environmental threats to health. At the Johns Hopkins... (PR Newswire)
UPMC expert obvious biosecurity choice May 8, 2009
"She is unusually smart and articulate, she has a spine of steel, she has extraordinary management abilities, she can see around corners to anticipate problems and she is very action- and change-oriented. Jeffrey A. Romoff, UPMC president and chief executive officer, said Dr. O'Toole has been instrumental in making UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh an international leader in the critical field of biosecurity and public health preparedness. "Tara's expertise makes her uniquely qualified to... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
FDA nominee pledges food safety review May 8, 2009
Dr. Margaret Hamburg, a bioterrorism expert who once served as New York City health commissioner, also says she wants to restore public confidence in the Food and Drug Administration by putting science first and running an open and accountable operation ... Hamburg, as an assistant health secretary under President Bill Clinton, helped lay the groundwork for the government's bioterrorism and flu pandemic preparations. (AZCentral -- Business)
Prayer Day receives ecumenical treatment May 8, 2009
Dr. Margaret Hamburg, 53, bioterrorism expert and a former New York City health commissioner, pledged to revamp protection of the nation's food supply to help prevent future disease outbreaks. The full Senate is expected to vote on her nomination before Memorial Day. (Boston Globe)
