Potential for Contaminated Saline: DPH Recommends Stop Use of Nurse Assist Saline-Flush Syringes
Delaware Health and Social Services | Division of Public Health | Newsroom | Date Posted: Thursday, October 6, 2016
he Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is currently investigating an outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) bloodstream infections possibly associated with intravenous (IV) infusions. This outbreak is part of a multistate outbreak being investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has made DPH aware of the possibility of contaminated intravenous infusions of Nurse Assist pre-filled saline flushes shipped to local long term care facilities or other medical providers in Delaware.
Zika: Back-To-School and New Delaware Cases
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control | Division of Public Health | Newsroom | Date Posted: Thursday, September 29, 2016
School is in full swing but the official end of summer does not mean the end of mosquito season. Mosquitoes can breed and bite for another several weeks in Delaware. To prevent the spread of Zika and any mosquito-borne illness, the Division of Public Health (DPH) and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) reminds you that stopping the mosquito bite is still the best protection against disease. Delaware now has 15 Zika cases, including four not previously announced. All cases were caused by mosquito bites while traveling abroad.
A Safer Meal: The Importance of Food Protection Managers
Division of Public Health | Newsroom | Date Posted: Tuesday, September 27, 2016
A national study, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that restaurants with Certified Food Protection Managers (CFPMs) had fewer of most types of food safety violations. Such food managers receive special training and are responsible for monitoring and managing all food establishment operations. The CFPM must also be knowledgeable about foodborne illness symptoms, how to minimize risk factors, and how make corrective actions if necessary.
Public Health Advises Health Care Providers to Monitor IV Drug Users for Bacteria Exposure
Delaware Health and Social Services | Division of Public Health | Newsroom | Date Posted: Friday, September 2, 2016
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced that it has been notified of four cases of Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) bloodstream infection between July and August of 2016 in New Castle County. Typically a foodborne illness, these bacteria usually do not cause blood infections. Three of the four cases of B. cereus reported to DPH occurred in individuals who are intravenous (IV) drug users and currently use heroin. Symptoms of bloodstream infection may include fever, chills, body aches, rapid heart rate, diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. If untreated, bloodstream infections can affect multiple organs and even be fatal.
WIC participants can now use WIC Farmers’ Market coupons at select Delaware farmers’ markets
Delaware Health and Social Services | Department of Agriculture | Division of Public Health | Date Posted: Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Participants in Delaware’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program can now use special coupons to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at 11 Delaware farmers’ markets under a pilot program beginning this week.
