Health Officials Release Details About Respiratory Illness Outbreak in Long-term Care Facility in British Columbia
Health authorities in British Columbia, Canada have released information about an outbreak of acute respiratory illness in a residential care facility for the elderly in North Surrey. The outbreak has involved 97 residents and 46 staff members since July 3, 2003. A small number of the patients involved in the outbreak have had preliminary test results indicating a virus similar to SARS coronavirus. However, the illness in most of patients has been mild (i.e., cold-like symptoms) in contrast to the typical illness of patients with SARS.
Most of the residents and staff have fully recovered. Seven residents have died since July 3. Four of these deaths appear to be unrelated to the outbreak, whereas pneumonia was a contributing factor in the others.
Further testing and investigation is underway. The outbreak appears to be waning, and control measures are in place.
No precautions for U.S. travelers are recommended at this time. CDC is in close contact with health authorities in Canada and the World Health Organization, and information will be updated as it becomes available.
Source: CDC
CDC HICPAC Considers New Airborne Pathogen Guidelines Amid Growing Concerns
November 18th 2024The CDC HICPAC discussed updates to airborne pathogen guidelines, emphasizing the need for masks in health care. Despite risks, the committee resisted universal masking, highlighting other mitigation strategies
Breaking the Cycle: Long COVID's Impact and the Urgent Need for Preventative Measures
November 15th 2024Masking, clean air, and vaccinations are essential in combating COVID-19 and preventing long-term impacts, as evidence mounts of long COVID's significant economic, cognitive, and behavioral effects.
The Critical Role of Rapid Diagnostics in Antibiotic Stewardship
November 6th 2024Rapid diagnostics enhance patient outcomes by enabling prompt, targeted treatments, reducing inappropriate antibiotic use, and combating antimicrobial resistance through informed clinical decisions and stewardship programs.
