Be Prepared for the Flu Season
As National Influenza Vaccination Week hits this week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced we are in for a worse than average flu season.
Not only is flu season expected to hit earlier - actually the earliest it has hit in more than a decade – but this year’s particular strain (H3N2) is known to be tougher on our immune systems, too.
Measles are Back in Indiana, But No Cases on IU Campuses To Date
State and local health officials continue to investigate measles cases in central Indiana. To date, 13 confirmed cases have been identified, all within Hamilton and Boone counties. All cases have occurred in unvaccinated individuals or individuals with unknown vaccination status. As of February 17, 2012, no cases have been reported in Indiana University students.
IU Biosafety Staff Assisting Research to Send Bacteria into Space
Assistant Professor Harold Olivey, PhD, at IU Northwest is collaborating with a local school and the Indiana University Biosafety staff to send E.coli to the International Space Station.
Peanut Butter Recall for Indiana, Other States
The J.M. Smucker Company today announced a limited voluntary recall on two specific Best-If-Used-By dates of 16 oz. Smucker’s® Natural Peanut Butter Chunky because it may be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov.
The affected product, which is packaged in 16 oz. jars, is as follows:
Pepperidge Farm Voluntarily Recalls Baked Naturals Sesame Sticks
Pepperidge Farm, Incorporated is voluntarily recalling a limited quantity of 10.2-ounce boxes of Baked Naturals Sesame Sticks as a precaution due to the possible presence of small, thin pieces of wire. This product was distributed within the state of Indiana.
The affected product is marked with a yellow 20% More! banner across the top of the package and has the following codes on the top package flap:
W07*1781 Sell by 11/20/2011
Ground Turkey Recall
According to information provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation (Springdale, Arkansas) is recalling approximately 185,000 pounds of ground turkey products that may be contaminated with a strain of Salmonella Heidelberg.
Dealing With Dangerous Heat
With temperatures predicted to reach into the mid to upper 90's this week with high humidity, it is essential that we are all pro-active in our approach to preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Below are suggestions from the Indiana State Board of Health for staying cool in hot weather, as well as links to further information These provided excellent guidance on the prevention of heat injuries.