Health & Safety Headlines

Congress Approves $1.1 Billion for Zika

After months of delays, Congress has finally approved critical funding to combat the Zika virus. Funding will be split among increased mosquito control efforts, the development of a vaccine and creating better tests to diagnose the disease. A small portion of the funds will go to Puerto Rico, where the Zika virus has created a public health emergency.

New Recommendations for Safety and Health Programs

OSHA has updated their 30-year-old guidelines for safety and health programs to reflect today’s workplace hazards. The guidelines are available at www.osha.gov/shpguidelines and include tools to start a program, sample case studies and additional resources. For help with your safety and health program, contact the LHSFNA’s OSH Division at 202-628-5465.

Shigellosis Outbreak in Flint, Michigan

A sharp increase in the number of Shigellosis cases is yet another side effect of the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Over concerns about the safety of their water, some residents have stopped washing their hands as frequently. This has led to the spread of Shigella, a highly contagious bacteria that causes diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Health officials are urging citizens to follow safe hand-washing practices to control the outbreak.

Homeopathic Teething Gels May Be Cause of Infant Deaths

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that homeopathic teething gels may pose a danger to infants and children. The products, which contain trace amounts of the toxin nightshade, are being investigated for causing 10 deaths and hundreds of cases of seizures, fever and vomiting. The FDA urges parents to avoid these products and added that they have no proven health benefits.

[Nick Fox]