Flu Cases Spiking In Northern California
The state reports three influenza-related deaths this season.
Calaveras Enterprise:
Flu Now Widespread In Northern California
Influenza is now “widespread” in Northern California, according to the California Department of Public Health. By at least one indicator, the number of patients presenting themselves at clinics with influenza-like symptoms, the infection is now at epidemic levels. (1/5)
KCRA:
First Flu-Related Death In Solano Co. Reported
The first flu-related death of the season in Solano County was reported by health officials on Wednesday. An adult younger than 65, who had a medical condition that made the patient at risk to severe illnesses, died last week, the Solano County Public Health Department said. Three people in California have died so far during the 2016-2017 season due to flu-related illnesses, according to the state’s public health department. (1/4)
In other public health and disease news —
The Washington Post:
Ebola Virus Found Hiding In Lungs Of Health-Care Worker
Ebola has proven itself a tricky foe to get rid of in the human body. In numerous cases in which it was thought to be gone and patients fully recovered, the virus has been found in the eyes, semen, amniotic fluid, placenta, breast milk and central nervous system. Now a paper published in the journal PLOS Pathogens describes another possible hiding place for the virus: the lungs. (Cha, 1/5)
The Wall Street Journal:
In The Fight Against Zika, Insecticides Hit A ‘Dead End’
Health workers have a thinning arsenal of insecticides capable of killing mosquitoes that carry Zika and similar viruses as the Southern Hemisphere’s summer begins and as outbreaks persist in other areas. One reason: Eliminating disease-carrying mosquitoes is a niche business with costly barriers to entry. “We may be hitting a dead end,” said Doug Carlson, director of the Indian River Mosquito Control District in Vero Beach, Fla. “In the not-too-distant future, we may very well not have chemicals that are effective.” (Bunge and McKay, 1/5)