CDC's Director Visiting Puerto Rico to Assess Zika Response

Public health experts fear the outbreak could result in hundreds of thousands of infected people in Puerto Rico during 2016 based on past experience with dengue and chikungunya, which are transmitted by the same mosquitoes.

  • Mar 07, 2016

Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will visit Puerto Rico during March 7-9 to assess in person CDC's support for the Zika response there. As of March 3, 103 cases of Zika virus infection in Puerto Rico residents had been reported to ArboNET, a surveillance system managed by CDC and state health departments, and public health experts fear the outbreak could result in hundreds of thousands of infected people in Puerto Rico during 2016 based on past experience with dengue and chikungunya, which are transmitted by the same mosquitoes, according to CDC.

There is increasing evidence that Zika virus infections in pregnant women cause microcephaly, a severe birth defect.

CDC is collaborating with the Puerto Rico Department of Health on the public health response to the outbreak. Frieden, M.D., MPH, is traveling to the island to emphasize the need for preparedness and prevention to reduce the public health impact, and he will meet with key public health officials and local leaders to assess how CDC and other U.S. government agencies can best support Puerto Rico's response to the outbreak. Frieden also will meet with CDC staff on the island and visit CDC's dengue lab, where Zika testing is under way, and will tour the Emergency Operations Center at the Puerto Rico Department of Health in San Juan.

Product Showcase

  • SECUPRO MARTEGO

    FOR HIGHEST DEMANDS. A cutting tool in which function and design go hand in hand. Meet the SECUPRO MARTEGO, our prize-winning squeeze-grip safety knife with fully automatic retractable blade for safety. • Ergonomically friendly trigger mechanism to engage the blade • Durable body made of aluminum • Safer alternative to fixed blade utility knives for general cutting tasks • 9 mm Cutting depth • Easy, tool free blade change Dimensions: L 6.10" L x 0.71" W x 1.91" H Weight: 3.70 oz Cutting Depth: 9 mm Read More

  • Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker WBGT Monitoring for Workplace Safety

    Ensure safety with the Kestrel® 5400 Heat Stress Tracker, the go-to choice for safety professionals and endorsed by the Heat Safety & Performance Coalition. This robust, waterless WBGT meter is ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, offering advanced monitoring and data logging essential for OSHA compliance. It features pre-programmed ACGIH guidelines and alert settings to quickly signal critical conditions. Integrated with the cloud-based Ambient Weather Network, the 5400 allows managers to view, track, and log job site conditions remotely, ensuring constant awareness of potential hazards. Its capability for real-time mobile alerts and remote data access promotes proactive safety management and workplace protection, solidifying its role as a crucial tool in industrial hygiene. Read More

  • NoiseCHEK Personal Noise Dosimeter

    SKC NoiseCHEK is the easiest-to-use dosimeter available! Designed specifically for OEHS professionals, SKC NoiseCHEK offers the easiest operation and accurate noise measurements. Everything you need is right in your palm. Pair Bluetooth models to your mobile devices and monitor workers remotely with the SmartWave dB app without interrupting workflow. Careful design features like a locking windscreen, sturdy clip, large front-lit display, bright status LEDs, and more make NoiseCHEK the top choice in noise dosimeters. Demo NoiseCHEK at AIHA Connect Booth 1003. Read More

Featured

Most   Popular

Artificial Intelligence