Illinois | Infections associated with formula reported in two infants in Missouri, Illinois
Chicago | The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding parents and other caregivers of infants to follow safety guidelines when preparing powdered infant feeding formula, including boiling the water used to mix the formula to sterilize it.
Two newborn infants contracted the bacterial infection Cronobacter sakazakii (C. sakazakii). A Missouri infant died, and an Illinois infant is recovering from the infection. C. sakazakii in infants is associated with powdered infant feeding formulas. An investigation is ongoing to identify the source of infection.
Commercial powdered infant formulas are not sterile. Formula can become contaminated with C. sakazakii through the raw products used to make the formula, contamination after pasteurization or during preparation of reconstituted formula for infant feeding.
As a result, IDPH strongly recommends the following precautions to reduce the risk of infection in infants:
Clean utensils
- Wash hands, forearms and fingernails thoroughly before handling any feeding materials or preparing formula.
- All bottles, nipples, caps and rings should be washed in hot, soapy water with thorough rinsing.
Preparing formula
- Before use, powdered formula should be kept dry in an airtight container with a firm cap or lid and stored in a cool, dark area. Make sure the expiration date has not passed.
- During formula preparation, bring water to a bubbling boil for two minutes and allow the water to cool before mixing.
- Do not use a microwave oven to warm the formula.
Storing formula
- Formula should be prepared in small amounts immediately before feeding time to minimize the need for storing reconstituted formula.
- Reconstituted formula should not be stored at room temperature for more than one hour or more than four hours in the refrigerator after preparation.
- Throw out any formula left in a bottle after feeding.
Additional information on best practices in preparing infant formula can be found here:
Illinois Department of Human Services: http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=32190
World Health Organization (WHO):http://www.fao.org/ag/agn/agns/files/pif_guidelines.pdf
Illinois | IDPH alerts public to pertussis outbreak
Chicago | The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is alerting the public to a marked increase of pertussis cases (also known as “Whooping Cough”) due to a series of outbreaks primarily concentrated in Cook County and the surrounding collar counties of Chicago. As of today, 1,149 cases have been reported statewide. Of those cases, the majority have been reported in McHenry (227), DuPage (217), Cook (275) and Lake (112) Counties.
Although pertussis can affect any age group, infants – especially those too young to be vaccinated – are at especially high-risk for contracting the disease. Therefore, health officials are also strongly encouraging parents, other family members, caregivers and all who come in contact with young infants to be vaccinated against pertussis.
“In general, the majority of pertussis cases, hospitalizations, and deaths occur in infants less than two months old, who are too young to be vaccinated so the key is protecting these infants and limiting their exposure,” said IDPH Acting Director Dr. Kenneth Soyemi. “Pertussis vaccination for infants begins at two months, but young infants are not adequately protected until the initial series of three shots is complete at six months of age.”
Pertussis is spread to others through direct contact with bacteria from nasal and throat discharges from coughing and sneezing. Symptoms usually occur five to 10 days after exposure, but can take as long as 21 days. The first symptoms are similar to those of a common cold – a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever and a mild, occasional cough. The cough gradually becomes severe and, after one to two weeks, the patient has spasmodic bursts of numerous, rapid coughs. The characteristic high-pitched “whoop,” which is more common in children, comes from breathing in after a coughing episode.
Pregnant women may be vaccinated against pertussis before or during pregnancy, or after giving birth. Fathers may be vaccinated at any time, but preferably before the birth of their baby.
Others who may have contact with infants, including family members, healthcare workers, and childcare workers, should also be vaccinated, preferably at least two weeks before beginning close contact with the infant.
IDPH officials are urging all who have been in close contact to a person with confirmed or suspected pertussis to seek medical attention immediately for antibiotic treatment – even if they have recently been vaccinated against pertussis. Over-the-counter medication is ineffective in treating the disease.
If the illness is confirmed by a medical provider, IDPH officials recommend staying home from work or school during the first five days of treatment. IDPH also recommends frequent hand-washing and good respiratory hygiene (covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue; disposing of soiled tissues) to prevent further spread of pertussis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also stresses the importance of a pertussis booster for people between 11-64, and people 65-and-over who are caregivers for young children.
Pertussis outbreaks are cyclical, with a dramatic spike in reported cases occurring every 4-5 years. The 1,149 reported pertussis cases so far for 2011 have already surpassed the total 648 cases from 2009.
For more information, please visit http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbpertus.htm
Illinois | IDOT unveils life-saving Yellow Dot program
Chicago IL | The Illinois Department of Transportation today unveiled the Illinois Yellow Dot program, a life-saving, traffic safety initiative that provides first responders with critical information to improve emergency care for persons involved in vehicle crashes. IDOT along with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Illinois Department of Aging (IDOA) and county health departments across the state are working together to increase awareness of the voluntary, federally funded program, and provide distribution centers and information for interested residents.
“Roadway safety is always a top priority at IDOT, and the Yellow Dot program can help improve roadway safety by providing first responders the crucial medical information they need to treat injuries and save lives, beginning at the scene of a crash,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider. “This important program gives IDOT and our partners another important way to improve our exceptional record on traffic safety. I encourage all motorists to participate in this unique and effective program, which could make the difference between life and death for individuals involved in crashes.”
Because the first hour following an injury is the most crucial, the Yellow Dot program provides essential personal health information to emergency responders in order to promptly care for a crash victim. This ‘Golden Hour’ is critical in the treatment of crash victims, and the medical information provided through the program could be a lifesaver.
When a crash occurs, emergency medical first responders such as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians are immediately dispatched to the scene. These responders usually have basic information such as the location of the crash and the number of victims. Frequently, minimal personal information is available during this early, most critical time period.
“This is a great opportunity for older drivers to update their medical information and have a voice in their emergency treatment in the event of an accident,” said John K. Holton, Ph.D., director of the Illinois Department on Aging. “The Yellow Dot program will serve as a lifeline to alert first responders of crucial medical information which can help the victims who may be unable to communicate at the crash site or may have forgotten to share the information.”
Yellow Dot participants are supplied with a simple, bright yellow decal for their car and a corresponding yellow folder. The decal is placed in a conspicuous and consistent place – in the lower left-hand corner of the rear window, driver’s side. The yellow dot signifies there is a folder in the glove compartment containing the following medical information about the motorists: participant’s name, close-up photo, emergency contact information, patient’s physician information, medical conditions, recent surgeries, allergies and a list of current medications. Having access to this information allows first responders to make important decisions regarding emergency treatment and can better prepare emergency hospital staff in the receiving room.
“Time is critical in an emergency situation. If paramedics and emergency medical workers know what medications a person is taking, if the person has allergies or a chronic condition, they can make better decisions about treatment,” said Acting IDPH Director Dr. Craig Conover. “Delaying treatment can mean the difference between life and death in some cases. Something as simple as having your medical information on a yellow card in your glove compartment can potentially make a big difference in the emergency care you receive.”
The Yellow Dot program, funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation, was originally introduced in Connecticut in 2002. For more information on the program and to find a distribution center near you, visit www.yellowdotillinois.org.
Illinois | State Health dept encourages residents to prepare for winter weather
Chicago IL | Although winter officially arrives in five weeks, winter weather in Illinois could arrive much sooner. Therefore the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is encouraging residents to use November 13-19—Winter Storm Preparedness Week in Illinois—to begin preparing for the extreme cold, wind, ice and snow that often accompanies Illinois winters.
“For the last century, at least one severe winter storm has impacted Illinois each year,” said IDPH Acting Director Dr. Craig Conover. “It’s critical to be proactive and take the time now during Winter Storm Preparedness Week in Illinois to prepare your family, home and vehicles in advance of severe winter weather.”
IDPH is urging residents to take simple precautions and follow these tips to protect themselves from severe winter weather: • Create an emergency preparedness kit for homes and vehicles that includes: a battery-powered radio, flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable food, blankets, water, a first-aid kit, extra medication and special items for infants, the disabled, elderly and pets.
- Keep an extra supply of heating fuel for homes.
- “Winterize” homes by insulating walls, attics, doors and windows.
- Make sure vehicles are in good operating condition and keep gas tanks full.
- Never leave motors running in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces, like garages.
- If traveling, provide travel itineraries to relatives, friends or co-workers.
To further prepare residents for winter hazards, IDPH developed a guide called Weathering Winter with additional information about winter weather tips for staying safe and warm in homes or vehicles. This guide is available on the IDPH website or by calling 217-782-5750.
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