Provider Health and Safety Advisory - Dengue Virus
Posted July 28, 2010

Please read - click here

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a Health Advisory regarding an increase potential for cases of Dengue virus observed in returning travelers from areas in which there is increased Dengue virus transmission.  Dengue virus transmission has been increasing to epidemic levels in many parts of the tropics and subtropics. Travelers to these areas are at risk of acquiring dengue virus and developing dengue fever (DF) or the severe form of the disease, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). With an extensive dengue outbreak occurring in Puerto Rico and evidence of continued transmission in Key West, Florida, travel to certain domestic locations may also pose a risk for the traveler.

While we may not be requested to scenes specifically for Dengue Virus illnesses, we should remain alert and understand our role as important early sentinels in uncovering possible Dengue cases within our community.

Please ensure that the OMD Provider Health and Safety and CDC Health Advisories are distributed so all system providers are aware of the areas from which Dengue Virus may originate, review signs and symptoms of the two main manifestations of the disease and the clinical management of these patients, and the pertinent CDC recommendations.

Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Bill Coll
Infection Preventionist
Austin/Travis County EMS System
Office of the Medical Director
512.978.0030

Respirator safety. Approximately 9 minutes long

http://www.youtube.com/usdepartmentoflabor#p/u/4/Tzpz5fko-fg

 Differences between a respirator and surgical masks.  Approximately 5.5 minutes long.

 http://www.youtube.com/usdepartmentoflabor#p/u/5/ovSLAuY8ib8