Infectious Disease Alert – October 1, 2012

October 1, 2012

• The 'No Name Virus' in the Land of 'Those Who Kill': Hantavirus in Yosemite

  Prior to 2012, only 2 cases of hantavirus infection had been identified in visitors to California's Yosemite National Park one in 2000 and another in 2010. Both infections were acquired in the Tuolomne Meadows area, miles distant from the iconic Yosemite Valley.

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• Is Doxycycline Protective Against the Development of C. difficile infection?

  Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a major complication associated with antibiotic usage, and its incidence continues to increase. Management of CDI remains challenging despite new therapies and many patients suffer from recurrences. Interventions to limit acquisition of the disease are therefore urgently needed.

  Read more about Is Doxycycline Protective Against the Development of C. difficile infection? - Infectious Disease Alert – October 1, 2012

• New phlebovirus associated with severe febrile illness in Missouri

  Two men (one age 57 with no prior significant illnesses and one age 67 with type 2 diabetes) from northwestern Missouri presented separately to a hospital with illnesses characterized by fever, fatigue, diarrhea, thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Hepatic transaminase levels subsequently became elevated in both patients, peaking between 8 and 10 days.

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• Thalidomide for IRIS? Optimal dose, duration unclear

  Three HIV-infected patients with refractory, corticosteroid-dependent and life-threatening IRIS were presented.

  Read more about Thalidomide for IRIS? Optimal dose, duration unclear - Infectious Disease Alert – October 1, 2012

• Adequacy of Rabies Post-exposure Prophylaxis

  Uwanyiligira et al retrospectively analyzed charts of all patients seen at the Travel Clinic of the University Hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland, for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) between January 2005 and August 2011.

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• Updates by Carol A. Kemper, MD, FACP

  Travel to the Middle East may have gotten less popular recently, but for those planning to travel for the annual pilgrimage to Makkah (Mecca) October 24-29, 2012, The National Travel Health Network has issued updated guidelines, as follows:

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• Pharmacology Watch: Statins and Cognition — More to the Story?

  In this issue: Side effects of statins; effects of cannabis use; antihypertensives and lip cancer; and FDA actions.

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• Clinical Briefs in Primary Care supplement

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