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Temporary Decrease in Human Rabies Vaccine Supplies
- posted on June 25, 2008
Distributed via Health Alert Network
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been notified that Novartis Vaccines, maker of RabAvert (Rabies Vaccine), will temporarily cease to provide their rabies vaccine for both pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis uses to health care providers. This includes physicians, nurse practitioners, hospitals, clinics, etc. A second company, Sanofi Pasteur, produces IMOVAX Rabies (Rabies Vaccine), and will continue to supply vaccine to health care providers for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). In certain circumstances, such as an allergic reaction to one company's vaccine product, the other company's vaccine product can be obtained to complete a vaccination series after consultation with state health departments and CDC, on a case-by-case basis. Overall, both manufacturers have limited supplies of rabies vaccine, necessitating the need for judicious use of these products by health care providers. (It is expected that additional RabAvert will be available on the market in July 2008. When that occurs, it is expected that the demand for pre-exposure vaccinations can be fully met with RabAvert.)
Due to temporarily limited supplies, distribution of vaccine for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreP) will be approved by state and federal public health authorities. Priority will be given for those individuals at greatest rabies exposure risk (e.g., rabies laboratory workers, animal control officers, veterinary staff, wildlife workers) and in consideration of available rabies vaccine supplies. In lower risk rabies exposure categories (e.g., travelers, veterinary students, etc.), human rabies PreP should be delayed until vaccine supply levels are restored.
Priority use of rabies vaccine will be for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) following ACIP human rabies prevention recommendations (http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5703a1.htm). IMOVAX rabies vaccine is available for PEP and providers should carefully review the ACIP recommendations and guidelines from their states to ensure that PEP is needed. They are also strongly encouraged to consult with local/state public health departments.
Public health authorities and health care providers are encouraged to educate the public concerning the need to take appropriate precautions to avoid rabies exposure and actions to take if an exposure occurs. Appropriate precautions include vaccination of pets, as well as livestock having close human contact, avoiding stray and wild animals, and safely capturing or detaining biting animals or obtaining owner contact information for follow up. Such practices will decrease the need for rabies PEP and thus allow for the responsible management of currently limited vaccine supplies.
CDC is working closely with both vaccine companies and state and federal public health authorities to ensure that health care providers receive up to date information on supply fluxes. Discussions among federal, state, and local public health personnel are ongoing to review additional strategies to manage the current supply of rabies vaccines. State and local health departments are working to ensure that health care providers are informed and have available consultation regarding best practices for the use of rabies vaccine.
Information about rabies, its prevention, and updates on the rabies vaccine situation can be obtained on the CDC rabies website http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/ or by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO. The rabies web site will be updated as new information becomes available.
Health Authorities Investigating Salmonellosis Outbreak
- posted on June 6, 2008
Texas Department of State Health Services
NEWS RELEASE
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) officials said today that federal, state and local authorities are investigating a multi-state outbreak of the Saintpaul strain of the Salmonella bacteria. DSHS health officials have confirmed 21 cases in Texas since mid-April, including cases in Harris, Fort Bend, Dallas, Tarrant, Hays and Cameron counties. No deaths have been reported.
Health authorities say the investigation is in its early stages but that consumption of raw tomatoes has been implicated as the likely source of infections. Specific types and source of tomatoes remain under investigation.
Until the specific source of the illnesses is determined, health officials advise that:
- People with increased risk of severe infection including infants, the elderly and those with impaired immune systems not eat any raw Roma or full-sized round tomatoes other than those sold attached to the vine or grown at home.
- People who want to reduce their risk of Salmonella infection avoid eating raw Roma or full-sized round tomatoes other than those sold attached to the vine or grown at home.
Consumers also are advised to:
- Cook tomatoes at 145 degrees F. for at least 15 seconds to kill Salmonella.
- Avoid purchasing bruised or damaged tomatoes and discard any that appear spoiled.
- Thoroughly wash all tomatoes under running water.
- Refrigerate within two hours or discard cut, peeled or cooked tomatoes.
- Keep tomatoes that will be eaten raw separate from raw meats, raw seafood and other raw produce items.
- Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and counter tops with hot water and soap when switching between types of food products.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water especially after going to the restroom, before preparing or serving food and after changing a diaper.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea and sometimes vomiting. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. In some cases people with severe diarrhea may need to be hospitalized. People with symptoms should drink plenty of water, get extra rest and visit a doctor as soon as possible.
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