All articles tagged with #health authorities
A United Airlines Boeing 737 Max was temporarily grounded after 30 passengers, many returning from a cruise, fell ill with flu-like symptoms. The airline coordinated with health authorities and conducted a deep cleaning of the plane. The specific cruise ship involved has not been confirmed, but Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas was docked in Vancouver on the same day.
Japan is grappling with a surge in cases of "flesh eating" streptococcal toxic-shock syndrome (STSS), prompting global concern and media coverage. Health authorities are attempting to allay fears, advising visitors to practice good hygiene and wound care. The outbreak has spread to 45 of Japan's 47 prefectures, with 474 cases recorded in the first two months of 2023. Experts are puzzled by the rapid spread and severity of the illness, which is caused by a highly pathogenic and transmissible variant of the M1UK strain. Treatment challenges and a higher fatality rate among younger individuals have raised alarm, prompting calls for vigilance and immediate medical attention for symptoms.
Japanese health authorities are inspecting a second Kobayashi Pharmaceutical factory in western Japan following reports of five deaths possibly linked to the company's dietary supplements. The supplements, marketed for lowering cholesterol levels, are suspected to contain potentially toxic materials. The company has been criticized for taking two months to announce the health impacts of its products and has initiated a recall. International authorities in Taiwan and South Korea are also investigating potential health reactions related to the products.
China's National Health Commission (NHC) has recommended reducing large gatherings in public places as a response to the spike in infectious diseases. The NHC has also required medical institutions to expand their services and optimize medical processes to facilitate people seeking treatment. The National Influenza Center under the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC) has stated that current antiviral drugs are effective against influenza viruses, and the China CDC is conducting surveillance of mutations. The suggestion to reduce large gatherings aims to avoid high levels of people gathering in public venues, with the possibility of dynamically diverting passenger flow to prevent further spread of the diseases.
Health authorities in Jamaica are cracking down on unregulated and unhygienic dental practices, particularly those offering "false braces." The Dental Council of Jamaica is working with the police and the Companies Office to shut down businesses operating outside the regulations. Public health officers are involved in the effort to protect people from the risks associated with unsterilized dental procedures. The chief dental officer emphasized the importance of public education and highlighted sugar and poor oral hygiene as major causes of dental diseases. Dental services are being expanded in regional health authorities and hospitals, with Jamaica leading in offering oral services to pregnant women and adolescent girls. The Dental Council of Jamaica requires all dental auxiliaries to obtain annual practicing certificates and complete continuing education credits.
Two recent deaths from Legionnaires' Disease in Richmond may be linked to the Zen Day Spa, according to health authorities. Inspectors found that the spa did not have a permit for a spa or pool, and water samples are being tested for legionella bacteria. Visitors to the spa are urged to watch for symptoms of the disease, which include shortness of breath, fever, and coughing. Legionnaires' Disease is treatable with antibiotics and is not spread person-to-person.
A secret biological lab in Reedley has been shut down by health authorities due to safety concerns after operating for several months.