CDC Vital Signs – AZ Dept. of Health Services Director's Blog

Controlling Unusual Resistance Germs
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Controlling Unusual Resistance Germs

Preparedness

Controlling Unusual Resistance Germs

By Cara Christ|2018-05-14T11:54:59-07:00May 14th, 2018|Preparedness|

CDC’s Vital signs publication recently highlighted unusual antibiotic resistance germs, which are resistant to all or most antibiotics tested and are uncommon or carry special resistance genes. Antibiotic-resistant germs can spread very easily. Germs constantly develop resistance against new and older antibiotics. Examples of unusual resistance include: Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA), Candida auris and certain types of “nightmare bacteria” such as [...]

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Arizona Efforts to Combat Vector-Borne Diseases
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Arizona Efforts to Combat Vector-Borne Diseases

Preparedness

Arizona Efforts to Combat Vector-Borne Diseases

By Cara Christ|2018-05-01T18:22:48-07:00May 1st, 2018|Preparedness|

A recent Vital Signs report from the CDC highlights the increasing threat of “vector-borne” diseases—illnesses spread by mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Between 2004 and 2016, reported cases of vector-borne diseases tripled, and over half a million people became ill from diseases such as Lyme, West Nile, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and plague. In addition, nine new diseases were introduced or discovered [...]

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Opioid Response Update: More Real Time Data Reported
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Opioid Response Update: More Real Time Data Reported

Prevention

Opioid Response Update: More Real Time Data Reported

By Cara Christ|2017-07-07T11:16:28-07:00July 7th, 2017|Prevention|

This week marks our second week of posting a report of real time data reported to us from healthcare providers, first responders, law enforcement agencies, and pharmacists in our coordinated response to the alarming increase in opioid deaths in Arizona. The data is cumulative since June 15, with a total of 444 suspected opioid overdoses, 36 [...]

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New Data shows Legionnaires’ Disease on the Rise
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New Data shows Legionnaires’ Disease on the Rise

General

New Data shows Legionnaires’ Disease on the Rise

By Cara Christ|2017-02-10T09:48:48-07:00June 17th, 2016|General|

A recent CDC Vital Signs has highlighted Legionnaire’s Disease, a serious lung infection (pneumonia) caused by a type of bacterium “Legionella”. In the United States every year, about 5,000 people are infected with Legionnaire’s disease and about 10 percent who get sick will die due to these infections. The number of people with Legionnaire’s disease grew by nearly four [...]

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Painkiller Overdoses

By azdhs-admin|2017-02-10T09:51:26-07:00November 10th, 2011|General, Prevention|

I know I read like a broken record- but prescription painkiller misuse and abuse is a huge public health issue not just here- but nationally. The newest edition of CDC Vital Signs presents information about prescription painkiller overdoses in the United States and highlights promising strategies for addressing the issue. Please share this information broadly with [...]

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Prescription Drug Abuse III

By azdhs-admin|2017-02-10T09:51:27-07:00November 2nd, 2011|Prevention|

I know I read like a broken record- but prescription drug misuse and abuse is a huge public health issue not just here- but nationally. The newest edition of CDC Vital Signs presents information about prescription painkiller overdoses in the United States and highlights promising strategies for addressing the issue. Please share this information broadly with [...]

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Healthcare Associated Infections Report

By azdhs-admin|2011-03-07T08:14:03-07:00March 7th, 2011|Preparedness, Prevention|

Good news this time. The number of bloodstream infections in intensive care unit patients with central lines decreased by 58% over the last 10 years according to a new CDC Vital Signs report. This decrease saved 27,000 lives and $1.8B in excess health care costs. Bloodstream infections in patients with central lines can be deadly, [...]

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