Public Health Lab Authorized by CDC to Test for Zika Virus
Our Public Health Laboratory has been authorized by the CDC to begin testing for the Zika virus. We received a Zika virus testing validation panel from the Laboratory Response Network at CDC late last week, passed the proficiency testing panel and were authorized to test for Zika virus this past Monday. Using this test we can run up to 100 clinical samples per day for [...]
Arizona’s First Case of Zika in a Traveler
As expected, the first case of Zika has finally been confirmed in Arizona. Yesterday, our Arizona State Public Health Laboratory identified Zika virus in a specimen sent to us for testing. The case, an older adult woman in Maricopa County, was infected with the disease while traveling in a country with known Zika virus transmission. There has NOT been any [...]
New Management System Will Help Improve Services
One of Governor Doug Ducey’s priorities is to modernize and streamline state government so the services we provide are more effective for the people we serve. One of the ways state government will transform is by deploying an intentional statewide management system . Over the last few weeks we have been working on a department-wide implementation of our management system, [...]
Evaluating Stakeholder Needs to Improve Public Health Programs
Input and feedback from our partners is critical to ensuring the public health work we do is effective and meaningful. Even when (or especially when) programs have been in existence for years, it’s important to continue checking in with our stakeholders. MEDSIS, our electronic communicable disease surveillance system, has been in place since 2006, but it is continually undergoing enhancements. [...]
World TB Day
Each year on March 24th, we observe World TB Day and revisit the worldwide efforts to control and eliminate tuberculosis (TB) . The theme of World TB Day 2016, "Unite to End TB," is showcased in Arizona through ongoing local, state, national, and binational collaboration. While nationally in 2015 we saw an increase of 157 cases, for a total count [...]
Fuzzy and Cute Friends Require Healthy Habits
With Easter right around the corner, little ones in Arizona may be coming into contact with baby chicks or ducklings at festivals, egg hunts, or petting zoos. While these baby birds are cute, they are also common carriers of Salmonella bacteria . Salmonella bacteria can cause infections in people, with symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramping. Kids under five, [...]