Possible Salmonella Illness: Canada
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Hershey Canada Inc. are warning the public not to consume certain chocolate products because they may be contaminated with Salmonella. Hershey Canada Inc., Mississauga, Ontario, is voluntarily recalling these products from the marketplace. This recall does not affect Halloween or Christmas items. Only products with date codes from 6417 to 6455, produced from 15 October to 10 November, are affected by this alert. The date codes can be found on the back of each unit. Consumers who may have purchased bulk products during the affected time period should inquire at the place of purchase if they have received the affected codes. These products may have been distributed nationally. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of these products. A list of the affected chocolate products can be accessed online at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/2006/20061112e.shtml and
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/recarapp/2006/20061114e.shtml . The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.
Source: Health Hazard Alerts, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 12 and 14 November 2006

Use of Antiviral Drugs for Influenza - Recommended Guidelines for Practitioners: Canada
This document outlines current guidelines and supporting literature relating to the use of antiviral drugs for chemoprophylaxis and influenza illness therapy in paediatric and adult settings. As the knowledge of best practices in immunization as well as the recommendations on the optimal use of anitiviral drugs continue to eveolve, this document has developed contemporary guidelines on the use of anitival drugs for chemoprophylaxis and thereapy, which are appropriate for the management of influenza in interpandemic periods. Where appropriate, the areas in need of additional research have been identified, and the document acknowledges that it will be necessary to update aspects of these guidelines as new information emerges. The recommendations represent the results of a joint effort supported by the Canadian Paediatric Society and the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada. The guidelines can be accessed online at: http://www.pulsus.com/Infdis/17_05/Pdf/Allen.pdf .
Source: The Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology, Volume 17, No. 5, September/October 2006

Listeriosis: Los Angeles
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported 17 cases of listeriosis from August to November 2006, an increase from 9 cases last year during this same time period. Of the 17 cases, seven are pregnant women including five of Hispanic descent. This is an increase from only 1 case last year during the same time period. So far this year, there have been two stillbirths among the infected pregnant women. None of the cases are apparently linked to each other or to one specific food item, however at least four of the pregnant women reported eating soft or Mexican-style cheeses that are often made from non-pasteurized milk. In total, eight of the 17 cases reported eating at-risk foods.
Source: Health Advisory, Los Angeles County Health Services, 14 November 2006

Outbreak of Poliovirus: Namibia
After 10 years with no detected wild poliovirus (WPV) transmission in Namibia, an outbreak of poliomyelitis cases occurred in 2006. The outbreak was traced to importation from neighboring Angola of WPV type 1 (WPV1) that originated in India. As of 2 October 2006, a total of 19 cases of polio, with paralysis onset between early May and 26 June, had been confirmed by isolation of WPV1 from stool specimens, primarily from young adult males; six of the patients died. This report describes outbreak investigation and response activities and provides an update on routine and supplemental immunization activities (SIAs) and acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance in Namibia.
Source: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Volume 55, No. 44, 10 November 2006

The details given are for information only and may be very provisional. Where incidents are considered of national importance and are ongoing, the initial report will be updated as new information becomes available.