February 9, 2016

Public Health & Healthcare Preparedness
FACT SHEET
Preparing for and Responding to the Zika Virus at Home and Abroad.
 
The Administration is taking every appropriate measure to protect the American people, and today announced that it is asking Congress for more than $1.8 billion in emergency funding to enhance our ongoing efforts to prepare for and respond to the Zika virus, both domestically and internationally. (The White House, 2/8/16)
 
STATEMENT
CDC Emergency Operations Center Moves to Highest Level of Activation for Zika Response.
 
To further enhance its response to the Zika virus outbreak, CDC's Emergency Operations Center is moving to a Level 1 activation-reflecting the agency's assessment of the need for an accelerated preparedness to bring together experts to focus intently and work efficiently in anticipation of local Zika virus transmission by mosquitoes in the Continental US.  (CDC, 2/8/16)
 
PRESS RELEASE
New Lyme Disease-Causing Bacteria Species Discovered.
 
The newly recognized species was discovered when six of approximately 9,000 samples drawn from residents of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota with suspected Lyme disease between 2012 and 2014 were found to contain bacteria that were genetically distinct from B. burgdorferi.  (CDC, 2/8/16)
 
PRESS RELEASE
NIH Seeks Research Applications to Study Zika in Pregnancy, Developing Fetus.
 
Given recent reports that Zika virus may be sexually transmitted, studies also are needed to determine if the virus is present in reproductive fluids, such as semen or vaginal secretions, and whether it can cause infection via the reproductive tract. Evidence from such studies might prove important in informing guidance for preventing the spread of Zika virus through intimate contact, particularly for women who are pregnant or likely to become pregnant. (NIH, 2/5/16)
 
REPORT
The National Adult Immunization Plan.
 
The National Adult Immunization Plan provides an overview of actions needed to be undertaken by federal and nonfederal partners to protect public health and achieve optimal prevention of infectious diseases and their consequences through vaccination of adults. (Department of Health & Human Services, 2/5/16)
 
REPORT
Weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report.
 
The most frequently identified influenza virus type reported by public health laboratories during week 4 was influenza A, with influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 viruses predominating. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza in clinical laboratories increased. (CDC, 2/5/16)
 
GUIDANCE
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
 
Often called "the voice of CDC," the MMWR series is the agency's primary vehicle for scientific publication of timely, reliable, authoritative, accurate, objective, and useful public health information and recommendations. (CDC, 2/5/16)

TRAVEL ALERT
Zika Virus: Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions.
 
CDC has updated travel alerts for Cape Verde, the Pacific Islands, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, and Central America. (CDC, 2/5/16)

 

NEWS
USDA, Obama Commit to Food Safety Research.
 
The US Department of Agriculture is providing grants totaling more than $30 million to fund 80 research projects aimed at improving food safety, reducing antibiotic resistance in food and increasing the resilience of plants. President Obama's 2017 budget also proposes investing $700 million for the USDA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. (Food Safety News, 2/5/16)
 
INTERVIEW
Officials Warn of Potential Zika Transmission Via Urine, Saliva.
 
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, talks with Mary Louise Kelly about how the Zika virus may spread. (NPR, 2/5/16)
 
NOTICE
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Meeting.
 
The agenda will include discussions on: Meningococcal vaccines; human papillomavirus vaccines; influenza; hexavalent vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB); cholera vaccine; Japanese encephalitis vaccine; and vaccine supply. (Federal Register, 2/4/16)
 
BLOG
Working Together for Flint: A Personal Perspective.
 
Two weeks ago, President Obama asked Dr. Nicole Lurie (ASPR) to head the federal response to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Since then, she has spent time in Flint, talking with community members, government officials, and technical experts about what's going on there. (ASPR, 2/4/16)

See also:
FACT SHEET
New US Assistance to Respond to Syria Crisis.
 
This new funding brings US humanitarian assistance in response to this conflict to more than $5.1 billion since the start of the crisis. Through this humanitarian funding, the United States continues to provide food, shelter, water, medical care, humanitarian protection, and other urgent relief to millions of people suffering inside Syria and 4.6 million refugees from Syria in the region. (Department of State, 2/4/16)

 
BLOG
Building a Modern Generic Drug Review Process.
 
Recent hearings on Capitol Hill highlighted an issue of growing importance for patients and for public health: access to quality, affordable medicines, in particular generic drugs. FDA's generic drug program promotes access to quality affordable medicines by reviewing Abbreviated New Drug Applications (ANDAs), the pathway that allows generic drugs to come to market. (FDA, 2/4/16)
 
NEWS
USDA Imposes Stricter Limit On Salmonella Bacteria In Poultry Products.
 
Under the USDA's new standard, companies will be required to reduce the frequency of contaminated chicken parts to 15 percent or less. A separate standard covers another disease-causing type of bacterium, called Campylobacter(NPR, 2/4/16)
 
PRESS RELEASE
Prenatal Steroids Lower Risk of Respiratory Illness in Late Preterm Infants.
 
Previously, it was believed that late preterm infants could thrive without their mothers having received steroid treatment. Researchers then learned that late preterm infants have a higher risk of respiratory complications compared to infants born at 37 weeks or later. (NIH, 2/4/16)
 
WORKSHOP
Achieving Data Quality and Integrity in Maximum Containment Laboratories.
 
The course, offered by FDA and University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston National Laboratory, includes expert lectures on Good Laboratory Practice requirements and hands-on laboratory activities conducted in BSL-2 and BSL-4 training laboratories to emphasize the differences between biosafety levels, and the complexity of conducting laboratory activities in a BSL-4 environment. Registration required by February 19th. (FDA, 2/3/16)
 
NEWS
DoD Chemical-Biological Program has a Global Mission.
 
Dr. D. Christian Hassell, deputy assistant secretary of defense for chemical and biological defense, leads the Chemical and Biological Defense Program, or CBDP, an early and critical part of the effort to keep warfighters safe from infectious diseases and chemical agents. (Department of Defense, 2/3/16)
 
BLOG
Influenza is for the Birds...and Dogs, Pigs, Horses, and Humans.
 
One Health, the concept that animal, human and environmental health are connected, can help us work more effectively with partners across different disciplines, such as doctors, veterinarians, ecologists, and public health experts, to identify and address emerging threats to health that start in animal populations. (ASPR, 2/3/16)
 
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Partnership with the Ministry of Health to Accelerate Sustainable, High Quality HIV/AIDS and TB Programs and Achieve Epidemic Control in the Republic of Kenya under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
 
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to strengthen the Kenyan health system with emphasis on county ownership and accountability, specifically to support the Ministry of Health to coordinate provision of quality HIV prevention, care & treatment programs through its devolved health system. (Grants.gov, 2/3/16)
 
Q&A
Former FDA Commissioner Reflects on Public Health Regulation.
 
Dr. Margaret A. Hamburg reflected on her six-year tenure at the agency and shared her thoughts about the future of public health regulation. She noted a few of the highlights of her tenure, including a Gallup poll ranking FDA as most improved in public confidence and the passage of legislation in food safety, drug regulation, and tobacco regulation. (Harvard Law Today, 2/3/16)
 
COMMENTARY
Dr. Thomas Frieden: The Patient Isn't Always Right, But Should Always be the VIP.
 
Not only did the Ebola epidemic in West Africa unexpectedly hit densely populated urban areas, it hit hardest in communities with 70 percent illiteracy, a mistrust of both government and modern medicine, and burial practices that helped spread the Ebola virus. The only way the affected countries and global health community were able to stop the epidemic was by treating patients as VIPs and providing them with the services they said they needed most. (STAT, 2/2/16)
 
OUTBREAK
Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Virchow Infections Linked to Garden of Life RAW Meal Organic Shake & Meal Products.
 
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in multiple states and the US Food and Drug Administration to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Virchow infections. Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify illnesses that may be part of this outbreak. (CDC, 2/2/16)
 
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Understanding and Addressing Vaccine Confidence and Hesitancy to Foster Informed Vaccine Decision Making.
 
Thoughtful communications and education about the safety, efficacy, the value of vaccines to individual and population health, and the importance of timely adherence to the recommended immunization schedules, is imperative in helping people make informed decisions about immunization for themselves and their families. (Grants.gov, 2/2/16)
 
REPORT
Zika Virus: Global Health Considerations.
 
President Barack Obama has not requested funds specifically for GHSA or to address the ongoing Zika outbreak, but he has emphasized the need to accelerate research for the rapid development and deployment of effective diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments. (Congressional Research Service, 2/2/16)
 
NEWS
Chipotle Served with New Subpoena as Criminal Probe Expands.
 
The subpoena was served by the US Attorney's office for the Central District of California on Jan. 28, and requires Chipotle to produce documents dating back to Jan. 1, 2013, deepening an investigation that the company announced in January. (Bloomberg Business, 2/2/16)
 
BLOG
In Nepal, Bouncing Back from the Earthquake. In the aftermath of the Himalayan nation's worst natural disaster since the 1934 earthquake, amidst great loss and tragedy, Nepalis also displayed a high degree of resilience. (Department of State, 2/2/16)
 
BLOG
CDC Director: What We're Doing About the Zika Virus.
 
Vaccines and antibiotics have made many infectious diseases a thing of the past; we've come to expect that public health and modern science can conquer all microbes. But nature is a formidable adversary. And Zika is our newest threat, particularly to pregnant women. (CDC, 2/1/16)
 
BLOG
Modernizing Pharmaceutical Manufacturing to Improve Drug Quality: Ensuring a Safe and Adequate Supply of Drugs.
 
FDA is working with drug makers in a new way to help the industry adopt scientifically sound, novel technologies to produce quality medicines that are consistently safe and effective - with an eye toward avoiding drug shortages. (FDA, 2/1/16)
 
WORKSHOP
Research Priorities to Inform Public Health and Medical Practice for Domestic Zika Virus: A Workshop.
 
At the request of the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the Institute of Medicine, now a program division of the Academies, will host a one-day public workshop on February 16, 2016 to explore potential research priorities arising as a result of the emergence of Zika virus in the United States.  (Institute of Medicine, 2/16)
 
INTERVIEW
Interview with Dr. Christopher Houchens, Project Officer from the Anti-Infectives (AI) Program Division of CBRN Countermeasures, BARDA.
 
Dr. Houchens currently leads multiple interdisciplinary product development teams responsible for advancing the development, evaluation, and regulatory approval of novel drugs against multidrug resistant organisms, emerging infectious diseases, and bio-threat agents. (SMi Group, 2/16)
 
WEBINAR
ASPR's Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange.
 
ASPR's Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (TRACIE) is a healthcare emergency preparedness information gateway, that ensures that all stakeholders -- at the federal, state, local, tribal, territory, non-profit, and for-profit levels -- have access to information and resources to improve preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. The webinar will be held on Wednesday, February 10, at 2 PM EST. (ASPR, 2/16)
 
REQUEST FOR APPLICANTS
Senior International Health Economist: US Department of the Treasury.
 
The US Treasury seeks a Senior International Health Economist for its Office of African Nations. The incumbent will engage with the State Department's Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator and African governments to review, evaluate, and provide policy recommendations with regard to the financial impact of HIV/AIDS and health on African budgets, on policies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of HIV/AIDS expenditures, and on implementation of health financing regimes. Deadline: March 4, 2016. (International Health Economics Association, 2/16)

GUIDANCE
Zika Virus.
 
The Medical Reserve Corps has made available several webcasts relating to the prevention, mitigation, and management of Zika virus outbreaks. (Medical Reserve Corps, 2/16)

 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Local Food Producer Outreach, Education, and Training to Enhance Food Safety and FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Compliance.
 
Projects will research and identify training, outreach and education and technical assistance needs, deliver outreach and training, and develop and adapt materials that facilitate the integration and understanding of federal food safety regulations and guidance among owners and operators of small and mid-size farms and businesses involved in local food production and processing. (Grants.gov, 1/29/16)
 
MEMORANDUM
Updated Diagnostic Testing for Zika, Chikungunya, and Dengue Viruses in US Public Health Laboratories.
 
Laboratory evidence of recent chikungunya, dengue, or Zika virus infection is
generally accomplished by testing serum to detect viral nucleic acid or virus-specific
immunoglobulin (Ig) M and neutralizing antibodies. However, serological cross-reactivity is
strong between Zika and dengue viruses, so emphasis should be placed on molecular detection
in acute specimens. Laboratory testing for all of these agents is currently available at CDC and
several state health departments. 
(CDC, 1/13/16)
 

Homeland Security & Disaster Preparedness
PRESS RELEASE
NNSA & Nuclear Security Enterprise Support Nation's Preparedness.
 
With emergency response as one of its core missions, NNSA's enterprise helps prepare the nation against the worst disasters, with weather as an important component in the equation of security. (NNSA, 2/5/16)
 
REPORT
Disaster Response: FEMA Has Made Progress Implementing Key Programs, but Opportunities for Improvement Exist.
 
GAO was asked to review aspects of FEMA's disaster response programs. Specifically, this report addresses FEMA's efforts to implement, assess, and improve selected disaster response programs for urban search and rescue, incident management, and evacuation tracking. (GAO, 2/5/16)
 
NEWS
The Former Federal Employee Who Tried to Launch a Cyberattack on Nuclear Scientists.
 
A nuclear scientist formerly employed by the federal government admitted Tuesday that he tried to infect the computers of about 80 government employees whom he believed had access to nuclear materials and weapons. According to court documents released by the Department of Justice, the scientist, Charles Eccleston, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted unauthorized access to a protected computer. (The Atlantic, 2/4/16)
 
REPORT
Federal Emergency Management Agency: Strengthening Regional Coordination Could Enhance Preparedness Efforts.
 This report addresses the extent to which FEMA and regional offices have (1) addressed preparedness grant management coordination challenges, (2) established a system to assess National Incident Management System implementation, and (3) collaborated with Regional Advisory Council stakeholders. (GAO, 2/4/16)
 
PRESS RELEASE
Secretary Johnson Highlights Super Bowl 50 Security Operations.
 
Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson met with local law enforcement officials and the National Football League security team to oversee the Department of Homeland Security security operations that will help ensure the safety and security of employees, players and fans during Super Bowl 50. (Department of Homeland Security, 2/3/16)
 
EXECUTIVE ORDER
Establishing a Federal Earthquake Risk Management Standard.
 
It is the policy of the United States to strengthen the security and resilience of the Nation against earthquakes, to promote public safety, economic strength, and national security. To that end, the Federal Government must continue to take proactive steps to enhance the resilience of buildings that are owned, leased, financed, or regulated by the Federal Government. (The White House, 2/2/16)

 
BLOG
Base Ensemble Offers Greater Protection for First Responders.
 
Emergency first responders often encounter unpredictable and dangerous environments when responding to calls. Blood, chemicals, and debris are just a few of the many types of hazards a firefighter or law enforcement officer might be exposed to when answering a call. (FirstResponder.gov, 2/2/16)
 
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
2016 PHMSA HMEP States and Territories Grant Opportunity.
 
The purpose of this grant program is to increase State, Territorial, Tribal, and local effectiveness in safely and efficiently handling hazardous materials incidents, enhance implementation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986, and encourage a comprehensive approach to emergency training and planning by incorporating the unique challenges of responses to transportation situations. (Grants.gov, 2/1/16)
 

Science & Technology Policy
NEWS
What Makes DARPA Tick?
 
"The public gives DARPA $3 billion a year, in round numbers, and every decade out pops an Internet, or synthetic biology, or carbon nanotubes, or another significant technology," says Zach Lemnios, the Pentagon's chief technology officer during the first Obama administration. (Science, 2/5/16)
 
NEWS
US House Tees Up Controversial Bill on NSF Research.
 
Depending on whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, passage of the Scientific Research in the National Interest Act (HR 3293) is either a simple reminder that federal dollars should be spent wisely, or an unwise and unwarranted intrusion into NSF's grantsmaking process. (Science, 2/5/16)
 
NOTICE
Environmental Impact Statement; Introduction of the Products of Biotechnology.
 
We are advising the public that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service plans to prepare a programmatic environmental impact statement in connection with potential changes to the regulations regarding the importation, interstate movement, and environmental release of certain genetically engineered organisms. (Federal Register, 2/5/16)
 

NEWS
NSF Breaks New Ground in Reprimanding Authors of Flawed Science Paper.
 
The case highlights the sometimes fraught relationship between journals, researchers, and funding agencies. And it has drawn attention to some apparently rare steps that NSF took against researchers who the agency says engaged in unacceptable research practices -- but not misconduct. (Science, 2/4/16)

 

NEWS
Ethicists Approve "3 Parent" Embryos to Stop Diseases, but Congressional Ban Remains.
 
The committee, which was convened last year at the request of the Food and Drug Administration, concluded that it is ethically permissible to "go forward, but with caution" with mitochondrial replacement techniques, said the chairman, Jeffrey Kahn, a bioethicist at Johns Hopkins �University. (Washington Post, 2/3/16)
 
This Week's Hearings

The Global Zika Epidemic: Emerging in the Americas. US House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittees on the Western Hemisphere and Africa; and Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations. 2/10/16, 1:15 PM, Rayburn 2172. More

 

Foot and Mouth Disease. US House Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Livestock and Foreign Agriculture. 2/11/16, 2 PM, Longworth 1300. More

 

Outbreaks, Attacks, and Accidents: Combatting Biological Threats. US House Committee on Energy & Commerce, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. 2/12/16, 9 AM, Rayburn 2123. More

Improving the Department of Homeland Security's Biological Detection and Surveillance Programs. US House Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications. 2/11/16, 2 PM, Cannon 311. More

 


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