A team from UMass Medical School in Worcester leaves for Liberia Thursday to combat the Ebola epidemic raging in the country, and in neighboring West African countries. The school recently received a $7.5 million grant for the work. The school’s chancellor Michael Collins talks here about the goals of the initial team of medical professions that UMass is sending.
To hear my conversation with Michael Collins, click on the audio player above.
Health officials say a case of an unusual respiratory virus has been confirmed in an 8-year-old southeastern Massachusetts girl. State Department of Public Health Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett says the girl has a history of asthma. She was hospitalized and has recovered. The Enterovirus D68 has been confirmed in 27 states since mid-August, including Connecticut. So Bartlett says its presence in Massachusetts is not unexpected.
“For most children this virus is relatively mild, but for children with asthma and other respiratory illnesses, it can be more serious,” Bartlett says. “Parents should contact their pediatrician if their child is experiencing respiratory illness.”
State officials say the federal Centers for Disease Control are testing more respiratory virus samples from Massachusetts, and they expect to see more cases of the D68 strain in the state. The virus can cause mild to severe illness, with the worst cases needing life support for breathing difficulties. The strain is not new, but it’s rarely seen.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A deadly pig virus has hit 27 states throughout the country, including Vermont. In Massachusetts agriculture officials are urging swine farmers to take precautions. No cases of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus have been reported in the state. Amy Mahler is a spokesperson with the state department of agriculture. She says any sick animals shouldn’t be moved from an owner’s property.
“Animal owners should ensure that those people or professionals that have access to their animals are adhering to the same sensible biosecurity measures: handwashing, frequent cleansing and disinfection, changing of footwear and protective clothing, sort of sensible stuff,” Mahler says.
The virus typically kills young pigs. Ed Land Jr. runs a livestock auction house in Northampton. He says he’s seen about 70 to 80 percent fewer small pigs this year, compared to previous years. Land Jr. says he’s not sure that’s due to the virus, but he says the disease could have long term effects on the industry.
“When there are no little pigs, then there’s no straight hogs and no sows later on, it certainly will have an effect,” says Land Jr.
The disease is not transferable to humans or other livestock, and does not affect food safety.