GNYHA provides periodic infectious disease updates to members. Please see below for recent health advisories from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and influenza surveillance information from the New York State Department of Health (DOH).
CDC Health Advisory: Guidance on Use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Ebola in US
This health advisory provides guidance regarding use of the OraQuick® Ebola Rapid Antigen Test, which is the first rapid diagnostic test for Ebola that the US Food and Drug Administration has allowed to be marketed. The CDC recommends that it be used only when more sensitive molecular testing is unavailable.
Released December 16, 2019
DOHMH Health Advisory #31: Influenza Prevention and Treatment 2019-2020
This health alert provides an update on flu activity in New York City and flu vaccine recommendations. It also includes details on the available supply of flu vaccine and antiviral medications, and reviews vaccine requirements for health care personnel.
Released December 18, 2019
DOH Declares Influenza Prevalent, Issues Surveillance Reports
Earlier this month, DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker declared influenza prevalent in New York State for the 2019-20 influenza season. During this period, all Article 28, 36, and 40 health care and residential facilities must ensure that personnel not vaccinated against influenza for the current influenza season wear a surgical or procedure mask while in areas where patients or residents are typically present. This declaration remains in effect until the Commissioner declares that influenza is no longer prevalent. Facilities also must submit data on health care personnel vaccination status to DOH during this time. A frequently asked questions document regarding the regulation and other resources is available at http://health.ny.gov/FluMaskReg.
To better detail influenza trends over time, DOH produces weekly influenza surveillance reports and maintains a data set of laboratory confirmed influenza cases that can be sorted and mapped by year and by county.
GNYHA will continue to provide members with infectious disease updates and resources.