http://yementimes.com/defaultdet.aspx?SUB_ID=35010 
Measles, Rubeola or Morbilli are the names often associated with this deadly airborne pathogen. It is also known as “red measles," or "hard measles".
Measles, Rubeola or Morbilli is one of the most highly contagious airborne viruses, known as the paramyxovirus of the genus Morbillivirus. Children and even adults can become infected with Measles, Rubeola or Morbilli, but most often children are the victims. 32 children have died since September in Lawder in the southern Yemeni governorate of Abyan. When poor diet and living conditions are the norm in these children’s lives they are very vulnerable to this and many other debilitating diseases. Here are just three very shocking statements made in this article,
1. “In 2008, there were 164, 000 measles deaths globally – nearly 450 deaths every day or 18 deaths every hour, according to the WHO.” (World Health Organization)
2. “More than 95 percent of measles deaths occur in low-income countries with weak health infrastructures.”
3. “But measles vaccination resulted in a 78 percent drop in measles deaths between 2000 and 2008 worldwide,” the article states.
Too often the “airborne” transmission route of carrying viruses, diseases, and illness, are overlooked. Many speak of surface contamination or person to person contact as a means of spreading germs and they are correct in their analogies but looking beyond the obvious we need to think about the indoor ambient air. How do surfaces become contaminated? Airborne pathogens can settle on surfaces and then be touched by unsuspecting individuals and transported into the eyes, nose, or mouth. Breathing can invite those airborne pathogens into the lungs. Saving lives through disease prevention includes, washing hands frequently, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, vaccinations, and air purification using photocatalytic oxidation.
http://topnews.us/content/245237-norovirus-shuts-bedford-and-northwick-park-hospital-wards
Norovirus strikes again and is suspected of causing serious problems in Bedford and Northwick hospitals in England to the point of having to shut down 82 beds out of 500 in the Northwick Hospital. Similar problems occurred in Belford Hospital which resulted in closing the Richard Wells Ward. Concerns of rapidly spreading Norovirus (which is a highly contagious) pushed authorities in making that decision. Visitation restrictions are also in place allowing only one visitor per patient. Officials advise anyone who has symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting to stay home and contact their healthcare provider.
Norovirus is an airborne pathogen and can spread by person to person contact, contact with surfaces infected with the virus and from Norovirus “particles carried in the air” (stated in the article’s last paragraph).
Symptoms of Norovirus may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Additional symptoms may also include headache, weakness, muscle aches, and even a low grade fever.
Common places known to have rapid outbreaks of Norovirus are long term nursing facilities, cruise ships, hospitals, prisons, and any other places of assembly or grouped living quarters, such as college dorms.
The best lines of defense should include hand washing especially after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food, surface cleaning and sanitation, and air purification using photocatalytic oxidation.
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Norovirus/Pages/Introduction.aspx
Norovirus can be transmitted by air, food, water, person to person, or surfaces contaminated by fecal matter from an infected person or settling from the airborne route. Possible contaminated water sources can include wells, lakes, pools, municipal water supplies, and even ice machines. Foods most often associated with Norovirus are shellfish and salads.
According to this article 600,000 to one million individual Norovirus cases in the UK are reported each year. The CDC has indicated more than 20 million cases of gastroenteritis are caused by Norovirus in the United States annually and of those reported cases approximately 70,000 are hospitalized and 800 people die.1
Norovirus cannot be treated with antibiotics because it is a virus. It is essential that proper care be taken if contracting Norovirus or any stomach virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Generally it is not a life threatening disease, but individuals with Norovirus can become dehydrated and if not rehydrated can face a life threatening situation. Those most vulnerable are children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
Symptoms of Norovirus may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Additional symptoms may also include headache, weakness, muscle aches, and even a low grade fever.
Prevention is the key. Washing hands is always the first line of defense, especially after using the toilet, and before eating, touching your face, eyes, nose or mouth, or handling any food.. Avoid crowds when possible, wash raw vegetables, and avoid drinking and eating after others.
Surface cleaning and sanitation using chlorine based disinfectants and air purification using photocatalytic oxidation are also very significant for reducing airborne pathogens and the spread of disease. There is no 100% guarantee you will never become ill at one time or another but if you follow careful hygiene and utilize air purification equipment it will greatly lessen your chances of contracting Norovirus or any other contagious illness.
1. http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Norovirus/
http://voices.yahoo.com/norovirus-nv-infection-airborne-offensive-2354433.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norovirus
From tlander56 on twitter:
BBC News - WHO issues Europe measles warning http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15999492
Measles, Rubeola or Morbilli also know as red measles or hard measles has become a problem in Europe. From January to October 26,000 cases have been reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The majority of cases were reported in Western European Countries.
Measles, (Rubeola or Morbilli) is highly contagious and is an airborne pathogen. Individuals infected with the measles, rubeola or morbilli are generally coughing, or sneezing and droplets spewed into the air are filled with infectious airborne pathogens. 90% of those in a room who are not vaccinated or have not been previously infected with this type of measles will most likely contract the disease. Reducing the amount of airborne pathogens would lessen the chance of breathing in those malignant microbes in an indoor environment.
Rubeola should not be confused with Rubella, which is the scientific name for German measles, of the genus of Rubivirus, and a different illness from a different virus. German measles is not as fatal, but still very dangerous as it can cause birth defects, miscarriage, and fetal death.
Prevention of Measles, Rubeola, or Morbilli is possible. The first recommended line of defense is the vaccination. Photocatalytic oxidation is the recognized technology that destroys airborne pathogens. Using air purification with this technology can significantly reduce malignant microbes in ambient air. As always, hand washing and surface cleaning and sanitation combined with vaccinations and air purification will ensure better health for everyone.
http://www.examiner.com/infectious-disease-in-national/sri-lanka-primary-school-closed-over-mumps-outbreak?CID=examiner_alerts_article
The Mumps virus is a highly contagious disease that causes swelling in the parotid gland which is the largest of the salivary glands. This virus can actually be carried in approximately 20% of asymptomatic individuals and passed onto others unknowingly through droplets in the air resulting from a sneeze or cough by the infected individual. These airborne pathogens can enter the innocent victim’s body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. The Mumps virus can also be passed through direct contact to others through saliva. Eating or drinking from glasses or utensils used by the infected carrier can easily infect unsuspecting victims.
The Mumps virus is not evident in the infected person for at least six days when symptoms begin to erupt. This delay in obvious symptoms is dangerous because those infected with the Mumps virus can unknowingly pass this disease to several others before they are aware of their acquisition of the virus.
The Mumps virus symptoms may include parotid inflammation, fever, vomiting, headache, and soreness in the face and ears and in some cases swelling of the testicles in adolescent and adult males (orchitis) and swelling of the ovaries (oophoritis) in adolescent and adult females. Aseptic meningitis and encephalitis are common complications associated with the mumps virus. Deafness and pancreatitis can also occur but are not common.
Fortunately a Mumps virus vaccine was developed in the 60’s and has been very effective in reducing the outbreak of this disease in many developed countries. Vaccinations, air purification using photocatalytic oxidation, and not sharing cups or utensils with others, are the most effective methods of defense against the mumps virus.
http://www.examiner.com/infectious-disease-in-national/lehigh-university-issues-meningitis-health-advisory?CID=examiner_alerts_article
http://www.examiner.com/infectious-disease-in-national/a-second-lehigh-university-student-suspected-of-having-meningococcal-meningitis?CID=examiner_alerts_article
Meningococcal Meningitis is a serious bacterial infection that can occur with sudden onset. 
When a patient sneezes or coughs droplets are disseminated into the air and can then be inhaled by unsuspecting individuals. Students at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania possibly could have been exposed to Meningococcal Meningitis according to an article in the Examiner.com. Another suspected case caused a second warning to staff and students Sunday. Both articles are listed above.
Meningococcal Meningitis can be deadly if not treated immediately. The Neisseria bacterium affects the membranes in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include sudden fever, headache, body aches, and a stiff neck, then can progress to eyes hurting due to light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting, and can cause death within a very short period of time if treatment is not immediate. That is why it is so critical to notify all those that could have been exposed to the infected individual.
As with many bacteria, Neisseria can be carried in the nose and mouth of some individuals without it affecting them. Scientists are still puzzled as to why it does not develop into meningitis in those individuals. For some reason their autoimmune system seems to be able to keep this bacteria in check.
Meningococcal meningitis prevention includes; washing hands, don’t drink or eat after others, get the recommended vaccinations, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, isolation of infected individuals in hospitals, air purification using photocatalytic oxidation, and if exposed to an infected individual with bacterial meningitis contact your local health care worker immediately. Antibiotics can be given as a preventative measure to those that have had close contact with the infected patient.
http://www.examiner.com/infectious-disease-in-national/gallatin-county-pertussis-outbreak-grows-to-30-most-cases-from-bozeman-high
A recent outbreak in a Montana High School has caused concern with the Gallatin City -County Health Department. The article does indicate Whooping Cough is treatable if diagnosed early.
Whooping Cough is also known as pertussis. Bordetella pertussis is a highly contagious airborne bacterium. Whooping cough is a nickname originating from the “whoop” sound made while coughing by someone with the disease. A report from the US National Library of Medicine (Pubmed.gov) dated Jan. 20th 2010 indicates “an estimated 45.8 million cases and nearly 295,000 deaths per year “are reported worldwide1 Whooping cough can be fatal with infants especially if they have a secondary infection such as pneumonia.
Too often those that have contracted Whooping Cough are unaware of their diagnosis because symptoms usually start much like a common cold. By this time they have innocently infected several others that they have been associated with. Within one to two weeks of initial symptoms the victim starts the uncontrollable violent coughing five to ten times followed by the signature “whooping “sound. These violent coughing fits occur around the clock with several attacks hourly. Patients are found gasping for air causing that “whooping” sound between fits. The extreme coughing can cause vomiting, hernias, vertebral artery (located in the neck) tear which could result in impeding blood flow, ruptured blood vessels in the eyes, rib fractures, and temporary loss of bladder control, just to name a few.
Prevention is possible by vaccination. The CDC recommends starting these vaccinations in childhood. In 2011 the CDC stated that the vaccination’s effectiveness may only last between three to six years. 2
Air purification using photocatalytic oxidation can significantly reduce the spread of airborne bacteria.
Photocatalysis equipment is available for hospitals, clinics and schools to install into their air handling systems.
1. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/967268-followup#a2650
2. http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/whopping-cough-pertussis-vaccine-immunity-2025/
http://justthevax.blogspot.com/2011/11/another-sspe-case-angelina-is-dying.html
Measles, Rubeola, or Morbilli can be a deadly disease and can be prevented. After reading this article I realized just how serious Measles can affect the lives of innocent children. In the United States outbreaks of Measles have become more common recently. Why, many may ask? In the United States children must be vaccinated before attending school whether public or private. Each State varies with respect to types of vaccines required. There are ways for your child to “opt out” such as for religious reasons or fear of autism. Dr. Joseph Rahimian an infectious disease specialist from St. Vincent’s Hospital in Manhattan recently stated, "What concerns me is the trend of more and more people not vaccinating their children because of fears that vaccines cause autism — although no studies have proven this to be true," 1 Could this be one of the reasons, too many are opting out of the vaccine?
Measles, Rubeola, or Morbilli can be as deadly as the justthevax blog above indicates. Experts believe people who travel overseas and become ill return to the states and infect others who have neglected to be vaccinated. Measles, Rubeola, or Morbilli are airborne and highly contagious. When an infected individual coughs or sneezes infected cells containing the virus spew out of the infected persons mouth and nose and can be easily inhaled by unsuspecting victims. This virus can live in the air two hours after an infected person leaves a room and to make matters worse a person can be infected and contagious 1 or 2 days before they show any symptoms.
Generally symptoms of measles, Rubeola, or Morbilli are runny nose, high fever, rash ( usually beginning with the face and then spreading to the rest of the body), and coughing.
Air purification and filtration can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases and germs. Photocatalytic oxidation is the recognized technology that does destroy malignant microbes. It is essential that indoor clinics, hospitals, and doctor offices utilize the most up to date technologies to reduce the spread of diseases such as Measles, Rubeola, or Morbilli. A big portion of the responsibility of preventing the spread of measles still falls on the individual. Vaccines are available in the United States and have proven to be very effective with little to no risk.
1. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,379388,00.html#ixzz1dF4BPhcc
http://www.alternativemedicine.com/news-item/researchers-discover-why-measles-spreads-so-quickly
http://www.nvic.org/Vaccines-and-Diseases.aspx
http://www.childrenshospital.org/newsroom/Site1339/mainpageS1339P791.html
The co-infection of viral influenza H1N1 and MRSA pneumonia of 2009 Flu pandemic claimed the lives of 75 children (9 percent) according to the Children’s Hospital Boston investigative report. This was said to be the “The largest nationwide investigation to date of influenza in critically ill children…”
Most children that are infected with viral influenza recover but when MRSA invades the lungs of an individual already weakened with the flu it can quickly become life threatening.
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is in our environment both indoors and out and most of us have a natural immunity to these deadly bacteria as well as hundreds of others but when we become ill and our natural immune systems break down and become weakened we cannot fight malignant microbes very well.
Viral influenza and MRSA are airborne pathogens and are highly contagious. It is essential that hospitals maintain cleanliness standards above and beyond what many would call the “norm”. Many patients in hospitals are immunologically compromised and are very susceptible to malignant microbes that can and do exist in the hospital environment. Ongoing surface cleaning and sanitation, hand washing, and air purification and filtration can significantly reduce the spread of disease, bacteria, and viral infections.
There are many effective cleaning agents available for surfaces and hands and as for the air the most effective technology that destroys malignant microbes is photocatalytic oxidation. Prevention is the key. In addition to cleaning vaccinations are available for 3 different strains of influenza. The CDC recommends those 6 months of age and older to be vaccinated against viral influenza.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/InfectiousDisease/GeneralInfectiousDisease/29433
Listeria news from the CDC is still coming in. The problematic cantaloupe from Jensen Farms Colorado was recalled in the middle of September the report states. Most cantaloupe does not last more than two weeks but if your refrigerator is like mine you may have food that is a bit older in it and needs to be discarded. A weekly clean sweep of the refrigerator is always a good idea especially when it comes to Rocky-ford brand of cantaloupe.
Those individuals that may have eaten the Listeria infected fruit may not show symptoms for as long as two weeks after consumption. A total of 29 individuals have lost their lives due to Listeriosis since the discovery of the bacteria on cantaloupe from Jensen Farms. Our previous blog indicated 123 outbreaks and that number has risen to 139, now including reports from Nevada and Utah for a total of 28 states over all.
Listeria monocytogenes bacterium is found in the air, leaves, soil, streams, sewage, and animals. Listeria is also found on deli meats, hot dogs, and unpasteurized cheeses. It is not real common to find Listeria on produce however it does happen as indicated in the case of the recent cantaloupe contamination.
Symptoms of Listeriosis include fever, aches, chills, nausea, and diarrhea much like the flu. If you have consumed any cantaloupe within the last few weeks and feel as though you have the flu contact your doctor.
Prevention includes cooking vegetables and meats , washing hands, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces in your home and air purification and filtration in food processing plants, pasteurizing milk, and careful washing of fruits and vegetables.
Our photo-catalytic oxidation equipment helps you to destroy these malignant pathogens and VOCs.