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Special Alerts

FDA: Recalls

Atrium Initiates Voluntary Recall Action Regarding HYDRAGLIDE Brand Heparin-Coated Thoracic Drainage Catheters used for Autotransfusion during Cardiopulmonary Bypass Surgery (May 12)
Atrium Medical Corporation today announced that it is initiating a voluntary and precautionary recall of selected lots of HYDRAGLIDE Brand Heparin-Coated Thoracic Drainage Catheters. Limited lots of Atrium heparin-coated Hydraglide Thoracic Catheters were manufactured with heparin found to have been contaminated with oversulfated chondroitin sulfate. Go To Site

Sweetwater Valley Farm, Inc. Recalls Tennessee Aged Black Pepper Cheese (May 15)
Sweetwater Valley Farm, Inc. is recalling Tennessee Aged Black Pepper Cheese because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The cheese, Lot Number 616-361 was distributed in 5, 7, and 10 ounce bars through our retail store in Philadelphia, TN and a Winery in Portland, TN. Go To Site

Medtronic Initiates Voluntary Field Actions for Selected Heparin-Coated Products Used During Cardiopulmonary Bypass (May 7)
Medtronic, Inc. announced that it is initiating a voluntary and precautionary recall of selected products featuring the Carmeda BioActive surface. The affected devices are disposable products used during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for heart surgeries. Affected products include blood oxygenators, reservoirs, pumps, cannulae, and tubing packs. Go To Site

USDA: Food Safety Inspection Service Recalls

New York Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products That May Contain Pieces of Plastic
Fairbank Reconstruction Corp. is voluntarily recalling approximately 22,481 pounds of ground beef products that may contain pieces of plastic. The products were produced on May 3, and were distributed to retail establishments in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts and New York. Go To Site

Hawaii Firm Recalls Ground Beef Products Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination
Palama Holdings, LLC, a Kapolei, Hawaii, firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 68,670 pounds of ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. Go To Site

New York Firm Recalls Meat and Poultry Products for Possible Listeria Contamination
Gourmet Boutique, L.L.C., a Jamaica, N.Y., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 286,320 pounds of fresh and frozen meat and poultry products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Go To Site

CDC: Flu Updates

U.S. Flu Activity Report - Week Ending May 3 (Week 18)
Latest information on influenza activity in the United States. Go To Site

The 2007-2008 Flu Season
Answers to your questions about the 2007-2008 flu season Go To Site

Influenza Antiviral Drug Resistance
Information on antiviral drugs and antiviral resistance monitoring in the U.S. for the 2007-08 influenza season. Go To Site

CDC: Travel Notices

Announcement: Travel Health Tips: 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
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Announcement: Yellow Fever Vaccine Single-Dose Vials Now Available
Information about the yellow fever vaccine shortage in the U.S. Go To Site

Announcement: Podcast: The Three P's of Safe and Healthy Travel
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CDC: Media Relations

CDC Recommends Shingles Vaccine
People age 60 and older should be vaccinated against shingles, or herpes zoster, a condition often marked by debilitating chronic pain... Go To Site

New CDC Study Finds Arthritis Can be a Barrier for Adults Seeking to Manage Diabetes through Physical Activity
More than half of adults with diagnosed diabetes also have arthritis, a painful condition that can be a barrier to physical activity—an important health strategy for managing diabetes... Go To Site

Falls a Leading Cause of Injury-Related Emergency Department Visits for Infants Each Year, CDC Study Shows
Half of the estimated 328,500 infants 12 months of age or younger who were treated for injuries in hospital emergency departments each year from 2001 to 2004 were injured as a result of a fall, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Go To Site

CPSC: Child-Related Products

Manhattan Group Recalls Infant Rattles Due to Choking Hazard
The blue plastic end caps of the rattle can break, resulting in small parts, posing a choking hazard to young children. Go To Site

Maran Inc. Children's Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled Due to Strangulation Hazard; Sold Exclusively at TJ Maxx
The garments have a drawstring through the hood, which can pose a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments, such as jackets and sweatshirts. Go To Site

Children's Rain Ponchos with Drawstrings Recalled by Daiso Due to Strangulation Hazard
The garments have a drawstring through the hood, posing a strangulation hazard to children. In February 1996, CPSC issued guidelines to help prevent children from strangling or getting entangled on the neck and waist drawstrings in upper garments. Go To Site

CPSC: Household Products

Fuel Cells Used With Framing Nailers Recalled by Paslode for Fire Hazard
The fuel cells used to power cordless framing nailers can leak fuel, posing a fire hazard. Go To Site

Maple Chase Co. Recalls Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Combo Alarms Due to Alarm Malfunction
The recalled alarms can sound a "double chirp"/fault alarm in the presence of CO, prior to going into full alarm. Upon hearing a double chirp, the Owner's Manual instructions recommend a consumer take the alarm out of service, which could expose consumers to hazardous levels of CO and suffer injury or death. Go To Site

Williamson-Thermoflo Gas Boilers Recalled Due to Carbon Monoxide Hazard
If there is a leak in the vent piping, the recalled boilers can leak carbon monoxide (CO) into the buildings in which they are installed, posing a risk of CO poisoning. Go To Site