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The CDC reports the new strain, like other norovirus strains, is transmitted person to person, and has been confirmed nationwide for about 50 percent of the recent norovirus outbreaks. In Louisiana, the strain has sickened dozens and forced the closure of some oyster harvest areas. Because the strain is new, few people are immune to it causing more outbreaks.
The Department of Health and Hospitals will reopen both oyster Harvest Area 7 and oyster Harvest Area 3 this week. Area 7 will reopen at sunrise Thursday, April 15, 2010, while Area 3 will reopen at sunrise Friday, April 16, 2010. DHH closed the beds on March 24th and 25th, respectively, due to a Norovirus outbreak linked to oysters from the areas.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals closed molluscan shellfish harvesting Area 13 Tuesday. Area 13 is west of the Mississippi river in southern Jefferson and Lafourche parishes.
Today the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals ordered the closure of molluscan shellfish harvesting Area 3 in St. Bernard parish. The closure takes effect at sunset, Thursday, March 25.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Wednesday closed a Plaquemines Parish molluscan shellfish harvesting area. DHH also ordered a recall of all oysters harvested from the area since March 6, including shucked, frozen, breaded and post-harvest processed oysters, and oysters for the half shell market.
State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry, M.D. announced today that parish health units statewide will host open walk-in H1N1 vaccination clinics this week, as DHH is receiving reports from across that state that hospitals and physician offices have seen an increase in flu-like illnesses in the past few weeks. Dr. Guidry stressed there is always the potential for another wave of the virus to occur, and encouraged Louisiana residents to help prevent this by taking the time to be vaccinated against H1N1.
As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, boxed chocolates and red roses remind Louisianians to tell their sweethearts how much they are appreciated. And as many families know, Valentine’s Day is a time for parents and other caregivers to show adoration for their little ones too. That’s why the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is asking residents to show extra care for our infants this month and throughout the year to help protect them from harm – particularly accidental suffocation.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals recently awarded $3.25 million to Iberville Parish Water System through the state's Drinking Water Revolving Loan Fund Program.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals will reopen Area 29 to oyster harvesting at sunrise Wednesday, January 20, 2010. DHH evaluations of Area 29, located in Lower Calcasieu Lake, have determined the molluscan shellfish growing waters there are suitable for harvest of oysters.
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Secretary Alan Levine released the following statement today after the Department acted to temporarily shut down Superior Pain Management Inc. (also doing business as “Superior Medical Care” or “Superior Medical”) at 8070 Crowder Blvd. in New Orleans, for operating a pain management clinic without a license. DHH sought and received a temporary restraining order against Superior Medical, which is prohibited from operating until at least January 25, when a preliminary injunction hearing will be held.
Officials with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals today ordered the closure of Area 29, the oyster growing area in Calcasieu Lake (lower Calcasieu Lake).
State Health Officer Jimmy Guidry, M.D., announced today that Governor Bobby Jindal has proclaimed this week Influenza Immunization Week in Louisiana, in conjunction with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Influenza Vaccination Week. The text of the proclamation is included below.