GENEVA — The World Health Organization said Friday it is investigating samples of variant swine flu linked to two deaths and one severe case in Norway, but that so far the significance of the mutation is unclear.

Norway’s Institute of Public Health announced Friday that the mutation “could possibly…cause more severe disease” because it infects tissue deeper in the airway than usual.

The mutation was found in three of 70 analyzed swine flu cases, said Geir Stene-Larsen, the institute’s director.

Stene-Larsen said he does not believe the mutant virus is circulating in the general population in Norway, where about 680,000 people are estimated to have been infected with swine flu to date and 23 have died.

The same mutation has been found in both fatal and mild cases elsewhere, including in Brazil, China, Japan, Mexico, Ukraine, and the United States, said WHO.

In addition, “worldwide, viruses from numerous fatal cases have not shown the mutation,” the global body said. “The public health significance of this finding is thus unclear.”

“Just to say that the mutated virus infects deeper tissue doesn’t really tell us very much,” WHO spokesman Thomas Abraham told The Associated Press. “What we really need is more clinical and epidemiological data.”

WHO said the anti-viral drugs still appear to be effective against viruses with the mutation, and studies show that currently available pandemic vaccines confer protection against the variant strain.

Virus mutations occur spontaneously and many have no effect on the danger a virus poses to humans.

“Although further investigation is under way, no evidence currently suggests that these mutations are leading to an unusual increase in the number of H1N1 infections or a greater number of severe or fatal cases,” said WHO.

Meanwhile the Geneva-based agency updated its global tally of deaths caused by the virus to over 6,750.

It said transmissions appear to have peaked in some parts of the United States and Western Europe, but elsewhere the number of cases is still increasing, including in eastern Europe, and Central and Western Asia

No one under the age of 12 years is allowed into Hudson Valley Hospital unless they are receiving care. At the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, the same restriction applies to anyone under 18 years old.

Both hospitals prohibit anyone with a fever, cough or flu-like illness. Though hospital officials recognize the benefit of having loved ones, especially children, they can’t take chances during this flu season, they say.

The restrictions are based on recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York State Department of Health and are similar to policies in place at other hospitals across the state.

The report, “Promoting Preventive Services for Adults 50-64: Community and Clinical Partnerships,” focuses on opportunities to improve the health of the growing number of adults in the 50-64 age bracket to broaden the use of potentially lifesaving preventive services.

The report identifies recommended preventive services such as influenza vaccine, cholesterol screening, breast and cervical cancer screening, as well as preventive screenings for behaviors that could negatively impact health such as binge drinking.

By 2015, an estimated 63 million U.S. adults will be between the ages of 50 and 64, comprising 20 percent of the nation’s population.  They are at greater risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer than younger adults.  Almost one-third of adults in this age group are uninsured.

To view the full report and for more information about CDC’s health aging activities visit www.cdc.gov/aging.

“With a long-standing reputation for providing high quality, compassionate care, the physicians of Mount Pleasant Medical now offer patients seamless access to Westchester Health’s comprehensive range of primary and specialty care services,” commented Dr. Peter Mercurio, President and CEO of Westchester Health.

The doctors of Mount Pleasant Medical will continue to see patients at 401 Columbus Avenue in Valhalla.  To schedule an appointment, please call 914.769.0268.

Westchester Health includes a network of 80 community physicians who treat more than 100,000 patients. The practice provides primary and specialty care services from their main office in Katonah and 35 locations in Westchester and Putnam counties.

Originally a men’s health fair, the free event is open to women and all individuals who would like to attend.

Those who attend will have access to prostate cancer screening, eye check-ups for glaucoma, blood sugar screens for diabetes, oral check-ups, quick check for H.I.V. (with immediate results available) and breast exams. Door prizes, lunch and a guest speaker will also be a part of the day’s events.

For additional information, contact Olga DeJonge, Mount Vernon Neighborhood Health Center at
(914) 699-7200.

Comments are sought that describe and quantify the burden and suggest appropriate remedies that the agency may undertake to eliminate or amend regulations that are unnecessary, unbalanced, unwise, duplicative or unduly burdensome.

Any comments must be received on or before December 28, 2009 and may be submitted in writing to Katherine Ceroalo, New York State Department of Health, Bureau of House Counsel, Regulatory Affairs Unit, Corning Tower Building, Room 2438, Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York 12237 or electronically at regsqna@health.state.ny.us and to the Governor’s Office of Regulatory Reform at eo25@gorr.state.ny.us.

Two deaths and about 26 illnesses have been linked to the fresh ground beef.

The beef processor is Fairbanks Farms, located in Ashville, NY. The meat has been distributed to various retail outlets across the Northeast. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recall notice said that the possibly tainted meat had been sold in numerous ways, from meatloaf and meatball mix to hamburger patties.
For more info, check out http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_059_2009_Release/index.asp

Symptoms of E. coli infections include stomach cramps that may be severe and diarrhea that may turn bloody within one to three days. E. coli infections can sometimes lead to complications including kidney failure.

The free vaccine clinic will be held on Saturday, Nov.7 at the Putnam Valley Middle School in Putnam Valley from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Due to limited quantities, the vaccine will only be given to pregnant women, people caring for infants under 6 months old, health-care workers who have direct patient care and people six months to 24 years old.

You must live or work in Putnam County to receive the vaccine at this event.

The county is also sponsoring two seasonal flu clinics on election day from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Brewster High School and Haldane School for all New York state residents.

The seasonal flu shot doesn’t protect against the H1N1 flu and vice versa.

Check the Putnam County Department of Health Flu Vaccine Hotline at 845-278-6130 for further updates.

Danbury Hospital hosts an energizing Spirit of Women Wellness Weekend at the Danbury Fair Center Court (lower level) on Saturday, October 17, 2009 from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Danbury Hospital’s Spirit Wellness Weekend is a fun-filled Saturday on October 17th where health education, health screenings, and other fun activities will be woven throughout the five hours to emphasize the importance of awareness of common health issues affecting women today.

Along with these important educational segments, the afternoon will also include some empowering and essential health tips and screenings for women:
· fashion shows featuring breast cancer survivors modeling women’s active clothing and lounge wear at 2 and 4 p.m.,
· private bra fittings courtesy of Macy’s,
· flower arranging demonstrations by Confetti
· plus several high-“zenergy” fun, free activities,
· seasonal flu shots,
· and a chance to talk face-to-face with leading women physicians about your health questions.

Spirit Wellness Weekendis organized and hosted by Danbury Hospital, a member of the Spirit of Women Hospital Network, with support provided by some Danbury Mall stores, Star 99.9 FM, and other local business sponsors.

Latest Advancements in Breast Health
Statistics show that breast and gynecological cancers are among the leading malignancies that occur in women—together affecting more than 280,000 Americans in 2008 according to the American Cancer Society. Most women will have no risk factors other than being a woman and increasing age. As women, we sometimes put ourselves at the bottom of the list but it’s important to get routine screenings done. “For women at high risk because of family history or other factors it’s essential to have a conversation with your doctor to discuss this risk,” said Pat Hough RN, MSN, Manager, Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital. “Detected early, survival rates for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in a localized stage is over 98 percent. That’s a very important reason why annual mammography screening continues to be so vital,” Pat and other health professionals will be at the Danbury Fair to give you information on the latest advancements in mammography that will benefit you and your loved ones.
Health Screenings Feature Flu Prevention and Preparedness
Flu season has started and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports influenza is ranked seven on the list of leading causes of death in the United States. These topics and more are discussed at the Spirit Wellness Weekend on Saturday, October 17th. Seasonal flu shots will be made available both days by the Danbury Visiting Nurse Association.
To learn more about Danbury Hospital’s Spirit of Women programs go to Danbury Hospital.org/spiritofwomen.

Spirit of Women is a national network of leading hospitals dedicated to improving women’s lives with innovative health and community programs. Spirit of Women Hospitals touch the lives of millions of women each year through the presentation of educational events, consumer membership programs, annual conferences, marketing communications and grassroots efforts to improve the health and well-being of women everywhere. Spirit of Women enables participating hospitals to focus on community needs while providing the strength of national support.