Note: We’re off on Friday for the holiday weekend, but we’ll be back Tuesday! 🇺🇸

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Ebola Update:

• The CDC elevated its Ebola response to the highest level. (Hill)
  
  
• The Ebola outbreak has spread to a fourth province in DR Congo, and public gatherings have been banned in all four, including the capital, Kinshasa. (Reuters)
  
  
• The whereabouts of over 300 people who tested positive for Ebola are unknown in DR Congo. (Bloomberg)

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Health News:

• A dangerous heat wave is hitting the midwest and then will continue East later this week, affecting millions. (CNN)
  
  
• France recorded about 1,000 extra deaths during last week’s heat wave. (AP)
  
  
• New World screwworm cases are up to 27 total, with 11 new cases in the past week, mostly in sheep and cattle, and all in Texas. (APHIS)
  
  
• A new study confirms that it’s safe to get the flu and COVID shots together. (STAT)
  
  
• AZ health officials are investigating a suspected case of pneumonic plague. (AZFamily)
  
  
• New research is helping to design a norovirus vaccine by studying immune response in older adults. (EMJ)
  
  
• A 2024 Listeria outbreak in Canada that killed 3 and sickened 20 is the first of its kind linked to pasteurized, plant-based milk - something very rare for a pasteurized product. (CIDRAP)
  
  
• The U.S. continues to add about 30 new measles cases per week, with Utah topping 500 cases for the year. (CDC)
  
  
• Some good news: church members who disagree on politics are working together to wipe out medical debt in their community. (KFF Health News)
  
  

Best Question:

What should we tell managers during/ahead of this week’s heat wave?

A huge swath of the U.S. is under an extreme heat warning this week, including most of the central and eastern parts of the country. As we prepare for the holiday weekend, too, we’re actually much less worried about infectious diseases and more concerned with heat illness. 

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Specifically, we’re worried about employees getting sick (and even dying) at home, on their way to work, and on the job. If your employees take public transit or walk to work, keep in mind that the feels-like temp is pushing 110°F in some places this week. Workers may be dehydrated or overheated before they even start their shift, and may be more likely to “push through” on a busy holiday weekend. 

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In some areas, your team may also need a plan for power outages. Be sure they’re clear on when they need to close for food safety or employee health. Remind managers limit outdoor work on super hot days, and ensure cooling shade or A/C breaks and hydration for both indoor and outdoor workers. 

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This week is also a great time to remind managers of the basics of heat illness, including the symptoms to look out for, and how to respond. Check out this simple one-page graphic from NIOSH to help them spot the signs. Don’t let “heroic” team players keep working if they’re showing signs of heat exhaustion or stroke - get them cooled down ASAP!

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Sources: WRN, CDC

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Best Listen:

This week, we really appreciated this 9-minute NPR story about the news media who cover dangerous stories - from war to the current Ebola outbreak - and the risks they balance. Much like doctors and public health officers, they have to find a relatively safe way to do their duty to the public. We’re grateful to them for our understanding of the situation on the ground! 

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Balancing the risks of catching Ebola while covering the outbreak : Consider This from NPR

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