7.2.2008
Infectious Disease
West Nile is again in the news. We detected our first positive human West Nile case last week. The patient is a resident of Corson County. Our epidemiologist have also reported a bird that was positive for West Nile in Codington County. As the summer progresses, you may keep track of West Nile activity in the state by clicking on the Department of Health's West Nile website, http://westnile.sd.gov. As a reminder, you can find our recommendations for collecting and submitting a West Nile specimen to us at http://doh.sd.gov/Lab/WNV.aspx.
Environmental Laboratory
Our chemists and microbiologists remind all drinking water operators that we are starting a new quarter this year. You may want to check your monitoring requirements to see what samples need to be submitted. Call us if you need bottles.
Educational Opportunity
The Association of Public Health Laboratories and the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute have embarked on a joint venture to present education programs to veterinary, clinical, and public health laboratories. The programs are based on current CLSI documents and are intended to help pathologists, managers, supervisors, and technologists learn how to optimize use of these documents in their laboratory. These appear to be excellent teleconferences. You can find information at www.aphl.org/clsi08. Please download course flyer for full course details. (ADOBE)
As always if you have questions or comments please call us at 605-773-3368.
