NIHS News
3D Finger and Palm Print Scanner is Demonstrated at the Biometrics Consortium Conference
Date: October 9, 2009
On September 22-24, 2009, the University of Kentucky's 3D Finger and Palm Print Scanner was demonstrated at the Biometrics Consortium Conference. The Biometrics Consortium Conference was held at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa Florida.
Testing for the Milk Transport Security Project is Underway in New York State
Date: October 9, 2009
A wireless computerized system to protect milk from cow to consumer is being this month in New York State, nearly four years after University of Kentucky Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Professor Fred Payne and colleague Chris Thompson began its development with a U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant funded through the National Instiute for Hometown Security.
North American Transportation Security Center Project hosts representatives of the Singapore government on Singapore’s Hazmat Transport Vehicle Tracking System
Date: September 17, 2009
On September 16, 2009, the University of Kentucky's North American Transportation Security Center Project hosted representatives of the Singapore government on Singapore’s Hazmat Transport Vehicle Tracking System (HTVTS) at the University of Kentucky’s campus at the Hilary J. Boone Center.
University of Louisville Pandemic Preparedness Project assists with the Statewide Pandemic Flu Summit
Date: September 15, 2009
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear held a statewide pandemic influenza summit on September 3, 2009 at the Frankfort Convention Center. The summit allowed over 1,200 people to learn about our state's capacity to respond to the expected surge in H1N1 cases this fall and to gain the information needed to prepare their organization for the continuation of the pandemic.
The summit was designed to prepare people for any developments related to the H1N1 flu strain during this year’s flu season, including a potential vaccination campaign.
The governor brought together representatives from business, education, health care, law enforcement and public safety. Attendees heard about the current H1N1 situation, and what to expect in the fall.
“While we have no indication that the new H1N1 strain is causing more serious illness than we saw in the spring, we can expect to see more cases through the fall and winter,” Dr. William Hacker, Kentucky’s public health commissioner, said in a news release. “It’s vital that we focus on preparing now before the new flu season begins.”
State officials are urging Kentucky's school superintendents to start planning now for the possibility of another surge in swine flu cases after schools reopen.
A pandemic is a disease epidemic spread over a wide area. Pandemics vary in severity. But pandemics like the 1918 flu outbreak can threaten millions.
The H1N1 flu strain, which surfaced in April, caused more than 300 deaths in the United States and made more than 100 people sick in Kentucky. The virus generally faded after warm weather arrived, but Hacker said H1N1 cases are still appearing in youth camps across the country this summer.
"Since we'll be starting school with H1N1 flu already percolating in the country, it's reasonable to assume that we'll see an earlier and more intense flu season than normal this fall," he said.
The H1N1 strain is particularly worrisome because people have no immunity against it. And while the strain's severity now seems comparable to that of seasonal flu, health experts worry that H1N1 could mutate into a more dangerous form in the coming months. There's no sign of that happening yet.
"While we have no indication that the new H1N1 strain is causing more serious illness than we saw in the spring, we can expect to see more cases through the fall and winter," Hacker said in a statement. "It's vital that we focus on preparing now, before the new flu season begins."
Hacker noted that H1N1 tends to attack young people, with school-age children particularly susceptible.
Drs. W. Paul McKinney and Ruth Carrico with the University of Louisville is leading the efforts of Pandemic Preparedness Project. Dr. McKinney presented "H1N1 Pandemic – What are we facing? The Science Behind the Pandemic." Dr. Ruth Carrico presented "Community Mitigation," and "Residential Living/Group Living Facility Issues – What if you can’t “send them home?”
To view presentations from the Summit, please click here: http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/epi/preparedness/panFlu/summitpresandvideo.htm
In the above photo, Dr. W. Paul McKinney presenting at the Pan Flu Summit in Frankfort, KY on September 3, 2009.
In the above photo, Dr. Ruth Carrico presenting on the H1N1 precautions at the Pan Flu Summit
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear in the above photo
Dr. Ruth Carrico promotes the Pandemic Preparedness Project at the Annual NACo Conference
Date: August 3, 2009
Dr. Ruth Carrico, with the University of Louisville, promoted the Pandemic Preparedness Project at the Annual NACo Conference in Nashville, Tennessee on July 25- 28, 2009. The NIHS exhibited its tradeshow booth as well, providing information about NIHS.