Media Release
CONTACT: Richard Bolig, 401 222-5086
FOR: Immediate Release
DATE: November 5, 1998
Emerging Threats to Health from Infectious Diseases
CDC’s Dr. James Hughes to Speak at Expo ’98
Dr. James M. Hughes, Director of the National Center for Infectious Diseases at the National Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will speak on "Trends in Emerging Communicable Disease," at the Health Expo ’98 taking place at the Providence Convention Center.
Dr. Hughes is one of the world’s leading experts on emerging infections. He directs the CDC program with responsibility to prevent illness, disability and death from infectious diseases. Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death world wide and third leading cause in the US.
"We are truly fortunate to bring someone of Dr. Hughes’ stature to Rhode Island to share his views on domestic and global challenges posed by emerging infectious diseases," said Dr. Nolan, Rhode Island Director of Health. "I encourage health professionals, policy-makers and other interested persons to hear what he has to say about the status of these emerging diseases." These include Cyclospora gastroenteritis, E. coli O157:H7 hemorrhagic colitis, S. aureus infections, salmonellosis and vanomycin-resistant enterococci in the United States.
Infectious diseases can be particularly troubling when they evolve more rapidly than science’s ability to control them. Dr. Hughes is expected to talk about CDC’s plans to respond to major new threats posed by emerging infections—including bioterrorism. An effective response requires the cooperation of federal, state and local health agencies, professional groups, research institutions, clinical programs and others. According to Dr. Hughes, "The burden of infectious disease on society is tremendous, and none of these groups can deal with these issues alone."
The Health Expo ’98 takes place November 11 and 12 at the Convention Center in Providence. Dr. Hughes’ seminar is on Wednesday, November 11th at 12:30 p.m. in the Ballroom B. Members of the media wishing to interview Dr. Hughes between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 11th should contact Richard Bolig, R.I. Department of Health, at 401 222-5086.
In addition to Dr. Hughes’ seminar, Department of Health staff will present two seminars on lead poisoning: "Lead Poisoning: What is It?," November 11th , at 5:15 p.m. in Room 555A, and "Prevention of Childhood Lead Poisoning in Rhode Island," November 12th at 10:15 a.m. in Room 554B (The latter seminar is designed for healthcare professionals.)
The Department of Health Exhibit (Booth 103) features staff experts on a variety of public health topics including:
- Wellness Check: a free, self-administered, personalized health assessment
- Nursing Home Performance: on-line access to results from the Department’s inspections of nursing homes
- DocFinder: an online database of Rhode Island physicians,
Visitors to the Health Expo should visit Booth 103 to consult the schedule of special presentations by Department of Health staff.
For speech or hearing impaired,
1-800-745-5555 (TTY)
Department of Health Website: www.health.state.ri.us
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