Resource Articles

Exposure to Pertussis

What is pertussis and how is it spread? Pertussis is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract which generally begins with mild upper respiratory symptoms and can progress to severe attacks of coughing (paroxysmal stage), often with a characteristic inspiratory whoop. It is caused by Bordetella pertussis. Transmission occurs by close contact with respiratory secretions from an infected person.

Animal Allergy Questionnaire

People who work with animals have an occupational risk of allergies, which can lead to occupational asthma. To prevent asthma, it is important to find individuals who are starting to have allergy symptoms when they work with animals. By identifying these people and helping protect them with a special respirator, we can reduce their exposure to animal allergens and reduce their risk of asthma.

Smallpox Vaccine

Smallpox is an acute, contagious illness characterized by fever, backache, and severe headache followed by the appearance of an eruption of papules and vesicles which become pustular by the eighth day. Although smallpox disease has been eradicated worldwide, researchers sometimes still use the vaccinia virus, which is the virus used in the smallpox vaccine. These research faculty and staff may obtain smallpox vaccine from OHC at no charge.