EMERGING ISSUES IN PUBLIC HEALTH

In January my colleagues chose me to be Vice-Chair of the Board of Health of Seattle and King County. In this position, I will work to improve our area's public health system to respond to concerns such as the reemergence of infectious diseases, decreased funding for public health, the AIDS epidemic, and bioterrorism.

Public health experts are also aware of many other health issues that have not yet surfaced in the media and public awareness, and I thought it would be helpful to share some of this information.

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NEW INFLUENZA CONCERNS

New influenza-type outbreaks often emerge first in other mammalian species. Public Health has been monitoring phenomena such as avian influenza, spread by contact with infected birds, and SARS, which apparently is transmitted through mammals such as civet cats. However, the most disturbing new influenza phenomenon is an apparent change in the influenza genome that may allow transmission through plant, rather than animal, vectors.

Researchers have been baffled by reports of new influenza epidemics among populations that have little apparent exposure to potentially infected animals, including vegetarian group houses in the United States. A research study has raised the possibility that the influenza genome has now found a way to infect plants such as Brussels sprouts and okra.

"The Brussels sprouts vector is the most significant concern," the study concluded. "While relatively few people consume Brussels sprouts regularly, they are closely genetically related to broccoli and cabbage. Once the nation's cabbage supply is affected, the epidemic could spread rapidly this summer throughout the country through cole slaw at picnics and fast food outlets."

Researchers urge those who continue to consume vegetables to wash them thoroughly. A potential vaccine is being developed, but providing enough units to inoculate each individual Brussels sprout will be a challenge.

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ANTHRAX FOR ACNE?

Researchers at Biomarker, Inc., inspired by the use of botulism toxin for removing wrinkles, have been experimenting with genetically altered anthrax as a possible cure for acne. The company announced recently that initial experiments have shown that a short series of injections in the affected area has resulted in a 90% reduction in the number of visible 'zits'.

Biomarker, Inc., was originally organized to research possible cancer cures. However, the company's CEO has indicated that the company now recognizes that there is a much larger and more lucrative market for a biogenetically engineered response to acne, and has reoriented the company's scientific staff and altered its mission accordingly.

Wall Street responded positively to the announcement, and the company's stock has more than doubled in value since the new research and development strategy became public.

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STARBURN

While the dangers of sunburn have become more widely recognized in recent years, health providers have been puzzled by the emergence of similar skin symptoms among persons whose outdoor exposure was primarily during hours of darkness, such as astronomers, ultra-marathoners, and persons who camp without using tents.

A recent study has suggested that the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer has actually allowed potentially harmful radiation from even distant stars to penetrate the atmosphere, and is likely to be the cause of the problem.

Scientists have long known, of course, that the ultra-violet rays from the sun are no different from those produced by the billions of other stars, but apparently the earth's atmosphere has shielded us from the effects of the more distant stellar bodies until relatively recently.

Medical experts stress that the risk is low for most people, but nonetheless suggest that those who intend to be active at night should continue to use sunscreen, just as they do during the day. "We need to start protecting ourselves before the problem becomes widespread," researchers note. "As global warming increases, people are more likely to hold barbecues in the evening hours and engage in other activities at night, and we need to be on top of this before this trend escalates."

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NEW BUSH HEALTH AND ECONOMIC STIMULUS PROPOSAL

The Bush administration has proposed a new program that will provide coverage for certain medical expenses for persons who play key roles in the American economy.

The new proposal, entitled Reimbursement for Important Corporate Honchos for Heart, Epidermal, Arterial, Lung, and Torso Health (RICH-HEALTH), will provide federal repayments for certain eligible corporate executives who experience significant stress as a result of their participation in activities that may jeopardize their long-term health.

The primary conditions eligible for reimbursement will be treatment for alcohol-related illnesses and golf-related injuries. To obtain reimbursements, persons must pass a means test demonstrating that they have annual income in excess of $1 million.

The program will be funded by a surcharge on bread. "This is a fair way to fund this important program, because it is an optional purchase," said a spokesperson for the Bush administration. "Those who don't want to pay the tax always have the option of buying bagels, or muffins, or maybe cake."

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Citizen participation and engagement are critical for maintaining democracy -- fostering it is a key task of elected officials. It's my hope that this newsletter will inform you about issues, inspire you to get involved, and that together we can make things work better in this great city. Please send me your feedback, so we can keep things lively, interesting, and useful. And please forward it along to friends who might be interested.

Richard Conlin
Your Seattle City Councilmember

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