The outbreak of cholera in Haiti, first recognised on 21 October 2010, continues to escalate. As of 14 November 2010 a total of 16,799 hospitalised cases and 1,034 deaths from cholera have been reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Cholera is spread by contaminated water and food. It generally occurs in regions of the world where there is no clean water or adequate sewage disposal.

A major one-day conference on 24 November will stimulate debate and reflect on action taken to reduce health inequalities. ‘Meeting the challenge: economics and a healthier society’ will focus on economic development and partnership working, with delegates attending from a number of community and voluntary organisations, government departments, local councils, academic and economic institutions.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has enlisted the help of Samaritans to support the media here in reporting any deaths by suicide responsibly. Research has shown that certain types of reporting of suicide can lead to vulnerable people imitating the detail they pick up in the media, resulting in further loss of life due to suicide. As a result, the PHA has engaged the Samaritans to work with the media on this issue. The Samaritans have extensive experience in the responsible reporting of this often difficult and sensitive issue.

Helium is a colourless, odourless inert gas which has many unique properties such as low boiling point, low density and high thermic conductivity. For these reasons its most common uses are in welding, propellants for rockets and in helium-oxygen mixtures for divers.

On European Antibiotics Awareness Day (18 November), the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Health and Social Care Board (HSCB) are encouraging the appropriate use of antibiotics to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance which is a growing problem.Antibiotics do not work against viruses such as colds and flu and therefore are of no benefit in treating viral infections and may lead to undesirable side effects, such as diarrhoea.

Findings, from research on suicidal men, aged 16-34, in Northern Ireland, were launched today, (Thursday 18th November). Commissioned and funded by Health and Social Care Research and Development, now part of the Public Health Agency, the study was undertaken by the University of Ulster, Queen’s University and the University of Maine (USA). The information will increase the understanding of suicidal young men, and inform the delivery of accessible, acceptable and appropriate mental health services.

As part of the ‘Focus on Health Inequalities’ month, the Public Health Agency is sharing its ‘Advice 4 Health: Support and Benefits Maximisation’ project successes and good practice at a seminar on 18th November at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey. The scheme, in the Northern Trust area, is in partnership with local Citizens Advice Bureaux and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust; it supports vulnerable people in accessing the services available to them.

On World Diabetes Day (14 November) the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone across Northern Ireland to be aware of how diabetes can be prevented and what the signs and symptoms of diabetes are to ensure early diagnosis and good diabetic care. There are an estimated 69,000 adults (aged over 16) and 850 children (aged under 16) living with diabetes in Northern Ireland in 2010. The number of adults with diabetes in Northern Ireland has increased by 34% since 2004.

As winter approaches, the Pubic Health Agency has re-emphasised its continuing commitment to tackling Fuel Poverty at the joint Public Health Agency/National Energy Action Annual Seminar, Friday 12th November, Greenmount Agricultural College, Co Antrim. The focus is Fuel Poverty - Improving Health & Wellbeing: identifying the hazards, sharing good practice and solutions and the role of health and social care services in tackling Fuel Poverty with vulnerable households. It will also consider the economic, social and environmental imperative of acting now.