Division of Disease Control and Health Protection

For August 27, 1999

A positive hepatitis B surface antigen test (HBsAg) does not, in itself, confirm the presence of disease. Further testing is necessary to identify the infection as acute or chronic disease or asymptomatic seroconversion. The purpose of reporting HBsAg positive pregnant women is to ensure the protection of their infants against infection with hepatitis B. In the 1997 Red Book of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the authors state that, "Transmission of perinatal HBV infection can be prevented in approximately 95% of infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers by early active and passive immunoprophylaxis of the infants, i.e., vaccination and HBIG administration."

While assuring that HBsAg positive pregnant women receive appropriate follow-up; and that their infants receive immunoprophylaxis is the responsibility of the county health departments with coordination by the Bureau of Immunization, reporting of these women to the Bureau of Epidemiology is important for at least two reasons:

Rabies Alert Map

The Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental Toxicology is co-sponsoring a two-day technical seminar on the environmental control of asthma. The seminar will focus on the relationship between asthma, an important emerging public health issue, and indoor allergens. Attendees will receive practical information about identifying and controlling conditions that adversely affect the indoor environment and human health. The seminar will be lead by nationally recognized presenters who will be available before, during, and after the event for additional discussions and responses to questions.

Two regional seminars have been planned. The first will be held at the Oceanfront Auditorium in Miami on September 30 to October 1, 1999. The second is planned for November 18-19, 1999 at the Sheraton Safari Hotel in Orlando.

There will be a significantly reduced registration fee for Department of Health staff. For additional information and to receive a brochure on these events, please call Radon and Indoor Toxics Office at (850) 488-1525 or Suncom 278-1525.

The Childhood Lead Poisoning Surveillance Program (Bureau of Environmental Epidemiology), with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is offering a teleconference on September 17, 1999, entitled "Childhood Lead Poisoning: Research Practice and Prevention."

"AN ORDINANCE

"By Major General Andrew Jackson, Governor of the provinces of the Floridas, exercising the powers of the Captain General and of the Intendant of the Island of Cuba, over the said provinces, and of the Governors of said provinces respectively:

"That with a view to the preservation of the good order and health of the town of Pensacola – I do ordain:

"Sect. 1. That there shall be appointed by the Governor annually, a Chief Officer to be called the Mayor, and six subordinate officers to be called Aldermen, who shall form a Council, and have and exercise all the powers necessary to the good government of the said town.

"Sect. 2. That the said Mayor and Council shall have power by Ordinance or otherwise, to impose fines and forfeitures for the infraction of their regulation, and appoint such officers as they may deem necessary for the support of their town government.

"Sect. 3. As the Christian Sabbath is observed throughout the civilized world, it is ordained, that in order to remove any doubts which might be entertained with respect to the powers of the Mayor and Council on this subject, that the said Mayor and Council be authorized to make any regulation for the due observance thereof which they may deem proper.

"Sect. 4 In order to remove all doubts on the subject of the limits of the said town of Pensacola and its dependencies, as well as to place under the immediate control of the Mayor and Council, all the fountains or springs from which the inhabitants are supplied with water, it is ordained, that the incorporated limits of said town shall be as follows:

"Bounded to the south and east by the harbor, to the west by the Western Lagoon, or Bayou Chico, and to the north by a line running due east from Galvez Spring to where such line will intersect the eastern or Texar Lagoon.

"Sect. 5. That public gaming houses, as well as public gaming of every description, (billiards alone excepted) shall be and the same is thereby interdicted and prohibited, under the penalty of two hundred dollars for each conviction, and the forfeiture of all the apparatus or machinery used towards the commission of such offences, as well as all sums of money which may be seized by the public officer or other person; one half to the use of the informer, and the other to the use of the town, and that each and every person so convicted, shall be, and stand committed to prison until the whole of said fine and costs are paid, and moreover, until he shall have good and sufficient surety in the sum of five hundred dollars for his good behavior, for and during the term of one year.

"Sect. 6. That the Mayor and Alderman, as is provided for in this Ordinance, shall be known and called the City Council of Pensacola, and in that name may acquire and dispose of property for public uses, and sue and be sued, and plead and be impleaded on all subjects relating to, or connected with the said town and its dependencies.

"Sect. 7. That all inkeepers, grocers, and all other retailers of liquor, are, by this Ordinance, expressly prohibited from furnishing or selling any liquor or ardent spirits whatever, to any soldier in the service of the United States of America, under the penalty of 19 dollars for each offence, and to stand committed to the common jail until the said penalty with costs are paid.

                                                                                Pensacola, July 18,1821

                                                                                (signed) ANDREW JACKSON

                                                                                By the Governor,

                                                                                K. Call,

*Haemophilus influenzae can be the agent responsible for disease under three of the reportable conditions listed-:

"Haemophilus influenzae, invasive" and under "Encephalitis, post infectious." Cases of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis are reported under

"Meningitis, H. influenzae."