RADNOR, Pa. -- In the wake of media reports on the outbreak of swine flu, HTH Worldwide, a global health and safety services company, is offering advice to travelers who may already be in Mexico and are concerned about what steps to take.
Over one million American businesspeople, expatriates, students studying abroad and vacationers are already in Mexico. For those travelers, HTH Worldwide offers five basic tips:

"Knowledge is the great equalizer; everyone who is traveling to Mexico City should immerse themselves in facts and not simply listen to the rumors," said Angelo Masciantonio, director and CEO, HTH Worldwide. "There are numerous technologies and tools that will help you remain informed about the true nature of this outbreak. If a traveler does encounter swine flu or other issues while abroad, it's critical that they receive high quality healthcare, HTH offers its information and access to highly-qualified caregivers via the Internet and a mobile application called mPassport(R) (www.mpassport.com)."

HTH Worldwide has a global network of more than 5,000 hospitals and English-speaking doctors in 180 countries. This network includes twenty-one hospitals and 84 doctors in Mexico City.

Source: HTH Worldwide

College of American Pathologists Is Confident in U.S. Laboratories' Ability to Respond to Influenza Outbreak NORTHFIELD, Ill.-- Long regarded as the gold standard in monitoring medical laboratory performance, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) believes that the nation's laboratories will be able to adequately process and handle influenza cases and adapt to evolving guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Their readiness is demonstrated through the CAP's Proficiency Testing (PT) program. The College's program is the largest laboratory peer comparison program in the world, routinely helping laboratories evaluate their performance and improve the accuracy of the patient results they provide.

The College provides individual laboratories with unknown specimens for testing. Participants analyze these specimens and return their results to the CAP for evaluation. Each participating laboratory receives a report of its performance as well as a report summarizing the results from all participating laboratories.

Four of these PT programs test proficiency in influenza testing, although not specifically for the swine flu strain. The College data about the capability of U.S. labs to detect influenza A indicate a high degree of proficiency among America's labs, and laboratory testing for influenza is the key to quickly detecting disease and protecting public health.

In addition, after 9/11, the College partnered with the CDC and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) to create a Laboratory Preparedness Exercise which tests the strength of the Laboratory Response Network (LRN). The LRN is a system of designated laboratories established to enhance early detection and surveillance activities, as well as increase laboratory response capacity associated with a potential pandemic or bioterrorism threat. In the United States, the LRN--a system of 1,500 laboratories throughout the 50 states--enables earlier detection of flu cases and allows public health agencies to investigate sources of infection more quickly and, therefore, more effectively respond with control and prevention activities.

A potential pandemic virus is defined, among other things, as a novel strain that is not easily treated. While novel, this strain of swine flu responds to two medications. To reduce the risk of spreading or contracting swine flu, Americans should practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing and should stay home from school and work when sick, as well as follow the guidance of local public health officials regarding the closing of public venues and events.

The College of American Pathologists is a medical society serving more than 17,000 physician members and the laboratory community throughout the world. It is the world's largest association composed exclusively of board certified pathologists and is widely considered the leader in laboratory quality assurance. The College is an advocate for high-quality and cost-effective medical care.

Source: College of American Pathologists

Will Face Masks Protect Against Swine Flu? MCDONOUGH, Ga. -- With growing concerns about the current spread of the swine flu, the question has been raised, "Will face masks protect against swine flu?" Tony Hanson, Managing Director of Marketing for Encompass Group, the manufacturer of ProGear(TM), an innovative, technologically advanced system of medical face masks developed and manufactured in the United States, stated, "At this time it is believed that the current strain of swine flu is passed hand-to-mouth and is not airborne, and the best defense is hand washing. However, the face mask does provide another level of defense to protect the nose and mouth from inadvertent touching."

Encompass is in the process of establishing Federal Supply Contracts for ProGear face masks made in the USA. "We are keeping in touch with our government contacts to get the latest updates as we all learn more about the swine flu. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending the use of certain types of face masks if you are in close contact with someone who has, or may have, the swine flu even though the airborne contaminate issue is still being debated.

"The swine flu is a reminder of how quickly a pandemic can be upon us." Hanson continued, "Obviously, there are concerns that other countries may stock pile masks for their own citizens. Since our masks are manufactured in the United States we are ready to supply US citizens with large quantities of masks should it become necessary. There is also the concern that face masks manufactured in Mexico may become difficult to get if Mexican workers are ill, or their plants are closed. Additionally, masks could become the target of the drug cartels operating in Mexico if the demand becomes great enough.

"It's very important that we have our own supply of masks here in the USA. We will continue to monitor this situation, and remain ready to supply masks throughout the United States."

About ProGear and Encompass Group

The ProGear line includes Dry Shield(TM) masks for fluid resistance, Clear-View(TM) anti-fog masks for increased visibility, Skin-Saver(TM) masks, free of dyes for those wearers with sensitive skin, and high-performance Isolation masks. ProGear's customizable Imprints(TM) line allows customers to personalize each mask with logos or custom designs. All ProGear masks feature the comfortable Wave-Fit preformed nosepiece, and are available with either ear loops or ties. The Dry Shield masks are also available with visors for extra protection.

In addition to their breakthrough design, ProGear masks come in innovative new packaging. Color-keyed to match mask colors and types for easy identification on the shelf, the packages include a unique viewing window to show what's inside before the box is opened.

Encompass Group is headquartered in McDonough, Georgia, Encompass has been helping health care providers create safe, comfortable environments for patients and staff for close to a century. Encompass is focused on prevention.

Source: Encompass Group