West Nile virus update, AIDS information, NP site

By Carol Lindsay, RN
November 10, 2003

The CDC has a site dedicated to providing up-to-date information on West Nile virus. The Division of Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases West Nile Virus site features a map of the United States with data detailing the number of human virus cases by state. This map is updated frequently and archived maps from previous years are available for comparison and tracking.

The site also offers tips on how to reduce the risk of West Nile virus by avoiding mosquitoes, including educational information on mosquito abatement, types of repellants that should be worn and a downloadable prevention brochure.

Information for specific audiences includes clinician guidelines, laboratorian guidelines, press resources and presentations from the 2003 West Nile Virus National Conference. New information on the site includes a report on West Nile virus detection in donated blood, and information on the testing and treating of the virus in humans.

From this site, you can connect to the U.S. Geological Survey West Nile Virus Maps 2003 site, which further breaks down the incidence of West Nile disease for both human and animal cases by county.

Nurse practitioners

Nurse Practitioner Central is a site developed by nurse practitioners for nurse practitioners.

The site provides CE listings, nurse practitioner programs, Medicare information, press releases and classes on how to make your nurse practitioner practice more efficient and successful. Case studies are presented by nurse practitioners and recent presentations cover practice development, handheld computers and minor office procedures.

For consumers, the site offers information about nurse practitioners and a resource to search for nurse practitioners by state.

Get the facts

AIDSinfo is a service of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The site provides educational material for the general public and health care providers. Public information includes impact summaries on HIV in adolescents, minorities and women; HIV/AIDS statistics; HIV treatment; complications and pregnancy.

The data available for health care providers are intensive and include regional, national and international resource centers. Information is provided on preventive and therapeutic HIV/AIDS vaccine research, as well as overviews of antiretroviral drugs and clinical trials.

AIDS nursing

The Association of Nurses in AIDS Care was founded in 1987 to address the specific needs of nurses working in HIV/AIDS care and has become a leader in the response to HIV and AIDS. Its site is a resource for information about HIV and nursing.

Continuing education resources are available, as well as information about the AIDS Certified Registered Nurse (ACRN) certification program. The certification is provided by the HIV/AIDS Nursing Certification Board and provides formal recognition to nurses with a specialized area of practice in HIV/AIDS.