MRSA infections on the rise in Vermont

Aggressive, antibiotic-resistant infections  have been a problem in hospitals for decades. Health officials say the main offender in Vermont communities is a strain of staph infection known as MRSA. Vermont does not keep track of the number of MRSA infections, but indications are they’re on the rise. VPR’s Susan Keese has more.

AIDS activist hope new statistics means more resources

For each of the last 10 years, the federal government has underestimated the number of people who are infected with HIV. Advocates say they hope the more accurate statistics will mean the federal government will do a better job of addressing the pandemic in the next year. VPR’s Ross Sneyd has more.

Committee probes VY radiation reading changes

Vermont lawmakers are investigating whether the state Health Department broke the law by changing its methods for measuring radiation emitted by the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant without getting the approval of a legislative committee.
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Health Department offers some ideas for kicking smoking habit

Smoking rates in Vermont have been dropping steadily, but 18 percent of adults are still hooked. Studies show that about 70 percent of all smokers want to quit. If you’re one of them, the Vermont Health Department hopes you’ll check out their newly revamped Quit Network to find free tips and other help.