In this edition, we offer resources and information about water and sanitation issues. Fecal-to-oral transmission, via contaminated water, food, or other objects, is the principal means of spreading HAV, the virus that causes Hepatitis A.

Comments submitted by the Farmworker Justice Fund on the behalf of a number of organizations regarding proposed EPA regulations authorizing pesticide testing on human subjects.

A listing with links and ordering information to the EPA's bilingual posters, handbooks, guides, videos, CDs and other materials about pesticide safety and how to recognize and treat heat related illnesses.

Our focus this month is Hepatitis B.

The following links and and articles are available In the January Listserv: 1. Links to the full text of the ACIP recommendations for infants, adolescents, and children. 2. Dear Colleague Letter about New Recommendations to Prevent Perinatal HBV. Summary of the recommendations from HEP EXPRESS Viral hepatitis news from the Immunization Action Coalition Issue Number 39, January 6, 2006 3. ”Hepatitis B Vaccine Considered for All Adults from American Medical News on upcoming adult immunizations, summarizes issues that are central to the HepTalk project clinics and their clients. The article includes a mention of MCN's recommendations on these issues.

Midwives are essential caregivers in the worldwide struggle for maternal and child health. Appropriate information and training empower midwives and other health workers to provide the care needed to reduce dangers in childbirth.

Maria Fernandez, 42, of Cancun, Mexico, sits outside a shoddy trailer she shares with other workers. "Everybody around here always has headaches, coughs, running noses," she said. "It has to do with that dust on the plants from the chemicals. You are always breathing it in."

Since many exposures come during those field applications, the risks - to farmworkers and to nearby residents who can be affected if the chemicals drift - can occur much more frequently. "You are working in one field, and the tractor passes in the next field spraying," says Epifanio, 58, a veteran Mexican farmworker who asked that his full name not be used, out of fear for his job. "The wind brings it to you. It happens to somebody around here every single day."

The October issue of the Heptalk Listerv covers: 1. “Incorporating Sexual Risk Assessment in Routine Visits for Gay and Bisexual Men” Though targeted towards a narrower population, is applicable in most routine visit situations. Also includes some good specific questioning techniques. 2. Sexual History Taking. A complete module, in pdf form from the New England National Network of STD/HIV Prevention Training Centers, using 4 case studies. It reads easily and quickly and has many good suggestions.