Making Sense of MRSA
You've probably heard about infection with MRSA (or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). These news-making bacteria have become a more common cause of infections over the past few years, especially in kids who've never been in the hospital.

What is Shigella
About 18,000 cases of Shigella infection are diagnosed each year in the United States, but many more go unreported because they involve only mild symptoms and sometimes no symptoms at all. The infection is most common during the summer months. Shigella rarely infects infants younger than 6 months old, but it is common in children 2 to 4 years old, especially those in child care.

AAP Urges Autism Screening for All Kids Under 2
Calling autism an "urgent public health issue," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported in early 2007 that about 1 in 150 children in the United States are diagnosed with the developmental disorder.

Lead Poisoning
Although lead paint was banned in the United States nearly 30 years ago, lead is still found in some toys and children's jewelry made today. Lead is highly toxic, especially to young children.

Toy Recall Update: Mattel Recalls 9 Million Toys:
Mattel is voluntarily recalling 9 million of its toys — including Sarge brand cars; Batman action figures; and Barbie, Doggie Daycare, and Polly Pocket play sets — because of hazards to children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced Aug. 14.

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