Hal Snarr’s Post

Health officials are investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders across several states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The exact source of contamination is still unknown, but slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties, both used in the Quarter Pounder, are being scrutinized. So far, 49 people in 10 states have fallen ill, with one fatality reported—an older adult in Colorado. Ten people have been hospitalized, including a child who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe kidney condition. McDonald’s is cooperating with health authorities and has stopped using the slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties in the affected states. A statement from the company on Tuesday indicated that their preliminary investigation suggests the slivered onions, sourced from a single supplier, may be the culprit in some of the cases. McDonald’s assured the public it will continue to work with the CDC and provide updates. “This is a fast-moving outbreak,” said Matt Wise, head of the CDC’s Outbreak Response and Prevention Branch. He explained that the first case occurred on September 27, and by October 10, health officials in Colorado had alerted the CDC to a spike in E. coli cases, prompting an official investigation on October 15. Although the overall risk to the public is now considered low, given McDonald’s has pulled Quarter Pounders from the affected locations, Wise warned that additional cases may still emerge. E. coli symptoms can include high fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Of those affected, 16 reported eating at McDonald’s before falling ill, and 12 specifically mentioned having a Quarter Pounder. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to verify if the slivered onions were distributed to other businesses, while the Department of Agriculture is assisting in the investigation. Most of the cases, 26, are from Colorado, with Nebraska reporting nine cases. Other states affected include Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. https://lnkd.in/dw-rsrA https://t.co/JVuD9mmq6p

Health officials are investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders across several states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The exact source of contamination is still unknown, but slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties, both used in the Quarter Pounder, are being scrutinized. So far, 49 people in 10 states have fallen ill, with one fatality reported—an older adult in Colorado. Ten people have been hospitalized, including a child who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe kidney condition. McDonald’s is cooperating with health authorities and has stopped using the slivered onions and quarter-pound beef patties in the affected states. A statement from the company on Tuesday indicated that their preliminary investigation suggests the slivered onions, sourced from a single supplier, may be the culprit in some of the cases. McDonald’s assured the public it will continue to work with the CDC and provide updates. “This is a fast-moving outbreak,” said Matt Wise, head of the CDC’s Outbreak Response and Prevention Branch. He explained that the first case occurred on September 27, and by October 10, health officials in Colorado had alerted the CDC to a spike in E. coli cases, prompting an official investigation on October 15. Although the overall risk to the public is now considered low, given McDonald’s has pulled Quarter Pounders from the affected locations, Wise warned that additional cases may still emerge. E. coli symptoms can include high fever, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Of those affected, 16 reported eating at McDonald’s before falling ill, and 12 specifically mentioned having a Quarter Pounder. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working to verify if the slivered onions were distributed to other businesses, while the Department of Agriculture is assisting in the investigation. Most of the cases, 26, are from Colorado, with Nebraska reporting nine cases. Other states affected include Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. https://lnkd.in/dw-rsrA https://t.co/JVuD9mmq6p

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating a Listeria outbreak that has been linked to meats sliced at delis. The outbreak is so far known to have caused two deaths and spread across 12 states. Here’s what you need to know. WHAT’S HAPPENED? The CDC has announced that it is investigating a Listeria outbreak that is thought to be linked to sliced deli meats. The active investigation is trying to determine the exact deli products that are responsible for the outbreak. Reports of suspected cases in this Listeria outbreak began in May and have continued through July. HAS ANYONE BEEN HARMED? Unfortunately, yes. The CDC says that 28 illnesses have been linked to the outbreak so far. Of those 28 illnesses, all the people infected have required hospitalization. Unfortunately, two deaths have resulted from the illnesses as well. WHERE IS THE OUTBREAK LOCATED? As of the CDC’s July 19 report, the outbreak is known to be occurring in 12 states. Those states are: Georgia Illinois Maryland Massachusetts Minnesota Missouri New Jersey New York North Carolina Pennsylvania Virginia https://lnkd.in/egkUzQ7t Wisconsin

Listeria is the third most common cause of fatal foodborne infections in the U.S., according to the CDC. Recent listeria contamination has resulted in food recalls and new cases of the illness. In this article, our Emerging Infectious Disease Taskforce discusses populations at higher risk for infections, including pregnant women, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, and best practices for clinicians to care for patients exposed to listeria. Read more: https://bit.ly/46qcQOK

*Emergency Alert* *Cholera Outbreak in Nigeria: Stay Informed and Stay Safe* There has been a recent outbreak of cholera in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos. What is Cholera? Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and dehydration. It's spread through contaminated food or water. While treatable, cholera can be life-threatening, especially for young children and those with weakened immune systems. *Symptoms of Cholera* * Watery diarrhea (poo-poo) * Vomiting * Nausea * Severe thirst * Dry mouth * Muscle cramps Preventing Cholera Here's what you can do to protect yourself and your family: Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water before eating, preparing food, and after using the toilet. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Drink safe water: Only drink bottled or treated water. If you're unsure about the safety of the water source, boil it for at least one minute before consuming. Eat safe food: Cook food thoroughly, especially seafood and shellfish. Avoid raw or undercooked meats and vegetables. Peel fruits before eating them. Please avoid Suya joints. Maintain proper sanitation: Dispose of sewage properly. If you don't have access to a toilet, use a latrine that is far away from water sources. What to do if you suspect Cholera If you experience cholera-like symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment with fluids and antibiotics are crucial to prevent complications. Stay Informed Follow updates from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC): [Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention](https://lnkd.in/d6jXNdj2) If you're in Lagos, Refer to the Lagos State Ministry of Health for Lagos-specific updates: [Lagos State Ministry of Health](https://lnkd.in/dDnpp7Nz) By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting cholera. Stay informed, practice good hygiene, and prioritize safe water and food consumption. Let's work together to stay healthy even while we work from home, the office, in tech and non-tech sectors.

Outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning reported in relation to Oregon mussels An outbreak of paralytic shellfish poisoning that has sickened at least 20 people has prompted health officials to urge those who harvested mussels from a stretch of Oregon’s coast since Saturday to discard the mollusks.  Officials at the Oregon Health Authority’s Public Health Division also recommend people who experience any symptoms of paralytic shellfish poisoning, such as numbness of the mouth and lips, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and in severe cases, shortness of breath or irregular heartbeat, to immediately contact a health care provider. Advice is also available by calling the Oregon Poison Center at 800-222-1222. DeBess said the recommendations only apply to mussels harvested by private individuals, not those harvested commercially and purchased in a grocery store or at a restaurant. Paralytic shellfish poisoning is a foodborne illness caused by saxitoxins produced by marine algae and caused by eating shellfish contaminated with the naturally occurring biotoxin, including scallops, mussels, clams, oysters and cockles, as well as some fish and crabs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There is no antidote for the poisoning. Treatment involves supportive care and, if necessary, respiratory support. Paralytic shellfish poisoning is the most common and most severe form of shellfish poisoning. It occurs worldwide but is most common in temperate waters off the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of North America. Signs of illness usually appear 30 to 60 minutes after a person eats toxic shellfish and include numbness and tingling of the face, lips, tongue, arms and legs. Patients also might have diarrhea and vomiting, headache, and nausea. Severe cases are associated with ingestion of large doses of toxin and clinical features such as poor muscle control, clumsiness or slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, loose or floppy limbs, mental status changes, and respiratory failure.  Paralytic shellfish poisoning can be deadly, especially for children. Appropriate medical care can lessen the risk of death. Shellfish poisoning can be prevented by avoiding potentially contaminated shellfish, which is particularly important in areas during or shortly after algal blooms. Marine shellfish toxins cannot be destroyed by cooking or freezing, and shellfish that carry them do not necessarily taste different from uncontaminated shellfish. Avoid harvest and consumption of seafood from beaches with biotoxin closures. Treatment for paralytic shellfish poisoning is symptomatic and supportive. Severe cases of paralytic shellfish poisoning might require mechanical ventilation.

I came across a guy’s story yesterday about how he lost his brother to cholera. The infection was linked to the water used in the preparation of tiger nuts he bought from roadside vendors. **Immediate Response at the Individual Level:** 1. **Recognize Symptoms:** Be aware of cholera symptoms, which include sudden onset of severe watery diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. 2. **Seek Prompt Medical Attention:** If you or someone you know shows signs of cholera, seek medical help immediately. Early treatment is crucial. 3. **Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS):** Keep ORS packets at home. These can be lifesaving in rehydrating a person suffering from cholera while waiting for medical help. 4. **Hydration:** Ensure the infected person drinks plenty of clean water to prevent dehydration. 5. **Inform Health Authorities:** Report suspected cholera cases to local health authorities promptly to enable swift action and containment. **Preventive Measures and Advice for Individuals:** 1. Ensure Safe Water: Always use clean and safe water for washing and preparing food. Boil water if you are unsure of its safety. 2. Purchase from Trusted Sources: Buy food items, especially those eaten raw or minimally processed, from reputable sources that adhere to hygiene standards. 3.Wash Thoroughly: Wash fruits, vegetables, and nuts thoroughly under running water to remove any contaminants. 4. Personal Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and clean water before handling food and after using the bathroom. 5.Avoid Street Food: Be cautious about consuming food from street vendors, especially in areas known for poor sanitation practices. 6. Educate Others: Spread awareness about the importance of food and water safety to prevent cholera and other waterborne diseases. Government action can significantly improve the management and control of a cholera outbreak through a series of targeted interventions: 1. Enhanced Public Health Education 2. Improving Water and Sanitation 3. Strengthening Healthcare Services 4. Disease Surveillance and Early Detection 5. Vaccination Campaigns 6. Rapid Response Teams 7. Collaboration with NGOs and International Agencies 8. Resource Allocation and Policy Support 9. Community Engagement Cholera is a severe bacterial infection that can lead to dehydration and death if not treated promptly. It is crucial to take preventive measures seriously to protect yourself and your loved ones. Additionally, a robust health system intervention can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of cholera. #MinistryOfHealth #CholeraOutbreak #NCDC

Do we need a better integration of disease prevention and food supply chain? Read about it in my new column.

#Gastroenteritis, commonly known as stomach flu, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that results in symptoms such as #nausea, vomiting, #diarrhea and abdominal pain. This condition is primarily caused by viral infections, with #norovirus and #rotavirus being the most common culprits. Bacterial infections, including those caused by Salmonella and E. coli, as well as parasitic infections, also lead to gastroenteritis. The disease spreads through contaminated food and water, direct contact with infected individuals. According to global data, gastroenteritis affects approximately 2 billion people each year, resulting in about 1.3 million deaths, particularly among children in developing countries. Preventing gastroenteritis involves several key practices. Regular handwashing with soap is crucial, especially before meals and after using the restroom. Ensuring food safety by cooking food thoroughly and drinking clean water also reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, vaccination against rotavirus is recommended for infants to help prevent severe cases of gastroenteritis. Treatment primarily focuses on rehydration, as the loss of fluids from vomiting and diarrhea may lead to dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions (#ORS) are effective in replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes. In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be necessary. Most individuals recover without specific medical treatment, however, it is essential to monitor for signs of dehydration, especially in young children and the elderly. In summary, gastroenteritis is a widespread condition that have serious health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations. Understanding its causes, transmission and preventive measures is vital for reducing its impact. By practicing good hygiene and ensuring food safety, individuals may lower their risk of contracting this illness. 🔎https://lnkd.in/gtUUV345 #StomachFlu #Norovirus #Rotavirus #Handwashing #Hydration #ViralInfections #BacterialInfections #Salmonella #EColi #PreventiveHealth #PublicHealth #OralRehydration #CiTest

#Listeria is the third-leading cause of #foodborne #illness in the United States. As of Nov. 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a total of 61 infections across 19 states. But how and why is Listeria so dangerous? #UFEPI member Dr. Frederick Southwick, M.D., FACP, CPPS from the University of Florida College of Medicine tells us its two secret weapons for hitting people hard. The first one is that Listeria can replicate even at 40 degrees Fahrenheit, a typical refrigeration temperature that normally stops the growth of other foodborne #bacteria. Can you guess the second? Read the article to find out.