Tag

Outbreak Investigation

All articles tagged with #outbreak investigation

health18 days ago

FDA closes cyclospora probe, finds parasite in Mexican farm wastewater and drainage

The FDA concluded its investigation into the largest US cyclosporiasis outbreak, confirming the parasite was present at the Taylor Farms facility in Guanajuato, Mexico. Inspectors found cyclospora in a wastewater tank and a drainage ditch, though the agency could not determine how the lettuce became contaminated. The outbreak sickened nearly 13,000 people across 21 states, resulting in 570 hospitalizations and two deaths. Taylor Farms blamed an independent grower no longer in its supplier program, while Mexico’s food safety authority previously reported no contamination at the site.

via The Guardian|

#cyclosporiasis #fda #food-safety

health-and-safety1 month ago•3 min saved

Orange County emergency drill attendees fall ill after catered meal

More than 20 Orange County employees attended a September 9 emergency operations center exercise in Goshen and subsequently reported symptoms consistent with food poisoning. The county is investigating a potential foodborne outbreak linked to catered food served at the event. County Executive Steven Neuhaus stated that if the vendor is confirmed as the source, the company will lose its contract. Public health officials are requesting stool or vomitus samples from affected individuals to identify the specific pathogen.

via Mid Hudson News|

#food-safety #health-and-safety #local-government

health3 months ago•4 min saved

Cooling Towers Under Scrutiny as Upper East Side Legionnaires' Outbreak Claims Third Death

An Upper East Side Legionnaires' disease outbreak has killed three people, including an 88-year-old Air Force veteran who died after two weeks in intensive care; his family plans to sue the cooling tower owner once identified. Health officials are testing cooling towers citywide, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as 74 people have been diagnosed and eight remain hospitalized. Officials say no new cases have appeared in over a week and the source is believed eliminated, but the investigation continues. Legionella spreads through contaminated water systems and poses greater risk to older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

via ABC7 New York|

#cooling-towers #health #legionnaires-disease

health3 months ago•10 min saved

Mystery Cyclospora Outbreak Baffles U.S. Health Officials

Public health officials still can’t pinpoint the source of a cyclospora (cyclosporiasis) outbreak that has infected nearly 7,000 people across 34 states, with Michigan hardest hit. Tracing is difficult due to the parasite’s 1–2 week incubation and the need to test large quantities of produce, suggesting multiple contamination points in the food supply. Funding and staffing cuts at federal health programs like FoodNet have hampered data collection, complicating the search as states interview patients to identify common foods and origins.

via BBC|

#cyclospora #cyclosporiasis #foodborne-disease

health3 months ago•5 min saved

Upper East Side Legionnaires' Outbreak Grows as City Expands Probe

NYC health officials say a Legionnaires’ disease cluster on Manhattan’s Upper East Side has grown to 28 cases, with about 75% hospitalized and no deaths. Authorities suspect cooling towers rather than plumbing, and remediation has begun. The outbreak centers on Carnegie Hill and Yorkville (ZIPs 10028, 10128, 10075), with more than 160 people being evaluated. Emergency measures are expanding and the city may disclose buildings with positive tests. Residents are advised to monitor for flu-like symptoms (cough, fever, difficulty breathing) and seek testing, while normal activities like drinking water and using AC remain safe.

via NBC New York|

#cooling-towers #health #legionnaires-disease

public-health5 months ago•31 min saved

FSIS Alerts Public Health over Listeria in Headcheese Deli Meat

FSIS issued a public health alert for Daisy Brand headcheese deli meat that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes after a positive test linked to a localized Illinois outbreak with three illnesses. The fully cooked headcheese products (EST. 21406) produced Jan 20, 2026 with USE BY MAR 26, 2026 were sold to retail delis in Illinois and Indiana; no recall was issued because the product is no longer available. Consumers who purchased these items should discard them and sanitize surfaces; high-risk individuals should seek medical care if symptoms develop. FSIS is coordinating with Illinois public health authorities as investigations continue. For questions, contact Crawford Sausage Co. or the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline.

via fsis.usda.gov|

#food-safety #headcheese #listeria

health7 months ago•5 min saved

ChatGPT in a Puzzling Salmonella Outbreak Tied to a County Fair Beer Cooler

Illinois health investigators traced a Salmonella Agbeni outbreak to a Brown County fair beer tent, where a poorly cleaned cooler that stored ice may have contaminated beer; after consulting ChatGPT for guidance, researchers concluded the AI-assisted input supported the cooler as a credible source, but the utility of AI remains uncertain and new cooler sanitation protocols were put in place while AI limitations and the need for validation against primary literature were acknowledged.

via Ars Technica|

#chatgpt #food-safety #health

health8 months ago•17 min saved

Sussex County Probes Mysterious Stomach Illness Across Communities

Sussex County health officials are investigating a countywide mystery stomach illness with vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, chills, and fever. No definitive source or link has been identified, testing is not being conducted countywide, most patients recover in 1–3 days, and residents who think they’re affected are advised to see their doctor and report symptoms via [email protected]. Updates will follow as the probe continues.

via Patch|

#health #health-department #new-jersey

public-health11 months ago•5 min saved

Listeria Outbreak from Pasta Causes Six Deaths, Highlights Need for National Investigation Board

The article advocates for establishing an independent national foodborne outbreak investigation board in the U.S. to improve coordination, transparency, and effectiveness in handling food safety outbreaks, citing recent failures like the Listeria outbreak linked to pasta as reasons for reform. It emphasizes that a unified, technology-enabled approach could better protect public health, rebuild trust, and reduce the economic burden of foodborne illnesses.

via statnews.com|

#food-safety #foodborne-illness #listeria

health-and-food-safety2 years ago•4 min saved

"Montana Morel Mushroom Outbreak Exposes Knowledge Gaps"

A deadly outbreak of poisonings linked to morel mushrooms at a Montana sushi restaurant has highlighted the gaps in knowledge about fungi. The outbreak sickened 51 people, hospitalized three, and resulted in two deaths. Health officials conducted a detailed investigation, finding that the consumption of morels was strongly associated with illness, with uncooked mushrooms posing a higher risk. Despite extensive testing, no toxins or pathogens were found in the mushrooms, which were imported from China. The incident underscores the need for better understanding and regulation of fungi in food.

via Ars Technica|

#cdc #food-poisoning #fungi

health2 years ago•2 min saved

"Norovirus Outbreak Shuts Down Alabama Elementary School, Hundreds Affected"

An elementary school in Alabama closed after 773 students and 50 staff members were absent due to a mystery gastrointestinal illness outbreak. Symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating the outbreak, and the school is undergoing deep cleaning. Officials are treating the illness as they would respond to norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness.

via The Daily Beast|

#alabama #gastrointestinal-illness #health

health2 years ago•5 min saved

"Deadly Brainstem Attack: Iatrogenic Fusarium Solani Meningitis"

Researchers found that the fungus Fusarium solani aggressively attacked the brainstem of patients who developed fungal meningitis after undergoing cosmetic procedures in Mexico. The contaminated epidural anesthesia introduced the fungus into the patients’ cerebrospinal fluid, leading to strokes, brain hemorrhages, and increased brain pressure. Early treatment is crucial, but many patients were not evaluated promptly. The outbreak was likely caused by contaminated morphine in the epidural solution, and experts warn of potential future fungal outbreaks. Patients considering medical tourism should consult healthcare providers, research facilities, and purchase travel insurance.

via NBC News|

#brainstem #epidural-contamination #fungal-meningitis

health3 years ago•3 min saved

"Deadly Outbreak Traced Back to Raw Morel Mushrooms"

Raw or lightly cooked morel mushrooms served at a sushi restaurant in Montana have been identified as the likely cause of a deadly outbreak that sickened over 50 people and resulted in two deaths. The outbreak investigation conducted by public health officials found a strong association between consuming morel mushrooms at the restaurant and developing gastrointestinal illness. DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of Morchella sextelata, a type of "true morel," in the mushrooms. The investigation could not determine the specific characteristic or toxin responsible for the outbreak, highlighting the need for further research on the health effects of morel mushrooms. Public health officials advise caution when handling and preparing morel mushrooms, including proper cooking to reduce toxin levels.

via Food Safety News|

#food-safety #foodborne-illness #health

health3 years ago•3 min saved

Fatal Fungal Outbreak at Michigan Paper Mill

A contracted employee at the Billerud paper mill in Escanaba has died from blastomycosis, a rare fungal infection that has affected nearly 100 employees at the mill. The mill will temporarily close for up to three weeks for deep cleaning and inspection of incoming materials. Blastomycosis is caused by breathing in microscopic fungal spores from soil and decaying wood. Most people who breathe in the spores don't get sick, but some develop symptoms that mimic a cold or the flu. The United Steelworkers union has called for testing and cleaning in paper mills across the industry.

via Detroit Free Press|

#billerud-paper-mill #blastomycosis #fungal-infection