Tag

Public Health Surveillance

All articles tagged with #public health surveillance

health7 days ago•5 min saved

Food Recalls Aren’t Climbing—Data Show Amid Cyclospora Outbreak

Data through Aug. 18 show FDA recalls this year (860) are below historical levels—roughly 15% under the five-year average and 29% under the 10-year average—while a large cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce dominates headlines. Major recalls this year include iceberg lettuce, jalapeños, alfalfa sprouts, eggs, and frozen berries. Experts caution that fewer recalls don’t necessarily mean safer food, noting that reduced surveillance/testing can hide problems and that the severity and spread of outbreaks matter more than recall counts.

via USA Today|

#cyclospora #fda #food-safety

health3 months ago•10 min saved

Health Officials Gear Up for Infectious-Disease Watch at World Cup 2026

As the World Cup 2026 spans 16 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, public health officials are preparing for a range of infectious-disease threats. Ebola risk is considered low, but highly contagious measles and other respiratory infections, along with arboviruses and heat- or food-related illnesses, pose bigger challenges given international travel. Authorities are expanding surveillance, entry screening, wastewater monitoring, and mobile testing capabilities, while noting funding cuts and staffing gaps in public health. The CDC and local health departments are coordinating to monitor travelers, identify cases quickly, and deploy resources if needed, aiming to keep fans safe without dampening the event.

via CNBC|

#ebola #health #measles

health6 months ago•22 min saved

South Carolina Measles Surge Highlights Hospital-Reporting Gaps

South Carolina’s measles outbreak—the largest in the U.S. since elimination—has been accompanied by unusually few reported hospitalizations (about 2%) because hospitals aren’t required to report measles-related admissions, leaving doctors with incomplete data on severity and complicating public messaging and resource planning. Only a subset of hospitals report, data to guide responses remain inconsistent, and experts say the true hospitalization rate is likely higher (around 20%). The story also notes political and policy pressures around vaccines that influence how information is shared, underscoring the need for more transparent, real-time data to combat the outbreak.

via ProPublica|

#health #hospital-reporting #measles

public-health2 years ago•63 min saved

"Waterborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance in the United States: 2015-2020 Analysis"

Public health agencies in the U.S. voluntarily report waterborne disease outbreaks to CDC through the National Outbreak Reporting System (NORS). From 2015 to 2020, 214 drinking water-associated outbreaks were reported, resulting in at least 2,140 cases of illness, 563 hospitalizations, and 88 deaths. Legionella was the leading cause of outbreaks, hospitalizations, and deaths, particularly in community and noncommunity water systems, health care facilities, and private residences. Biofilm-associated pathogens, including Legionella and nontuberculous mycobacteria, emerged as predominant causes of hospitalizations and deaths from waterborne and drinking water-related diseases. Public health surveillance and prevention programs are crucial in reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

via CDC|

#biofilm-pathogens #drinking-water-outbreaks #legionella