Nebraska, United States

The DHHS, in collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Douglas County Health Department, Sarpy/Cass Health Department, and Three Rivers Public Health Department is investigating a Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts.

As of December 23, 2022, 12 individuals reported consuming alfalfa sprouts between December 4–15,... See More either at local restaurants or in their homes after purchasing from local grocery stores.

DHHS recommends the public avoid eating alfalfa sprouts while the investigation continues.

In case you are experiencing Salmonella symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

Source: dhhs.ne.gov See Less

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Update January 27, 2023

The Maryland Department of Health found the outbreak strains of Listeria in two samples of enoki mushrooms produced by Shandong Youhe Biotechnology Co., China.

Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled or contaminated enoki mushrooms.

The investigation is ongoing.

Source: CDC

Update January... See More 18, 2023

As of January 18, 2023, 3 people infected with the outbreak strains of Listeria have been reported from three states (CA, MI and NV). All 3 have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. Sick people’s samples were collected from October 3, 2022, to October 8, 2022. 2 sick people reported eating enoki mushrooms or eating at restaurants with menu items containing enoki mushrooms. One patient did not report eating enoki mushrooms but reported shopping at various Asian grocery stores.

FDA found two strains of Listeria in an import sample of Utopia Foods brand enoki mushrooms. One strain is linked to the two illnesses that were already included in this outbreak, and the other strain is linked to one additional illness. Both strains are now included in this outbreak investigation.

On November 17, 2022, Green Day Produce, Inc. recalled these enoki mushrooms due to Listeria contamination.
On January 13, 2023, Utopia Foods expanded their recall of enoki mushrooms.

The investigation is ongoing.

Source: CDC

November 17, 2022

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to enoki mushrooms. Investigators are working to identify specific brands of enoki mushrooms that may be linked to these illnesses. As of November 15, 2022, 2 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 2 states (MI and NV). Both have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. Sick people’s samples were collected from October 5, 2022, to October 8, 2022.

Enoki mushrooms are white and have long, thin stems. They are often sold in bunch with roots in sealed plastic packaging. They are popular in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean food, and they are almost always eaten cooked in soups, hot pots, and stir-fried dishes.

CDC advises people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system to not eat raw enoki mushrooms. CDC also advises restaurants to not serve raw enoki mushrooms. Cook enoki mushrooms thoroughly to kill any foodborne germs.

In case you are experiencing Listeria monocytogenes symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.

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The Two Rivers Public Health District (TRPHD) said they are experiencing an increase of both norovirus and rotavirus cases in the district that spans across Dawson, Gosper, Buffalo, Phelps, Harlan, Kearney, and Franklin counties.

In order to prevent the spread of both illnesses between people, Two Rivers... See More strongly recommends washing hands carefully and frequently, staying home when experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, and careful cleaning of surfaces that have had contact with vomit and diarrhea. Norovirus and rotavirus outbreaks also frequently occur in schools, childcare centers, colleges, and universities.

Norovirus is very contagious and is easily transmitted from person to person most through the oral/fecal route. Considering that hand sanitizer does NOT work against this virus, it is important to wash your hands with soap frequently. Use bleach to clean and disinfect surfaces.

Rotavirus is a very contagious virus that primarily affects infants and young children. However, people of all ages can get infected.
Symptoms of rotavirus usually start about two days after a person is exposed to the virus and can last three to eight days.

In case you are experiencing symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance.

For more information about this check the TRPHD website trphd.org

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The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Office of Epidemiology has reported a Health Alert to Long-Term Care Facilities, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Childcare Centers, Schools, Primary Care Providers, Public Health in Nebraska due to Norovirus Outbreak.

The DHHS Office of Epidemiology of Nebraska has received reports... See More of 14 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks among long-term care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, childcare centers, and schools since march 1, 2021. The norovirus season typically peaks from December to March, and begins to decline in April, but for this time of year, it has been unusually high.

Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastrointestinal disease in the United States. It is very contagious and can be contracted from an infected person, contaminated water or food, or even a contaminated surface.

The DHHS of Nebraska advises:
- Long-term care facilities, assisted living, and skilled nursing facilities should restrict ill residents from leaving their room until 48 hours after their symptoms resolve to reduce the risk of further spread (unless it is for essential care or treatment). Consider suspending group activities for the duration of the outbreak. Exclude ill staff, especially those with patient care and food handling responsibilities, until 48 hours after symptoms resolve to help reduce further spread. Staff who work at multiple healthcare facilities should eliminate or minimize inter-facility movement during the duration of the outbreak. Additionally, enforcing exclusion policies for visitors will help prevent further spread.
- Childcare centers and schools should educate staff and children on proper hand hygiene. Facilities should assist younger children with washing their hands after using the toilet and before eating. Any staff, childcare attendee, or student with symptoms of norovirus infection should be sent home and not return until 48 hours after symptoms resolve to help prevent further spread.
- Environmental surfaces should be disinfected using a chlorine bleach solution with a concentration of 1,000-5,000 ppm (5-25 tablespoons of household bleach [5-8 %] per gallon of water) or other disinfectants effective against norovirus.

Any facility with two or more suspected norovirus ill persons within 72 hours should report the suspected outbreak to their local health department.

Check the full Health alert on: dhhs.ne.gov

Source: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services See Less

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