Outbreaks

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) reports a significant increase in Norovirus cases, a prevalent cause of gastroenteritis, in Ireland. The data shows the number of cases tripling to over 30 per week in November.

In the second half of November, the HPSC registered an unusual increase... See More in the number of weekly Norovirus notifications. Alongside these reported cases, a surge in Norovirus outbreaks in healthcare settings - notably hospitals and nursing homes - has compounded the situation. The predominant strain involved is identified as GII.4, notorious since 2012 due to its enhanced capability to cause outbreaks.

The HPSC advises health practitioners to be alert to possible Norovirus contamination in vomitus and implement stringent cleaning protocols for affected areas. The public is urged to uphold basic hygiene measures including frequent hand washing with soap and water, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and disinfecting potentially contaminated objects. The HPSC emphasizes the importance of individuals staying off work or school until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed to prevent further transmission of the virus.

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.

In case you experience Norovirus symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea, report it now. 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 Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued a warning for consumers not to consume 'Cali-Gold' chocolate bars, connected to a recent outbreak of reported illnesses in Nottinghamshire. This product has been available for sale at Mansfield Market in Nottinghamshire.

Concerning the safety alert, the FSA is currently... See More tracing any wider distribution of the product beyond Mansfield Market. The authorities urge consumers who have bought the 'Cali-Gold' chocolate bar to refrain from eating it and to appropriately dispose it at home.

The agency, in collaboration with local authorities, the UK Health Security Agency and Nottinghamshire Police, is currently investigating the matter. The investigation was prompted by police reports of people falling sick after consuming the 'Cali-Gold' chocolate bars. Notably, this led to an arrest connected to these incidents.

Tina Potter, the Head of Incidents at the Food Standards Agency, emphasizes the vigilance of the agency in such matters and the seriousness with which the situation is being dealt with. However, the specific details about the symptoms and the possible pathogen involved have not yet been reported.

In case you experience vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, report it now. 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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Update December 1, 2023

As of December 1, there have been 66 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Soahanina, Sundsvall and Oranienburg illness linked to this outbreak in the following provinces: British Columbia (13), Ontario (13), Quebec (35), Prince Edward Island (2), New Brunswick (1), and Newfoundland and Labrador... See More (2). 19 individuals have been hospitalized and one death has been reported. Individuals became sick between mid-October and mid-November 2023.

To prevent illness, do not eat, serve, use, sell, or distribute:
- Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe
- Any products made with Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupe
- Any recalled produce

The investigation is ongoing.

Source: PHAC

Update November 24, 2023

As of November 24, there have been 63 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Soahanina, Sundsvall and Oranienburg illness linked to this outbreak in the following provinces: British Columbia (12), Ontario (12), Quebec (35), Prince Edward Island (2) and Newfoundland and Labrador (2). 17 individuals have been hospitalized and one death has been reported. Individuals became sick between mid-October and mid-November 2023.

On November 24, 2023, CFIA updated the food recall warning to also include Rudy brand cantaloupes sold between October 10 and November 24, 2023. Additional secondary recalls have been issued for products that were made using recalled cantaloupes and for produce items that were processed alongside recalled cantaloupes.

The investigation is ongoing.

Source: PHAC

November 22, 2023

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is collaborating with various health partners to investigate a Salmonella outbreak linked to Malichita brand cantaloupes. As of November 22, there have been 26 laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Soahanina and Sundsvall illness linked to this outbreak in the following provinces: British Columbia (7), Ontario (7), Quebec (8), Prince Edward Island (2) and Newfoundland and Labrador (2). 6 individuals have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. Individuals became sick between mid-October and early-November 2023. Additional Salmonella infections are under investigation and more illnesses associated with this outbreak may be confirmed.

Investigations reveal that the consumption of Malichita brand cantaloupe is the likely culprit behind the outbreak. This fact derived from the reports of some affected individuals who admitted to having eaten the cantaloupe before getting sick. Multiple warnings for food recalls were issued, particularly for Malichita brand cantaloupes sold from October 11 to November 14, 2023. The warnings extended to include other fruits processed in proximity to the Malichita brand cantaloupe, such as honeydew, pineapple, watermelon, and various fruit trays.

The U.S. CDC is also investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Sundsvall illnesses linked to cantaloupes that is the same genetic strain as illnesses reported in this outbreak.

Do not consume, serve, use, sell, or distribute Malichita brand cantaloupe, any products made with Malichita brand cantaloupe, or any recalled produce. If you are unable to verify the brand of cantaloupe, or if your produce is part of the CFIA recalls, it is advisable to not consume it.

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.

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The Evanston Health and Human Services Department (EHHS) alongside Northwestern University, is investigating a norovirus outbreak connected to the popular taco outlet, Big Wig Tacos located at 950 Church St, Evanston, IL. To date, several cases of severe gastrointestinal symptoms following consumption from the establishment have been... See More reported.

Further investigation revealed that the outbreak was associated with a specific event, "$1 Burrito for Northwestern Students", hosted at Big Wig Tacos & Burritos on Church St, Evanston on November 18, 2023, between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. Affected individuals reported stomach discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea within 12 to 48 hours after consumption from the taco joint. In the light of these reports, EHHS, on Nov. 19, conducted an inspection of the establishment where they confirmed the existence of an employee health policy and cleaning procedures.

Upon discovery of the outbreak, the EHHS started a comprehensive probe jointly with Northwestern University. As part of the investigation, an online questionnaire has been circulated to collect additional data regarding this incident. All patrons, regardless of whether they experienced any symptoms, who attended the discount event are encouraged to fill out this form.

Norovirus, commonly confused with the 'stomach flu' or influenza, is a highly contagious virus that leads to severe gastroenteritis, with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain, appearing within 12 to 48 hours of exposure. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person, contaminated food, water, and surfaces. To prevent further spread of this outbreak and protect yourself from norovirus, frequent handwashing with soap and water is recommended. Similarly, afflicted individuals should abstain from preparing food for others or working in a daycare center, healthcare facility, or food service establishment.

In case you experience Norovirus symptoms, report it now. 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 FDA is advising consumers not to eat, and restaurants and food retailers not to sell, and to dispose of oysters illegally harvested from Milford Approved area in Connecticut on 11/12/2023 and 11/15/2023 by original certified dealer Seaview Fisheries, CT-084-SS, AQ because they may be contaminated. The... See More oysters were directly distributed to a distributor in RI. Oysters were distributed further to a distributor and retailers in DE, FL, IL, MD, NJ, NY, PA, and TX and may have been distributed further from these states.

The affected products are Oysters illegally harvested from Milford Approved area in Connecticut on 11/12/2023 and 11/15/2023 and can be identified by the dealer tag with the original shipper, Seaview Fisheries LLC, CT-084-SS, AQ, and harvest location lots L466B and 466A.

Illegally harvested oysters may be contaminated with harmful pathogens, toxic elements, or poisonous substances that can cause illness if consumed. While oysters can absorb and accumulate contaminants from their surrounding waters, these harmful substances are undetectable to the average consumer via taste, smell, or appearance. Especially at risk are individuals with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms of food poisoning from consuming contaminated oysters include diarrhea, stomach pain or cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Onset times and durations can vary greatly.

On November 17, 2023, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture was made aware of the illegally harvested and potentially contaminated oysters and promptly informed the FDA. The FDA is now actively monitoring the situation and providing aid to the necessary state authorities.

Consumers are urged not to consume the affected oysters. Restaurants and retailers are being advised not to serve or sell the identified oysters and to prioritize proper disposal. Restoration and prevention efforts should include thorough cleansing and sanitation of all food processing equipment, surfaces, and environments.

In case you experience vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, report it now. 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 FDA is currently investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Newport. As of November 22, 2023, a total of 40 people infected with Salmonella Newport have been reported. No specific product has been linked to this investigation as of today. FDA has initiated a traceback investigation. This investigation... See More is ongoing.

Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis, and arthritis.

In case you are experiencing Salmonella symptoms, 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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CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to HMC Farms peaches, nectarines, and plums. As of November 17, 11 people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria have been reported from 7... See More states (CA, CO, FL, IL, KS, MI, and OH). All of them have been hospitalized, one person got sick during their pregnancy and had a preterm labor, and 1 death has been reported from California. Sick people’s samples were collected from August 22, 2018, to August 16.

On October 23, the FDA collected a sample of HMC Farms peaches for testing and found Listeria in it. On November 6, WGS showed that the Listeria in the peaches are closely related to bacteria from sick people. This means that people likely got sick from eating these peaches.

On November 17, HMC Farms recalled whole peaches, plums, and nectarines sold in stores nationwide between May 1 and November 15 in 2022 and 2023. These products were sold in 2lb bags branded “HMC Farms” or ”Signature Farms”. Also sold as individual fruit with a sticker that has “USA-E-U” and a number Yellow peach: 4044 or 4038, White peach: 4401, Yellow nectarine: 4036 or 4378, White nectarine: 3035, Red plum: 4042 and Black plum: 4040. Conventional fruit (not organic).

CDC is advising people not to eat, sell, or serve recalled fruit.

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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Bloomington Public Schools confirmed an outbreak of a stomach illness at Normandale Hills Elementary School. This led to a shift to e-learning for the remainder of the last week after dozens of students fell sick.

The scale of the problem became apparent when a high number of... See More students started falling ill at school, leading to the understanding that an outbreak was occurring. The situation was unprecedented, according to Hannah Hatch, director of health services at Bloomington Public Schools, who commented, "I’ve never experienced it this severe.” Nearly 25% of students were absent last Wednesday, and at least 15% among them were due to the same illness. The outbreak significantly disrupted the school's daily operations, and hence officials decided to shift to e-learning for the rest of the week.

The Minnesota Department of Health reported having investigated ten suspected norovirus outbreaks from October to the present in various schools, indicating a rise compared to the previous year.

The Bloomington Public School authorities assured that the school premises would be thoroughly sanitized and disinfected. They also reminded the importance of frequent hand-washing and monitoring any symptoms in preventing the spread of such illnesses.

In case you experience vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea, report it now. 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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Update November 30, 2023

CDC has added a second strain of Salmonella (Oranienburg) to this outbreak investigation after the Canadian Food Inspection Agency found this strain in a sample of Malichita brand cantaloupes. 2 people in the United States are infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella... See More Oranienburg. As of November 28, 117 people infected with one of the outbreak strains of Salmonella have been reported from 34 states (AK, AR, CA KS, MA, MD, MI, MS, PA, RI, WA, IN, NC, NV, NY, OK, OR, VA, CO, GA, NJ, SC, UT, NE, TN, IA, KY, TX, IL, AZ, OH, MO, WI and MN) , 61 have been hospitalized, and 2 deaths have been reported from Minnesota. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 17, 2023, to November 14, 2023.

3 new recalls linked to this outbreak have been issued:
- On November 27, 2023, Kwik Trip recalled pre-cut cantaloupe and fruit mixes.
- On November 28, Bix Produce recalled pre-cut fruit cups.
- On November 29, GHGA recalled pre-cut cantaloupe products sold at Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, and Trader Joe’s.

The CDC suggests that you steer clear of eating fruits that have been recalled and avoid consuming pre-cut cantaloupes if you're uncertain about whether they contain Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes. Furthermore, facilities like long-term care centers, childcare facilities, hospitals, and other places caring for individuals at a higher risk of severe Salmonella illness should not serve recalled fruits and should refrain from offering pre-cut cantaloupe unless they are certain it doesn't include Malichita or Rudy brand cantaloupes.

Source: CDC

Update November 24, 2023

Since the last update on November 17, 2023, 56 more illnesses have been reported. As of November 24, 99 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 32 states (AR, CA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, NY, OK, OR, PA, RI, UT, VA, WA, CO, IN, NC, NV GA, SC, TX, IL, NE, TN, IA, KY, AZ, OH, WI, MO, and MN) 45 have been hospitalized, and 2 deaths have been reported from Minnesota. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 17, 2023, to November 10, 2023.

On November 22, 2023, more recalls for whole and pre-cut cantaloupes were issued. Trufresh expanded their recall again to include all Malichita brand and Rudy brand whole cantaloupes. Crown Jewels recalled Malitchita brand whole cantaloupes. CF Dallas recalled pre-cut fruit products containing recalled cantaloupes.

The investigation is ongoing.

Source: CDC

November 17, 2023

The CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the FDA are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Sundsvall infections linked to cantaloupes. As of November 17, 43 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 15 states (AZ, CA GA, IL, KY, MD, MN, MO, NE, OH, OK, TX, VA, WA and WI). Seventeen have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from October 17, 2023, to November 6, 2023.

The products linked to this outbreak are:
- Whole cantaloupes: Might have a sticker that says “Malichita”, “4050”, and “Product of Mexico/produit du Mexique”. Sold in many states between October 16 and October 23, 2023
- Vinyard brand pre-cut cantaloupes. Includes cantaloupe cubes, melon medleys, and fruit medleys. Sold in Oklahoma stores between October 30 and November 10, 2023. Most have a yellow label with “Vinyard,” and some have a red label with “Fresh”.
- ALDI whole cantaloupe and pre-cut fruit products. Includes whole cantaloupes, cantaloupe chunks in clamshell packaging, and pineapple spears in clamshell packaging. Best-by dates between October 27 and October 31, 2023. Sold in ALDI stores in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

On November 1, 2023, Malichita brand cantaloupes were recalled in Canada. Canada is also investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupes. The strain causing the outbreak in Canada is the same as the US outbreak strain.
On November 8, Trufresh recalled Malichita brand whole cantaloupes that were sold to US businesses between October 16 and October 23. On November 15, Trufresh expanded their recall to include additional whole cantaloupes.
Additional products containing Malichita brand cantaloupes were also recalled. On November 14, Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company recalled pre-cut fruit products and ALDI recalled its whole cantaloupe, cantaloupe chunks, and pineapple spears.

CDC is advising people not to eat, sell, or serve recalled fruit.

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.

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The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), in collaboration with regional health authorities, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to Malichita brand cantaloupes. To date, there have been 8 confirmed cases of a rare strain... See More of Salmonella in British Columbia since mid-November. These cases are primarily located within the Vancouver Coastal Health, Fraser Health, and Island Health regions.

The investigation revealed a correlation between the cases and recalled cantaloupes in Canada and the United States. Initially detected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on November 1, the recall was updated on November 14 to include British Columbia. Consumers who acquired these cantaloupes between October 11 and November 14, 2023, are warned to discard them. The culprit bacterium, Salmonella soahanina or Salmonella sundsvall, was discovered in the recalled cantaloupes through genetic sequencing.

To prevent further spread, the BCCDC advised to dispose of any Malichita cantaloupes or cantaloupes with no identifiable origin. Contaminated foods may not show noticeable spoilage but can still cause illness. Therefore, proper hygiene practices, like washing hands and cooking surfaces, are crucial. Individuals feeling unwell, particularly those with diarrhea or vomiting symptoms, are asked to avoid preparing food.

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.

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