IMPORTANT - YOUR REPORT IS QUEUED - IT MAY TAKE UP TO 12 HOURS FOR YOUR REPORT TO SHOW ON OUR HOME PAGE (IF NOT OPTED AS PRIVATE)
Visit our learn pages for more helpful information or, email us: support@iwaspoisoned.com
Outbreaks
CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the FDA are investigating a Salmonella Infantis outbreak linked to flour. As of March 30, 2023, 12 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been reported from 11 states ( CA, IA, IL, MN, MO,... See More NE, NY, OH, OR, TN, and VA). 3 have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.
Most people reported eating raw dough or batter made with flour before they got sick. Flour was the only common ingredient in the raw dough or batter people reported eating. Investigators are working to identify a specific brand of flour linked to illnesses.
Flour doesn’t look like a raw food, but most flour is raw. This means that it hasn’t been treated to kill germs that cause food poisoning. Any raw (unbaked) flour used to make dough or batter can be contaminated with germs like Salmonella, but Salmonella germs are killed when flour is cooked or baked. You can get sick after eating or tasting raw dough or batter. Children can get sick from handling or eating raw dough used for crafts or play clay.
CDC advises taking these precautions:
- Do not eat raw dough or batter – even a small amount can make you or your child sick. Bake or cook food made with raw flour, like cookie dough or cake batter, before eating it
- Buy heat-treated flour to use in recipes for homemade playdough.
- Wash any bowls, utensils, and surfaces that touched raw flour with warm water and soap.
- Wash your hands with warm water and soap before and after using raw flour.
- Keep raw flour, dough, and batter separate from foods that won’t be cooked.
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: cdc.gov See Less
A health alert has been issued in Suffolk County after nearly 100 students called out sick from Babylon High School due to a suspected outbreak of norovirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been an increase in the number of cases reported... See More this year.
Public health officials are currently investigating what caused the outbreak, which first began on Friday, March 17th. That day, more than 80 students reported feeling ill with gastrointestinal symptoms, prompting the school to issue a health alert.
Inspectors from the county health department visited the school's cafeteria, but did not find any indication that the virus had originated there. Symptoms of norovirus typically begin 12 to 24 hours after exposure, and an individual can remain contagious for up to a week.
The Suffolk County health commissioner noted that it is common to see an increase in norovirus cases during this time of year. However, the CDC did report a higher number of cases last month compared to recent years.
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 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.
Source: cbsnews.com See Less
The FSA and UKHSA are investigating a Listeria outbreak likely linked to Baronet soft cheeses. Whole Genome Sequencing surveillance of listeriosis samples by UKHSA has identified 3 cases potentially linked to an outbreak, unfortunately, one person has died. The outbreak strain has also been found in some... See More food products and samples taken from food environments, however, there is no confirmation that Baronet is the cause of this outbreak.
The FSA and UKHSA are warning the public not to eat Baronet semi-soft cheeses which have been recalled because they are contaminated with listeria, in some cheeses at exceptionally high levels. They continue to work closely together and with local authorities in response to this outbreak and further recalls may be undertaken if any more products are found to be affected.
The cheeses are sometimes served sliced from a deli counter, so it may not always be clear whether you have purchased an affected product. If in doubt, consumers are advised to contact the retailer they bought their cheese from to find out if the Baronet cheese they have purchased is from the businesses and batches affected and in the meantime to not eat the product.
Businesses are also being advised that they must check whether they have been impacted by the product withdrawal and recalls undertaken by the businesses and ensure they observe this and take action where necessary. If suppliers have sold to retailers, it is vital that each retailer carries out a product recall and informs their local authority.
It is important that businesses follow the product withdrawal and recalls undertaken, and if they have received the product, ensure good hygiene practices to prevent the risk of cross-contamination – it is possible that other cheese, if handled using the same equipment or on common surfaces, may have also been contaminated and therefore affected.
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.
Source: food.gov.uk See Less
Frozen Strawberries imported from Baja California, Mexico linked to Hepatitis A outbreak
2 weeks ago
The FDA and CDC, along with state and local partners, are investigating a Hepatitis A outbreak linked to frozen organic strawberries imported by a common supplier from certain farms located in Baja California, Mexico. The frozen organic strawberries were sold to a variety of retailers under multiple... See More brand labels nationwide in the USA. As of March 17, 2023, a total of 5 people infected with Hepatitis A virus have been reported in Washington state (including 2 probable cases). 2 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Last Illness Onset: December 27, 2022.
There have been announced recalls of several Strawberries:
- California Splendor recalled Kirkland Signature 4-lb. bag Frozen Organic Whole Strawberries with specific lot codes, sold by Costco stores in Los Angeles and Hawaii, and to two San Diego business centers.
- Scenic Fruit Recalled frozen organic strawberries with the following brand names and Best By Dates distributed by Costco, Aldi, KeHE, Vital Choice Seafood, and PCC Community Markets in specific states, and to Trader Joe’s nationwide.
* Simply Nature, Organic Strawberries, Best By 06/14/2024
* Vital Choice, Organic Strawberries, BEST BY 05/20/2024
* Kirkland Signature, Organic Strawberries, Best If Used By 10/08/2024
* Made With, Organic Strawberries, Best Before 11/20/2024
* PCC Community Markets, Organic Strawberries, Best By 29/10/2024
* Trader Joe’s, Organic Tropical Fruit Blend with the following Best By dates: 04/25/24; 05/12/24; 05/23/24; 05/30/24; 06/07/24
The investigation is ongoing, additional products may be included.
FDA gives the following recommendations:
- Consumers, restaurants, and retailers should not sell, serve, or eat recalled frozen strawberries. These recalled products should be returned or thrown away.
- If consumers purchased the recalled frozen organic strawberries and ate those berries in the last two weeks, and have not been vaccinated against hepatitis A, they should immediately consult with their healthcare professional to determine whether post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is needed. PEP is recommended for unvaccinated people who have been exposed to hepatitis A virus in the last two weeks because vaccination can prevent a hepatitis A virus infection if given within 14 days of exposure. Those with evidence of previous hepatitis A vaccination or previous hepatitis A virus infection do not require PEP.
In case you experienced Hepatitis A symptoms such as fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, dark-colored urine, and jaundice (a yellowing of the skin), it is important to report it. It can help to detect & resolve issues and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance.
Source: fda.gov See Less
The Long Beach Health Department is investigating a norovirus outbreak at Carver Elementary School located at 5335 E Pavo St, Long Beach, CA. To date, 137 cases of norovirus have been reported by students or staff since February 22nd. The source of the outbreak is still unknown,... See More the investigation is ongoing.
Last week the school has implemented several measures in order to prevent the spread of the virus, such as canceling group events, closing down playground apparatuses, and conducting wellness checks.
On March 16, The Long Beach Health and Human Services Department directed the LBUSD administration to close all school and childcare operations at Carver from Friday, March 17 through Tuesday, March 21. School will reopen on Wednesday, March 22. Health officials have determined that this length of closure is the most effective way to stop the further spread of this common 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 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.
Sources:
lbpost.com
lbusd-ca.schoolloop.com See Less
The Andalucian Ministry of Health is investigating a Salmonella outbreak in Gerena (Seville) linked to poorly stored meat purchased from a food product sales establishment. On February 20, 2022, the Gerena Health Center informed 6 people fell ill with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea after consuming the contaminated... See More meat, none required hospitalization.
Health authorities have carried out epidemiological surveys to diagnose those affected. They have also inspected the establishment and sampled food remains. Both the biological samples of the diagnosed cases and the food samples have obtained positive results for salmonella. The investigation is ongoing.
The contaminated meat was likely poorly stored and is a reminder to always follow food safety guidelines. The Andalucian Ministry of Health urges the public to be aware of the risks when consuming food products and to ensure they are properly stored.
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 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: inspain.news See Less
The CDC is investigating a gastrointestinal illness outbreak linked to the Ruby Princess cruise ship with Voyage Dates: February 26–March 5, 2023 and Voyage Number: RU305P. 284 passengers have reported being ill during the voyage out of a total of 2881 (9.9%) passengers onboard. Of the 1159... See More crew members, 34 have reported being ill during the voyage, that is 2.9% of all crew. The predominant symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. The causative agent is unknown at this time.
In response to the outbreak, Princess Cruises and the crew aboard the ship reported the following actions:
- Increased cleaning and disinfection procedures according to the ship’s outbreak prevention and response plan.
- Collected stool specimens from gastrointestinal illness cases to send to the CDC lab for pathogenic identification.
- Distributed notifications and made ship announcements to embarking guests informing them of increased number of illness cases onboard the previous voyage.
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.
Source: cdc.gov See Less
Update March 23, 2023
As of March 22, 50 people infected with Salmonella Hartford have been reported. FDA has initiated an onsite inspection and sample collection and analysis. The source is not yet identified. The investigation is ongoing.
Source: FDA
March 08, 2023
The FDA is currently... See More investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Hartford. As of March 08, 2023, a total of 31 people infected with Salmonella Hartford have been reported. No specific product has been linked to this investigation as of today. This investigation 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 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: fda.gov See Less
The Seattle & King County Public Health announced they are investigating an outbreak of norovirus-like illness linked to Taste ToGo Banh Mi restaurant located at 18230 E Valley Hwy #153, Kent, WA 98032. To date, 7 seven people from a single meal party have reported becoming ill... See More after eating food from the restaurant on February 26th, 2023. The food was eaten the following day, and all members of the party developed one or more symptoms consistent with norovirus-like illness. Also, Public Health has identified 1 ill employee who reported symptoms consistent with norovirus who worked on February 26 and 27, 2023. No hospitalizations or deaths have been reported in connection to the outbreak.
At this time, The restaurant was given a rating of "Needs to Improve" in its most recent inspection. In response to the outbreak, public health officials visited the restaurant on March 3rd and identified inadequate access to hand washing facilities. The restaurant was closed on the same day in order to complete a thorough cleaning and disinfection. Environmental health investigators will revisit the facility on Monday, March 6th to ensure proper compliance with food handling practices. The restaurant will only be allowed to reopen after reinspection and approval by environmental health.
In addition to cleaning and disinfecting, investigators also reviewed with restaurant management the requirement that ill staff are not allowed to work until they are symptom-free for at least 48 hours, and provided education about preventing the spread of norovirus, including proper handwashing and preventing bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods.
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 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.
Source: kingcounty.gov See Less
The FDA is currently investigating a Hepatitis A outbreak. As of March 01, 2023, a total of 9 people infected with the Hepatitis A virus have been reported. No specific product has been linked to this investigation as of today. This investigation is ongoing.
If you are... See More experiencing Hepatitis A symptoms like fever, jaundice, nausea, clay-colored stool, dark urine, malaise, abdominal discomfort, or vomiting, it is important to report it. It can help to detect and resolve outbreaks early and prevent others from being harmed, and it enables better surveillance. If symptoms persist, seek medical care.
Source: fda.gov See Less