Undercooked

The OSDH is working with Custer and Caddo County Health Departments and other local partners to investigate the cause of an increased number of cases of Campylobacter and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli. The outbreak of the Campylobacter and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli was identified Oct. 25, 2022... See More in the Hydro and Weatherford area. Since the onset of the outbreak, OSDH and the local county health departments have worked with other partners to conduct tests and individual surveys of those who have presented with the illness.

To find the source of the outbreak they will apply a secure, electronic survey of all Custer County, Hydro, Hinton and Lookeba residents. The surveys will be shared with residents through the local Emergency Alert System. These surveys are seeking to find additional illnesses that may not have presented to a healthcare provider, as well as the differences in recent activities between those who have been sick and those that have not. The information collected is secure and will only be used for the purpose of determining a cause of illness.

Person-to-person spread is rare with these illnesses, rather it is more common to contract these illnesses through consumption of undercooked meat, contaminated raw milk or water and the handling of raw poultry or pork without washing hands or surfaces properly.

In case you are experiencing E. coli symptoms such as watery diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting; stomach cramps; and mild fever or Campylobacter symptoms such as diarrhea (often bloody), fever, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, 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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Seattle & King County Public Health announced that they are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 (also known as STEC) in the County. Between October 4 – 16, 2022, 3 people from 3 separate households reported developing one or more symptoms consistent with STEC. Cases had... See More illness onset dates from September 21 – October 12, 2022. To date, no source has been identified. The investigation is ongoing.

2 of the 3 ill people report eating dishes that were prepared with raw or undercooked beef but Public Health cannot rule out other possible sources at this time. Confirmed cases have been linked through genetic fingerprinting results (whole genome sequencing) which indicate that they have the same genetic strain, meaning they likely have a common source of infection.

Public Health is working with the (USDA and Washington State Department of Health to complete further testing, to identify related cases in other counties, and to begin traceback of products in common. Traceback is used to identify points of contamination in the food supply chain.

In case you are experiencing E. coli symptoms such as watery diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting; stomach cramps; and mild 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: kingcounty.gov See Less

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The CDC has issued a traveler alert due to a Strain of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Newport in Mexico. They report some travelers who have spent time in Mexico have been infected with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella Newport. Many travelers with MDR Salmonella Newport infections reported eating beef, cheese (including... See More queso fresco and Oaxaca), beef jerky, or dried beef (carne seca) before they got sick. This MDR Salmonella has developed the ability to defeat drugs designed to kill them. Infections with MDR Salmonella can be difficult to treat.

CDC advises people who plan to travel to Mexico to follow these recommendations to prevent Salmonella infection:
- Follow safe eating, drinking, cooking, and food handling habits to help reduce your chance of getting sick while traveling.
- Be aware that beef jerky and other dried beef products can cause illness if not prepared safely. If you don’t know whether beef jerky was prepared safely, consider not eating it.
- Handle and cook beef safely when preparing it at home.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before eating, before and after touching food, and after using the toilet.

DO NOT:
- Eat beef that may be raw or undercooked.
- Eat soft cheese that might be made from raw or unpasteurized milk.
- Eat food prepared by someone who is sick or has recently been sick.
- Prepare food for others while you are sick.

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 Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is collaborating with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and Health Canada to investigate an outbreak of norovirus and gastrointestinal illnesses linked to Live Spot Prawn involving four provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario.

As... See More of June 1, 2022, there have been 48 cases of norovirus and gastrointestinal illness reported in the following provinces: British Columbia (11), Alberta (12), Manitoba (19), and Ontario (6). No deaths have been reported. Individuals became sick between mid-May and late-May 2022. Although not all cases of illness have been tested, laboratory testing has confirmed the presence of norovirus infection. The investigation is ongoing.

On May 31, 2022, the CFIA issued a food recall warning for several lot codes of live spot prawns that are associated with the illnesses under investigation. The recalled products have been sold in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario, and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories.

Spot prawns contaminated with noroviruses may look, smell and taste normal. PHAC advises the following safe food-handling practices will reduce your risk of getting sick:

- Do not eat, use, sell, or serve the recalled spot prawns. Check to see if you have the recalled spot prawns at home. If you do, throw them out and wash your hands.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked spot prawns.
- Eat spot prawns right away after cooking and refrigerate leftovers.
- Always keep raw and cooked spot prawns separate to avoid cross-contamination.
- Do not use the same plate or utensils for raw and cooked spot prawns.
- Wash your hands well with soap before and after handling any food.
- Be sure to clean and sanitize cutting boards, counters, knives and other utensils after preparing raw foods.

Noroviruses can be transmitted by ill individuals. Cleaning and disinfecting practices are the key to preventing further illnesses in your home.

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 California Department of Public Health (CDPH) warned consumers not to eat raw oysters from British Columbia, Canada because they may be linked to an outbreak of norovirus illnesses in California.

According to CDPH, at least 34 persons have become ill following the consumption of oysters at... See More nine restaurants located throughout the state. Illness has been reported from March 11 through 19, 2022.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus and can be spread easily from person-to-person, through contaminated surfaces, and by eating contaminated food, including raw or undercooked oysters.

In case you are experiencing Norovirus 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.

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The Public Health Agency of Canada is investigatin an outbreak of norovirus and gastrointestinal illnesses linked to consumption of raw oysters from B.C. and involving four provinces: B.C. (262), Alberta (1), Saskatchewan (1), and Ontario (15).

As of March 30, 2022, there have been 279 cases of... See More norovirus and gastrointestinal illness linked to consumption of B.C. oysters reported. Individuals became sick between mid-January and late March 2022, and no deaths have been reported. Although not all cases of illness have been tested, testing of several cases has confirmed the presence of a norovirus infection.

Raw oysters contaminated with noroviruses may look, smell and taste normal. The following safe food-handling practices will reduce your risk of getting sick:

- Do not eat, use, sell, or serve any recalled oysters.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked oysters. Cook oysters to an internal temperature of 90° Celsius (194° Fahrenheit) for a minimum of 90 seconds before eating.
- Discard any oysters that did not open while cooking.
- Eat oysters right away after cooking and refrigerate leftovers.
- Always keep raw and cooked oysters separate to avoid cross-contamination.
- Do not use the same plate or utensils for raw and cooked shellfish, and wash counters and utensils with soap and warm water after preparation.
- Wash your hands well with soap before and after handling any food. Be sure to clean and sanitize cutting boards, counters, knives and other utensils after preparing raw foods.

Noroviruses can be transmitted by ill individuals and are able to survive relatively high levels of chlorine and varying temperatures. Cleaning and disinfecting practices are the key to preventing further illnesses in your home.

In case you are experiencing Norovirus symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting and nausea, 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.

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Seattle & King County Public Health announced that they have received multiple reports of people getting sick with norovirus-like illness (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) after eating raw oysters in restaurants. In just March alone, they have received reports of 13 people whose illnesses they believe are linked... See More to eating raw oysters. An additional 14 people became sick after being in close contact with the ill people who ate oysters. Most of the additional illnesses are among family members.

Eating raw oysters can make you sick because they can be contaminated with norovirus and other germs. While norovirus is not typically a serious illness for healthy people, it can be very unpleasant. In addition, it’s highly contagious, meaning someone who has been infected with norovirus after eating raw oysters can easily pass the virus to their family and friends.

Some oysters linked to the illnesses reported in King County now appear to have come from a batch of oysters harvested in British Columbia, which have since been recalled due to norovirus contamination. The origin of other oysters linked to recent norovirus cases in King County is unknown at this time. Regardless of where an oyster was harvested it poses a high risk of carrying norovirus.

Public Health advises the following to reduce the risk of norovirus:
- Wash hands, cutting boards, and counters used for shellfish preparation immediately after use to avoid cross contaminating other foods. And, as general advice to prevent the spread of norovirus, wash hands thoroughly with soap after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and before preparing any food or eating.
- If you’ve been sick with norovirus, wait at least 48 hours after the last episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea before preparing any food for others.
- Oysters have long been recognized as a source of norovirus. Raw or undercooked oysters are a particular problem. Protect yourself and reduce your risk by choosing fully cooked oysters that have been thoroughly fried, baked, or made into a stew that has reached 145°F. Use a thermometer to check.
- Avoid eating raw oysters like oyster shooters and oysters on the half shell. Adding hot sauce or lemon to oysters does not kill 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 are experiencing Norovirus 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.

Source: publichealthinsider.com See Less

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Update July 21, 2021

DOH stated that there have been 52 cases reported on July, 26 from commercial oysters on an interview by King5 news.

Source: Washington Department of Health and King5 news king5.com

July 16, 2021

Washington Department of Health (DOH) informed that an outbreak of... See More vibriosis in Washington has already surpassed the highest number of cases ever recorded by the state for the month of July. Recent high temperatures and low tides in Washington State are likely to blame for the increased rate of illness, which is associated with eating raw or undercooked shellfish, especially oysters that are contaminated with Vibrio.

DOH advises the following to prevent illness from Vibrio:

- Cook at 145° F for 15 seconds to destroy Vibrio bacteria.
- Check the DOH Shellfish Safety Map before heading to the beach to harvest shellfish recreationally. Shellfish gathered from open and approved areas should be harvested as the tide goes out.
- Chill quickly. Bring a cooler with ice with you when harvesting shellfish recreationally or purchasing for a store or seafood stand (or have them packed on ice). Oysters should be put on ice or refrigerated as soon as possible.
- When preparing shellfish, people should wash hands frequently and not return cooked shellfish to the plate or cutting board where raw shellfish was prepared.

In case you are experiencing vibrio symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, and chills, 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 details check: doh.wa.gov

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UPDATE August 11, 2021

As of August 11, 2021, a total of 28 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis have been reported from 8 states (AZ, CT, IL, IN, MI, MN, NV and NY). 11 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported. Recall... See More for frozen, raw, breaded and pre-browned stuffed chicken products by Serenade Foods linked to this outbreak was issued by FSIS on August 9, 2021. The investigation is ongoing.

June 2, 2021

The CDC and the USDA-FSIS are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteriditis infections linked to raw frozen breaded stuffed chicken products. As of June 2, 2021, a total of 17 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis have been reported from 6 states (AZ, IL, IN, MI, MN, and NY), 8 people were hospitalized and no deaths were reported.

According to the FSIS, the products may be labeled "chicken cordon bleu", chicken with “broccoli and cheese”, or "chicken Kiev", and while they may appear to be ready-to-eat they are in fact raw and need to be fully cooked before consumption. They issued a public health alert to remind consumers about the proper handling and cooking of raw poultry products.

Both CDC and FSIS, advise consumers to read carefully the labels on raw frozen breaded stuffed chicken products., always cook poultry products to an internal temperature of 165°F, and never eat raw or undercooked poultry.

In case you are experiencing salmonella symptoms like diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, 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.

To read more about the CDC Outbreak investigation check: cdc.gov

Check the full FSIS Public Health alert notice here: fsis.usda.gov

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