A rather strange E. coli outbreak has sickened 30 people who visited Lake Minnetonka in Minnesota over the Fourth of July weekend. According to news reports, people have contacted the Hennepin County Public Health after they were on the lake, especially in the Big Island area. Those 30 cases have been confirmed by the department. Public Health Epidemiology Manager Dave Johnson told MPR, "I would say that the symptoms are consistent with a water or food exposure and so we've been interviewing the ill persons to evaluate all potential exposures. So we're asking them about, were they in the water, were they swimming, did they potentially accidentally ingest some water. Public health officials do not know exactly how many cases of illness are connected to exposure to Lake Minnetonka. … [Read more...]
Minnesota DOH Evaluating Microbes in Public Water Supply Wells
There is evidence of viruses, bacteria, and protozoan parasites in water from some of Minnesota's public water supply wells, according to a news release issued by the Minnesota Department of Health. Officials don't see any pattern of illness associated with this problem, but there is a need for more study. Health officials want to discover how and when the pathogens enter the wells and if there is a health risk for people who drink that water. This project was funded through the state's Clean Water Fund. Minnesota Commissioner of Health Jan Malcolm says "Safe drinking water is essential for Minnesota’s health and prosperity, and we are fortunate to have a strong team of local and state partners working to catch potential threats early. More work is needed to determine how best to … [Read more...]
Campylobacter Outbreak in 2017 Associated with Well Water Supply in Nebraska
The February 22, 2019 issue of the CDC's Morbidity and Morftality Weekly Report had a study about a Campylobacter outbreak in 2017 that was associated with the municipal water supply in Nebraska. At least 39 people were sickened after they drank untreated city water. The city was not named, just called "City A." Apparently, a center pivot irrigation system, that was supposed to pump livestock waste into farmland malfunctioned. Runoff collected in a road ditch near two wells that fed the water supply. There were 33 probable and 6 confirmed cases in this outbreak. Untreated unboiled city A tap water was the only exposure that was significantly associated with illness. The city is served by four untreated wells and an interconnected distribution system. After the wells were … [Read more...]
Kingston Pharma Recalls All Lots of DG Baby Gripe Water
Kingston Pharma, LLC is recalling all lots of "DG Baby Gripe Water" herbal supplement with organic ginger and fennel extracts because of an undissolved ingredient, citrus flavonoid. While this does not make the product hazardous in and of itself, but some people who are sensitive could have difficulty swallowing the water. The company has received one report of a one-week old infant having difficulty when swallowing the product. In addition, three complaints have been registered with the company because of the undissolved citrus flavonoid. The product claims to release discomfort from gas, colic, hiccups, and teething. This DG Baby Gripe Water herbal supplement with organic ginger and fennel extracts is administered orally to infants and adults. The recalled product is packaged in 4 … [Read more...]
Gastrointestinal Outbreak at Climb Works in Gatlinburg, Tennessee May Have Sickened Hundreds
A gastrointestinal outbreak at Climb Works in Gatlinburg, Tennessee may have sickened many people, East Tennessee Region Health Department Assistant Director Gail Harmon told Food Poisoning Bulletin. Most of those sickened visited the zipline canopy tour facility between mid-June and early July. Public health officials sent out 2,901 online surveys to the company's online ticket sales list, Harmon said. As of July 11, 2018, they had received 808 responses, with 548 stating they had become ill with the symptoms of gastrointestinal illness after visiting the venue. The survey found that the common denominator among all of those ill persons was the drinking water provided by Climb Works. Testing of that water, which came from a well, was conducted at the Knoxville State Laboratory. … [Read more...]
CDC Offers Advice for Those in the Path of Hurricane Irma
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is offering advice for anyone who is in the path of Hurricane Irma. This is a very dangerous storm. Everyone should have a safety plan in case any natural or manmade disaster strikes anywhere. Food safety can be compromised in the case of natural disasters. Flood waters can contain pathogenic bacteria, chemicals, and even heavy metals. And the loss of power can render perishable foods unsafe. Before the hurricane, stock up on emergency supplies. Write down emergency phone numbers. And make sure that every member of your family understands the plan. If you are going to stay, make sure you have enough clean water. Every family member should have five gallons of clean water every day. You can fill clean containers with drinking … [Read more...]
Tons of Meat and Poultry Products Recalled for Water Contamination
Correctional industries Airway Heights Food Operations of Washington is recalling about 319,000 pounds of frozen meat and poultry products because the water used in their manufacturer is contaminated. The products were made using water that contained chemical levels above what is considered safe to drink. You can see the long list of recalled products, along with package sizes and manufacture date at the USDA site. Some of the recalled products include Lasagna with Green Beans, Orange Sauce with Chicken, rice, and Vegetables, Salisbury steak with Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, and Vegetables, Halal Beef Gravy with Rice Blend and Vegetables, and Halal Meat Sauce with Spaghetti and Corn, among others. The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 40238” or “EST. P-40238” inside … [Read more...]
Shigella Outbreak in Flint, Michigan Adds to City’s Woes
A Shigella outbreak in Flint, Michigan in Genesee County is compounding the trouble in that city that began when an administrator appointed by Governor Rick Snyder switched the city's water supply from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to the Flint River to save money. Government officials did not treat the water with anti-corrosive compounds. Residents began complaining almost immediately about foul-smelling, discolored water. The water was so corrosive it leached lead from old pipes in the city's water system and homes. Many of the city's children have now suffered lead poisoning, with possibly permanent health consequences. A Legionnaires' Disease outbreak, which sickened 87 people and killed 10 people, may have also been connected to the water switch, although no … [Read more...]
Avoid Blue-Green Algae in Lakes and Ponds
The Minnesota Department of Health is warning people to avoid blue-green algae in lakes, streams, and ponds. This algae can cause illness to humans and has killed many dogs. Blue-green algal blooms were reported in lakes across the state last summer. Two people got sick, and many dogs died after exposure to the algae. These blooms usually start in June, but spring has been warm this year, so the growth may have already begun. Blue-green algae usually has an unpleasant smell and most people avoid it. But people can become ill after they swim, boat, water ski, or bathe in water that has this toxic algae. Swallowing the algae, or having skin contact with the water can cause illness. In addition, breathing in tiny droplets of water in the air can make you sick. The symptoms of … [Read more...]
Sioux City Officials Released Sewage with E. Coli into Missouri River
Sioux City officials are facing penalties for releasing improperly treated sewage that contained E. coli bacteria into the Missouri River. The illegal discharges from the Sioux City Wastewater Treatment Plant took place between March 2012 and June 2015. The Iowa Sierra Club wants federal authorities to file criminal charges against the men responsible, because the Iowa DNR says that criminal charges are not warranted . The Iowa Department of Natural Resources wants the state's Attorney General Tom Miller to file civil suit against the city. Allegedly, twelve federal provisions, seven Iowa codes, and one Iowa code provision were violated. the DNR received a tip in April 2016 that the city was operating the disinfection system for wastewater in violation of the National Pollutant … [Read more...]
