According to WTSP, the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County is reporting an increase in cryptosporidium cases since July 1, 2014. Public health officials say that 157 cases have been reported by DOH-Hillsborough in the last two months. Last year, there were only 11 cases during the same time period. Many of those sickened spent time at day care or schools during the incubation period. Most of those sickened are under the age of 15. Cryptosporidium is a parasite that is passed through infected feces. It is spread after improper hand washing after using the bathroom or changing diapers. It spreads easily in chlorinated swimming pools and through hand-to-mouth contact. Because of this alarming increase in the case count, officials are asking the public to help prevent … [Read more...]
Smoked Salmon Listeria Recall in Southeastern Florida
Several brands of smoked salmon products produced by MKG Provisions of Miami are being recalled for possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The recalled products were distributed from January 23 to February 1 at locations listed below. The problem was discovered by the Florida Department of Agriculture. In lab tests, finished product tested positive for Listeria. Over the last few months, there have been a string of smoked salmon recalls. Consumers who have purchased smoked salmon recently should carefully check recall information. At this time, illnesses have not been linked to this recall but Listeria can casue serious, sometimes life-threatening illness. Symptoms of a Listeria infection, called listeriosis, can take as long as 70 days after exposure to develop. They … [Read more...]
Disney World Illnesses Are A Mystery, Officials Say
Dozens of people became ill after visiting Disney World's Animal Kingdom Wild Africa Trek in early June, but so far, health officials have been unable to find out why, according to information from the Orange County Health Department (OCHD). The Animal Kingdom Wild Africa Trek is the only part of the park associated with the illnesses, other park venues are not part to the investigation. Most of the illnesses occurred over a two-day period during the first week of June. Symptoms included diarrhea, abdominal pain and fatigue. The length of illness ranged from two to five days. None of those who became ill required hospitalization. The investigation into the illness cluster is ongoing and OCHD officials are still trying to determine a cause or source of the outbreak. Two restaurants that … [Read more...]
