There are now at least 64 children sick with lead poisoning in WanaBana outbreak, according to the FDA. All of these patients are under the age of six. They live in 27 states. The patient case count by state is: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), California (1), Connecticut (1), Florida (1), Georgia (2), Iowa (1), Illinois (3), Kentucky (3), Louisiana (4), Massachusetts (3), Maryland (6), Michigan (3), Missouri (1), North Carolina (5), Nebraska (2), New Hampshire (1), New Mexico (1), New York (8), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (1), South Carolina (2), Tennessee (1), Texas (3), Virginia (2), Washington (3), and Wisconsin (1). The report date ranges are from October 17, 2023 through December 1, 2023. There is a lag in the time frame from when children first start experiencing the symptoms of lead … [Read more...]
Lead Contaminated Cinnamon in WanaBana Fruit Puree Pouches
Lead contaminated cinnamon in WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches is the most likely cause of lead poisoning cases in children, according to the FDA. There are at least 57 children in 26 states who are likely sick with acute lead poisoning. That is an increase of five more cases since the last update that was issued on November 22, 2023. The case count by state is: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), California (1), Connecticut (1), Florida (1), Georgia (2) Iowa (1), Illinois (2), Kentucky (3), Louisiana (4), Massachusetts (3), Maryland (4), Michigan (3), Missouri (1), North Carolina (5), Nebraska (1), New Hampshire (1), New Mexico (1), New York (8), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (1), South Carolina (2), Tennessee (1), Texas (3) Virginia (1), and Washington (3). The children are less than … [Read more...]
May Be 22 Lead Poisoning Cases in WanaBana Applesauce Recall
There are may be 22 lead poisoning cases in the WanaBana applesauce recall issue, according to the FDA. This is an increase of 15 more cases since the last update last week. The FDA and state partners are collecting and analyzing more produce samples of fruit puree and applesauce pouches. So far, the FDA has found no problems with any non-recalled products. The case count by state is: Alabama (12), Arkansas (1), Louisiana (2), Maryland (1), Missouri (1), North Carolina (5), New Mexico (1), New York (2), Ohio (1), Pennsylvania (1), South Carolina (2), Tennessee (1), Texas (1), Washington (1), and unknown (1). The illness report date ranges are from October 17, 2023 to November 7, 2023. We do not know the patient age ranges, although the initial report from North Carolina indicated … [Read more...]
WanaBana Applesauce Acute Lead Poisoning in Children Sickens 7
The FDA states that WanaBana Applesauce acute lead poisoning has sickened at least seven children in five states. The product has excessively high lead levels. That number is an estimate, based on Consumer Complaint and CFSAN Adverse Event Reporting System reports received by the government. The FDA first issued an advisory about the WanaBana product in late October 2023. Two other brand names of applesauce pouches have been recalled: Weis and Schnucks. In response to this investigation, WanaBana has voluntarily recalled all WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree Pouches regardless of expiration date and lot code. These products were sold nationwide at the retail level. The investigation started when the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the North … [Read more...]
Cases of Hepatitis A Linked to Galatoire’s Restaurant in New Orleans
There are cases of hepatitis A linked to Galatoire's restaurant in New Orleans, according to news reports. There was a "potential incident" in "early to mid-August," according to a statement released by the restaurant to WWLTV. We do not know how many people are sick, the actual illness onset dates, or whether the source is contaminated food or ill employees. The restaurant passed inspection by the Louisiana Department of Health. All employees have since been vaccinated against the virus. Hepatitis A is a contagious virus that is passed through contaminated food and beverages, through contact with surfaces, and through person-to-person contact. Since it is now the end of September, it's too late for hepatitis A vaccinations for anyone who was at that facility in August. That … [Read more...]
Norovirus Outbreak in Lake Charles, Louisiana is Spreading
A norovirus outbreak in the Lake Charles, Louisiana are is spreading into two more parishes: Calcasieu and Vernon Parishes, according to a news release by the Louisiana Office of Public Health. Norovirus is a very contagious virus that spreads easily from person to person. The illness caused by norovirus is mistakenly called the "stomach flu," but norovirus infections are not flu. Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, headache, body aches, a mild fever, and feeling run down. Symptoms usually start a day or two after a person is infected with the virus, and the illness lasts only a few days. Most people recover completely from this infection, although some, especially the elderly and people with chronic illnesses and compromised … [Read more...]
Multistate Vibrio Outbreak Linked to Fresh Crab from Venezuela Sickens 12; Lawsuits Possible
A multistate vibrio outbreak linked to fresh crab imported from Venezuela has sickened at least 123 people in Maryland, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia. Four people have been hospitalized because they are so sick. Illness onset dates range from April 1, 2018 to July 3, 2018. Ill persons range in age from 26 to 69 years. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that precooked fresh crab meat imported from Venezuela is the likely source of this outbreak. Whole genome sequencing shows that isolates taken from patients are closely related genetically. The means that people who are sick in this outbreak are likely to share a common source of infection. More people associated with this outbreak include some who ate crab and who had a positive test for Vibrio, which may or … [Read more...]
Almost 160 are Sick with Salmonella and C. perfringens in Caldwell Parish, LA
The Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens food poisoning outbreak in Caldwell Parish, Louisiana, has sickened 158 people as of October 23, 2017. The fundraising event where the illnesses occurred was held on October 16, 2017. Forty people have been hospitalized in this outbreak, and almost all have been discharged. The age range of patients is from 10 years to 82, with the mean age of 37. One person's death may be associated with this outbreak. The Louisiana Department of Health is investigating that death and officials are working with the pathologist responsible for the autopsy. They have also requested help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to see if post-mortem testing can be performed. Dr. Parham Jaberi, assistant state health officer, said that … [Read more...]
Caldwell Parish Outbreak Caused by Salmonella and Clostridium Perfringens
According to news reports, the food poisoning outbreak in Caldwell Parish, Louisiana has been caused by both Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens bacteria. At least 125 people are sick now, up from 50 yesterday. And thirty-seven people have been hospitalized because their symptoms are so severe. One man who attended the fundraiser and allegedly ate the jambalaya at the center of this outbreak has died. But officials do not know if his death is linked to this outbreak and have requested an autopsy. Clostridium perfringens bacteria grow and produce a toxin when the temperatures of food are in the danger zone of 40°F to 140°F. These outbreaks happen often when large amounts of food are prepared. The food may be held at the wrong temperature for a long period of time, or it may be … [Read more...]
Louisiana Salmonella Outbreak Associated With Jambalaya Fundraiser
Dozens of people have been sickened in a Salmonella outbreak after a local fundraiser was held in Caldwell Parish, Louisiana. Officials say that jambalaya served at that event is the suspected cause of these illnesses. As of Thursday, October 19, 2017, 49 cases of food poisoning have been confirmed. Thirty-one people have been hospitalized. The patient age range is from 15 to 70. One 56-year-old man has died, but officials are not sure whether or not his death is linked to this outbreak. Samples from five people have tested positive for Salmonella; the exact strain has not been mentioned. More than 300 people attended the fundraiser on Monday, October 16, 2017 in Caldwell Parish. More illnesses may be reported as people become aware of the outbreak, or as doctor's visits yield … [Read more...]
