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...]
Possible Deadly Salmonella Outbreak in Caldwell Parish, LA
According to news reports, at least 100 people have been sickened in a possible food poisoning outbreak in Caldwell Parish, Louisiana. Samantha Hartmann, press officer for the Louisiana Department of Health, told the News Star about this outbreak. Preliminary tests have come back positive for Salmonella, but more testing needs to be conducted. An autopsy has been ordered in the death of one man who may be part of the outbreak. Some people have been hospitalized, according to news reports. The Louisiana Department of Health said that it had been "notified of a possible food-related gastrointestinal disease outbreak." There is no more information about the outbreak available, or if a restaurant, event, or contaminated food is responsible for the outbreak. The Louisiana Department of … [Read more...]
Possible E. coli Outbreak at Silliman School in Louisiana
Silliman Institute in Clinton, Louisiana may have experienced an E. coli outbreak, according to WBRZ. The school has been closed since March 31, 2015 and will extend its Easter break through Monday, April 6, 2015. The statement on the school's website states, "Silliman is closed Tuesday, March 31st and Wednesday, April 1st to extend the Easter break that is scheduled for Thursday, April 2nd through Monday, April 6th. We will resume regular schedule Tuesday, April 7th unless otherwise notified." There is no information about the possible outbreak on the Silliman web site and nothing on the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals web site. News reports state that as many as 18 students are suffering from diarrhea and vomiting, and are being tested for E. coli and norovirus. Other … [Read more...]
USDA Lists Stores That Sold Head Cheese Linked to Salmonella Outbreak
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released a list of retailers that sold tainted head cheese linked to a Salmonella outbreak that sickened six people in Louisiana. Stallings Head Cheese Co., Inc., of Houston issued a recall of 4,700 pounds of hog head cheese on January 24 after health officials discovered Salmonella infections in six people who had eaten it. Head cheese, is a jellied loaf made of pieces of a cow or pig’s head, feet, tongue and heart. It originated in Europe as a way use as much of a slaughtered animal as possible. The Norwegians call it “sylte” and use cutlery to eat slabs of it drizzled in vinegar. In the US, it’s generally eaten as a cold cut. The recalled products include 10-oz. packages of Richard’s Hog Head Cheese that have ”Use by 2 1 2013″ or “Use … [Read more...]
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Oyster Recall In LA, MD, TX and GA
After being identified as the source of a norovirus outbreak, oysters harvested off the Louisiana coast are being recalled from destinations in Louisiana, Maryland, Texas and Georgia, according to Ken Pastorick, a spokesman for the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals. The outbreak has also prompted the temporary closure of the area where the oysters were harvested. "Area 23, one of 28 coastal shellfish harvesting zones in Louisiana, will be closed for at least three weeks," said Pastorick. When oysters are harvested, they are put into burlap sacks and marked with a tag that identifies the harvesting area. There are a total of 1,141 sacks of oysters in this recall, 80 of them went to the New Orleans area. Some of those oysters, served at a New Orleans restaurant on April 28 … [Read more...]
