A mystery Listeria monocytogenes outbreak has sickened at least 23 people in 10 states, and one person has died, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Twenty-two people have been hospitalized. The only clue so far is that most of the patients either live in or traveled to Florida about a month before they got sick. The case count by state is: Colorado (1), Florida (12), Georgia (1), Illinois (1), Kansas (1), Massachusetts (2), Minnesota (1), New Jersey (1), New York (2), and Pennsylvania (1). The patient age range is from less than one to 92. Five people got sick during a pregnancy, and one illness resulted in a fetal loss. The person who died lived in Illinois. Of the 22 people who provided information to investigators, 20 said they lived in or … [Read more...]
El Abuelito Listeria Monocytogenes Outbreak Report in MMWR
The El Abuelito Listeria monocytogenes outbreak in 2021 is the subject of a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) from the CDC for the week of May 27, 2022. That outbreak sickened at least 13 people in four states. Twelve people were hospitalized and one person died. The outbreak was linked to Hispanic-style cheese within 19 days of the detection of the illness cluster. Rapid food testing by agencies identified the implicated cheese. PulseNet, the national molecular subtyping surveillance network that is coordinated by the CDC, found a cluster of three infections on January 19, 2021. Two of the patients lived in Maryland and one lived in Connecticut. All of the patients were of Hispanic ethnicity. The cheese that was linked to this outbreak is a fresh, soft cheese made … [Read more...]
Deadly Dole Salad Listeria Outbreak Ends With 18 Sick in 13 States
The deadly Dole Salad Listeria monocytogenes outbreak has ended with 18 sick in 13 states, 16 patients hospitalized, and three deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). That's an increase of one more patient in Ohio and one more death, also in Ohio, since the last update in early February 2022. The patient case count by state is: Idaho (1), Iowa (2), Maryland (1), Michigan (1), Minnesota (2), Nevada (1), North Carolina (1), Ohio (3), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (1), Texas (2), Utah (1), and Wisconsin (1). Illness onset dates range from August 16, 2014 to January 15, 2021. The patient age range is from 50 to 94 years. Of 16 people who gave information to public health officials, all were hospitalized. Three deaths have been reported: one each from … [Read more...]
Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak Case Count Increases to 60
The Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak case count on the FDA's CORE Outbreak Table has increased to 60 sick, up from 59 sick in the last update that was issued on March 16, 2022. No product has been identified yet in this outbreak. And while traceback has been initiated, no recall has begun, no on-site inspection has started, and there has been no sample collection or analysis. This lack of information is typical for this outbreak table. The FDA will not release more information about an outbreak unless there is some action that consumers can take to protect themselves. Three other outbreaks are still active. The investigation into the Cronobacter sakazakii illnesses linked to recalled Similac powdered infant formula is ongoing. Four infants were sickened after allegedly consuming … [Read more...]
FDA Updates the Recalled Cronobacter Infant Formula Product List
The FDA has updated the recalled Cronobacter infant formula list with a full list of recalled products. In addition, they say that metabolic and other medical specialty infant formulas were produced at the same plant which made the recalled Similac PM 60/40, but those products were not recalled "because the FDA has determined that the risk of not having these specialty products available could significantly worsen underlying medical conditions. For many of these patients, the risk of life-threatening adverse events from restricted access to these critically needed products is likely greater than the risk from consuming products that have been produced at the facility." So far, at least four infants, who lived in Minnesota, Texas, and Ohio, have been diagnosed with Cronobacter … [Read more...]
FDA Removed a Salmonella Illness From Powdered Infant Formula Count
The FDA removed a Salmonella illness from the powdered infant formula case count, accord to an update issued for that agency's CORE Outbreak Investigation Table. The Table itself does not contain this information; it was sent in an email. Salmonella has been removed from the Pathogen column in that outbreak investigation. There are still four infants in the case count linked to Similac, EleCare, and Alimentum powdered infant formulas. Those infants are from Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas. The two infants who lived in Ohio died, although the FDA is investigating to see if Cronobacter sakazakii contributed to those deaths. Two recalls have been issued for those infant formula products. The first, on February 17, 2022, was for Similac, EleCare, and Alimentum powdered infant formula with … [Read more...]
Deadly Fresh Express Listeria Monocytogenes Outbreak Ends With 10 Sick
The deadly Fresh Express Listeria monocytogenes outbreak has ended with 10 people sick in eight states. One person, who lived in Pennsylvania, died. Fresh Express recalled its packaged salads that were produced in its Streamwood, Illinois facility on December 20, 2021. The case count has remained unchanged since the last update on December 22, 2021. The patient case count by state is: Illinois (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (1), New Jersey (2), New York (1), Ohio (1), Pennsylvania (2), and Virginia (1). Illness onset dates range from July 26, 2016 through October 19, 2021. The patient age range is from 44 to 95 years. All 10 people were hospitalized. Whole genome sequencing performed on isolates from sick people showed that they are closely related genetically, which means that … [Read more...]
Cronobacter Complications: Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Sepsis, and Meningitis
Cronobacter complications can include necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, and meningitis. These conditions can be fatal for infants, and a worry for parents in light of the Cronobacter illnesses linked to powdered infant formula. What are the symptoms of these conditions and what should parents look for? Four Infants Sick with Cronobacter First, some background. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there are four infants from Minnesota, Texas, and Ohio who were sickened with Cronobacter infections after they were allegedly fed powdered infant formula produced by Abbott Nutrition at their Sturgis, Michigan plant. More reports of illness are being investigated. A recall has been issued for four types of that formula: Similac Pro Total Comfort, … [Read more...]
CDC Weighs In On Deadly Simple Truth Power Greens E. coli Outbreak
The CDC is weighing in on the deadly Simple Truth Power Greens E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has sickened at least 10 people in four states. As of March 3, 2022, the outbreak is over. One death has occurred. This is the first time that has been reported. The FDA investigation report does not mention this death. Two brands of this product, including Simple Truth and Nature's Basket, were associated with this outbreak. The case count is: Alaska (2), Ohio (1), Oregon (1), and Washington (6). The patient age range is from 26 to 79 years. Illness onset dates ranged from November 27, 2021 to December 9, 2021. Of 10 people who gave information to public health officials, four were hospitalized, and one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is a type of kidney failure. One … [Read more...]
FDA Advice For Parents About Infant Formula Cronobacter Illnesses
This FDA advice for parents about infant formula and the Cronobacter illnesses linked to some types of powdered formula is offered to help parens navigate this difficult time. At least four infants, from Minnesota, Ohio, and Texas, are sick with Cronobacter sakazakii infections after consuming recalled Similac, EleCare, or Alimentum formula produced at Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michigan plant. Because infant formula is the sole source of nutrition for many newborns and infants, the FDA is offering help. The FDA is stating that one infant allegedly contracted a Salmonella infection after being fed this formula, but the CDC is not including this illness in the case count until they complete their investigation. The key to the recall is the lot codes and expiration date on the … [Read more...]
