E. coli illnesses are increasing in Wyoming, according to that state's health department, along with cases of norovirus. This information, in a press release from the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH), offered no specifics as to patient ages, hospitalizations, or any hints about possible sources. Norovirus is likely among the increase in gastrointestinal illnesses, but Matt Peterson, WDH surveillance epidemiologist, said in a statement, "We are specifically seeing increased reports of E. coli across the state recently compared to previous years, which can be particularly concerning in children under 5." The symptoms of norovirus and E. coli are similar up to a point, but norovirus is usually a self-limiting illness, and people who contract this infection usually do not seek … [Read more...]
Unidentified Salmonella Newport Outbreak Sickens 125 in 15 States
An unidentified Salmonella Newport outbreak has sickened at least 125 people in 15 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Twenty-four people have been hospitalized because they are so sick. This is the way foodborne illness outbreaks sometimes start; the government publicizes it, and more people come forward who may have information that helps solve it. The case count by state is: California (3) Illinois (1), Iowa (3), Michigan (12), Minnesota (3), Missouri (2), Montana (11), North Carolina (3), Ohio (5), Oregon (42), Tennessee (1), Utah (28), Washington (1), Wisconsin (1), and Wyoming (9). Illness onset dates range from June 19, 2020 to July 7, 2020. The patient age range is from 2 to 92 years. Of 72 ill persons who have provided information to … [Read more...]
Salmonella Food Poisoning Outbreak in Fremont County, Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Health is investigating a gastrointestinal outbreak in Fremont County in the central part of that state. There have been reports of multiple clusters of gastroenteritis in several facilities, including schools and child care centers. This outbreak may be because of Salmonella food poisoning. Most Salmonella outbreaks are eventually linked to contaminated food. Most of the patients have reported experiencing bloody diarrhea that is lasting for at least three days, some vomiting, and fever in this Salmonella outbreak. Those are symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning. Some of those sickened have tested positive for infection with that bacteria. But not all of the ill persons have a Salmonella infection, and some have not been tested. Officials also say that it … [Read more...]
