Tag:

Public Health

Stay Out: Swimming Not Recommended At Several Suffolk County Beaches Over Bacteria Concerns Stay Out: Swimming Not Recommended At Several Suffolk County Beaches Over Bacteria Concerns
Stay Out: Swimming Not Recommended At Several Suffolk County Beaches Over Bacteria Concerns Long Islanders hoping to hit the beach will have to choose wisely as swimming is not recommended at several locales due to possible bacteria concerns. An advisory issued Thursday, June 6, by the Suffolk County Department of Health said recent heavy rainfall may have resulted in elevated bacteria levels at 55 county beaches. The beaches are located in areas that are heavily impacted by stormwater runoff and, because of their enclosed nature, undergo limited tidal flushing. Health officials recommended against swimming or other contact until the waters have been flushed by two successive tid…
Update: Sewer Break Along Busy Greenburgh Road Could Take Up To Few Months To Repair Update: Sewer Break Along Busy Greenburgh Road Could Take Up To Few Months To Repair
Update: Sewer Break Along Busy Greenburgh Road Could Take Up To Few Months To Repair A sewer pipe leak along a busy road in Westchester could take as much as a few months to repair, officials said.  The break occurred in the area of 100 East Hartsdale Ave. in Greenburgh over Memorial Day weekend and has caused traffic delays and sidewalk closures, according to Greenburgh Police and town officials.  Earlier Report - Sewer Break Closes East Hartsdale Ave Sidewalk In Greenburgh In an announcement on Wednesday, June 5, Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner said that the town still does not have an estimate for the completion of repairs. However, he added t…
27 Pennsylvanians Sickened In Salmonella Outbreak: CDC 27 Pennsylvanians Sickened In Salmonella Outbreak: CDC
27 Pennsylvanians Sickened In Salmonella Outbreak: CDC Dozens of Pennsylvanians are among the 162 people affected by a salmonella outbreak, according to health officials.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the outbreak is linked to cucumbers sold in bulk to retail distribution centers in 14 states. Sellers may also have shipped the affected produce to other states.  The supplier, Fresh Start Produce Sales, recalled the cucumbers on May 31. They were grown in Florida and shipped from May 17 to May 21, according to the CDC.  Officials said 27 Pennsylvanians have gotten sick, more than in any other state.…
First Heat-Related Death Of Summer Reported In Prince George's County First Heat-Related Death Of Summer Reported In Prince George's County
First Heat-Related Death Of Summer Reported In Prince George's County A 59-year-old Prince George's County man has become the first heat-related death this year in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Health issued an alert on Wednesday, June 5 advising of the man's death, though few details were released. Each year, health officials monitor temperature conditions and incidents of heat-related illness and death between May and September, officials said. “We are very saddened to report our first heat-relat​ed death of the 2024 season,” Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Nilesh Kalyanaraman said. “As we experience more hot days in Maryland this summer…
Back In Business: Ballston Spa Diner Reopens After Health Inspector's Closure For Insects Back In Business: Ballston Spa Diner Reopens After Health Inspector's Closure For Insects
Back In Business: Ballston Spa Diner Reopens After Health Inspector's Closure For Insects This story has been updated. A troubled restaurant in the region is back open days after state health inspectors shut it down over an insect problem. Saratoga County’s Route 50 Diner – located in Ballston Spa at 2002 Doubleday Avenue – was closed Thursday, May 30, after a New York State Department of Health inspector uncovered a cockroach infestation, according to the agency’s report.  The report added that the business, which opened in 2017, is working with a pest control company “for ongoing treatment” to mitigate the issue. Owner Brian Hyra confirmed the development in a defi…
Nationwide Recall Issued For Ground Black Pepper Due To Possible Health Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Ground Black Pepper Due To Possible Health Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Ground Black Pepper Due To Possible Health Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a brand of ground black pepper that could be contaminated with Salmonella. UBC Food Distributors issued the recall for the product under the Baraka brand name in 7-ounce plastic containers with UPC code 8 22514 26626 6, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced. The company said it was notified of the potential for contamination based on a routine state surveillance sample collected by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets that tested positive for Salmonella the presence of Salmonella in some packages of the product. Salmon…
Cucumbers Shipped To 14 States Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination Cucumbers Shipped To 14 States Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination
Cucumbers Shipped To 14 States Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination A Florida-based company is recalling whole cucumbers that were shipped to 14 states, but may be contaminated with Salmonella, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. According to the FDA, the cucumbers subject to recall are dark green, between 1.5 inches and two inches thick and between five to nine inches long. Officials made note that mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in the recall. FDA The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons between Friday, May 17 and Tuesday, May 21 to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributor…
Algae Bloom Threatens Wildlife, Pets In Easthampton Pond Algae Bloom Threatens Wildlife, Pets In Easthampton Pond
Algae Bloom Threatens Wildlife, Pets In Easthampton Pond Officials in Hampshire County are telling residents to avoid the Rubber Thread Pond in Easthampton after a toxic algae bloom has taken over the water.  Easthampton leaders posted the warning on the city's Facebook page after tests showed possible signs of the toxic algae cyanobacteria.  The Massachusetts Department of Public Health will continue to conduct tests until the bloom has gone. Until then, residents should avoid swimming, fishing, or touching the water.  Contact with the infected water can cause skin irritation, gastrointestinal distress, liver or ne…
Raccoon Tests Positives For Rabies: Hunterdon County Department Of Health Raccoon Tests Positives For Rabies: Hunterdon County Department Of Health
Raccoon Tests Positives For Rabies: Hunterdon County Department Of Health A raccoon in Hunterdon County tested positive for rabies on Friday, May 17, the Hunterdon County Department of Health. The raccoon was found in Clinton Township in the area of Andreann Drive and Hamden Road, health officials said. Anyone who have may have had contact with the raccoon between Tuesday, April 30 and Tuesday, May 14, should notify their primary care physician immediately or the Hunterdon Medical Center Emergency Room to discuss concerns of possible exposure and the need for post exposure prophylaxis treatment, health officials said. The Health Department HCHD is working w…
Alert Issued For Missing 14-Year-Old From Bay Shore Alert Issued For Missing 14-Year-Old From Bay Shore
Alert Issued For Missing 14-Year-Old From Bay Shore Police are asking for help in locating a missing teenager from Long Island. Angie Reyes, age 14, of Bay Shore, was last seen on Stein Drive at around 6:20 a.m. Wednesday, May 15. Suffolk County Police said the teen is believed to be suicidal and may be in need of medical attention. Reyes is Hispanic, 4-feet-11 and 115 pounds, with red hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Suffolk County Police Department at 631-852-6000. Share this story by clicking the Facebook icon below. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
Mosquito Prevention: Officials Handing Out Free Dunks To Kill Larvae In White Plains Mosquito Prevention: Officials Handing Out Free Dunks To Kill Larvae In White Plains
Mosquito Prevention: Officials Handing Out Free Dunks To Kill Larvae In White Plains To help combat the spread of mosquitos in Westchester, officials will give out free dunks to residents meant to kill off larvae. On Friday, May 17 between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the Westchester County Health Department will hand out free mosquito dunks for placing in bird baths, rain barrels, unused pools, lined ornamental ponds, and other areas with standing water. The dunks will be available at the Westchester County Department of Public Works in White Plains at 198 Lake St.  To kill mosquito, blackfly, and fungus gnat larvae, the dunks contain a bacterium called Bacillus Thu…
Second Rabid Fox Found In Town of Fremont Second Rabid Fox Found In Town of Fremont
Second Rabid Fox Found In Town of Fremont A second rabid fox has been discovered in the region. The fox was found Wednesday, May 8, in Sullivan County in the town of Fremont. Related story: Wild Fox In Town Of Bethel Test Positive For Rabies According to the Sullivan County Department of Public Health, a dead baby fox (kit) in Fremont tested positive for the rabies virus.  People exposed to the baby are currently receiving appropriate treatment. Another rabid fox was found earlier in the week in the town of Bethel. The fox was euthanized, public health officials said.  Rabies occurs commonly throughout the stat…
Massachusetts Among Top 10 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why Massachusetts Among Top 10 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why
Massachusetts Among Top 10 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why A new ranking lists Massachusetts as one of the top 10 best states in the country and places the commonwealth in the top three in categories like education and healthcare. The results are in. The 2024 Best States list by U.S. News & World Report, released on Tuesday, May 7, names Massachusetts as the 10th-best state in the country, a place higher than it scored in the 2023 report.  Massachusetts closely follows states like Utah (the best state, according to U.S. News & World Report), Nebraska (number three), Washington (number eight), and Florida (number nine). However, whe…
Wild Fox In Town Of Bethel Tests Positive For Rabies Wild Fox In Town Of Bethel Tests Positive For Rabies
Wild Fox In Town Of Bethel Tests Positive For Rabies A health department in the region has confirmed that a fox has tested positive for the rabies virus. The fox, which was euthanized, was found in Sullivan County in the town of Bethel, said officials with the Sullivan County Department of Public Health. The department said people exposed to the fox are currently receiving treatment. Rabies occurs commonly throughout the state, mostly occurring in wild animals, including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and woodchucks. Domestic animals, often including cats, cattle, and dogs, account for less than 10 percent of the reported rabies cases. …
Sun River Health Receives NYSPHA Award Sun River Health Receives NYSPHA Award
Sun River Health Receives Nyspha Award On Wednesday, May 1, Roberta Kelly, FNP-BC, CIC, Sun River Health Chief Nursing Officer & Senior Vice President, received the Outstanding Contribution for Public Health Organizational Service Award on behalf of Sun River Health at the New York State Public Health Association’s 2024 Public Health Partnership Conference in Saratoga Springs. This prestigious award recognizes a public health organization that has excelled in providing vital services to New Yorkers in need. Hosted by the New York State Public Health Association (NYSPHA) annually, the Public Health Partnership Conference is de…
Nationwide Recall Issued For Ground Beef Products Due To Possible Contamination: View Labels Nationwide Recall Issued For Ground Beef Products Due To Possible Contamination: View Labels
Nationwide Recall Issued For Ground Beef Products Due To Possible Contamination: View Labels A nationwide recall has been issued for ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli. Cargill Meat Solutions, headquartered in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, is recalling approximately 16,240 pounds of the raw ground beef products, the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on Wednesday, May 1. The raw ground beef items were produced on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, 27.  The following products are subject to recall: 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing "93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF" with lot code 117 and estab…
Westchester To Hold Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic For Pets: Here's When Westchester To Hold Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic For Pets: Here's When
Westchester To Hold Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic For Pets: Here's When To help residents protect their four-legged friends against potential contact with rabid animals, Westchester County will hold a free rabies vaccination clinic for pets, officials announced.  The free vaccinations will be given to dogs, cats, and ferrets on Sunday, May 5 at Stamen Animal Hospital in New Rochelle at 61 Quaker Ridge Rd., Westchester officials announced.  Vaccinations will be given out from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and no appointments will be needed. Cats and ferrets are required to be in carriers and dogs must be on a leash. Additionally, aggressive dogs must be muzzled.&n…
Nationwide Recall Issued For Prosciutto Made In Germany, Distributed In US Nationwide Recall Issued For Prosciutto Made In Germany, Distributed In US
Nationwide Recall Issued For Prosciutto Made In Germany, Distributed In US A recall has been issued for a brand of deli meat that authorities say was uninspected. The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that ConSup North America Inc., based in Lincoln Park, New Park, is recalling approximately 85,984 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) sliced prosciutto ham produced in Germany without the benefit of equivalent inspection. The RTE sliced prosciutto ham item was produced on various dates from Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, through Wednesday, March 6, 2024, and shipped to retail locations nationwide. FSIS said it is concerned th…
Demolition Of Nabisco Site Resuming Year After Postponement Demolition Of Nabisco Site Resuming Year After Postponement
Demolition Of Nabisco Site Resuming Year After Postponement Almost a year after it was called of amid public outcry, plans to demolish the shuttered Nabisco factory in Fair Lawn have once again been finalized. "Demolition at the Nabisco site is expected to resume shortly, with state approval. A non-explosive demolition will be undertaken," said a post on the borough's website on Monday, April 22. No other details were provided. Last May, Greek Development, which is redeveloping the property, announced the building will not be imploded and they would use an alternative method. The implosion was originally set for April 2023 but was postponed. …
Botched Botox Causes Illness For 19 People In 9 States Including New Jersey, New York: CDC Botched Botox Causes Illness For 19 People In 9 States Including New Jersey, New York: CDC
Botched Botox Causes Illness For 19 People In 9 States Including New Jersey, New York: CDC Nineteen people in nine states, including New Jersey and New York, reported illness after injections from a "counterfeit or mishandled" injection of botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports. As of April 15, a total of 19 people from 9 states reported harmful reactions after receiving botulinum toxin injections from unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-healthcare settings, such as homes and spas, the CDC said.  Counterfeit Botox packages. FDA States reporting these reactions include Colorado, Florida, Illinois, K…
Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness
Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness Less than a month since a case of measles showed up outside of New York City, the number of cases has more than doubled across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Friday, April 12, the CDC announced that the total number of measles cases in the US in 2024 has reached 121 — far surpassing last year’s number of 58 — with cases being reported in 18 states and jurisdictions, including New York State. The update comes after a Nassau County child under the age of 5 was announced as the state’s first measles case to be reported outside of New York C…
Sewage Overflow At Mount St. Mary's University Prompts Public Health Alert In Frederick County Sewage Overflow At Mount St. Mary's University Prompts Public Health Alert In Frederick County
Sewage Overflow At Mount St. Mary's University Prompts Public Health Alert In Frederick County The Frederick County Health Department is cautioning residents to avoid certain waterways after a sewage overflow on Mount St. Mary's University campus on the east side of Route 15. According to health officials, the public should avoid the waters from Saint Mary Run to Toms Creek to Monocacy River, and they've cautioned that swimming or full-body immersion in those areas should be avoided. A second alert was issued for the Monocacy River from Route 144 to Route 80 or Fingerboard Road rom Pinecliff Park to Buckeystown Park. If one comes into contact with the impacted areas, health official…
Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens
Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens Production has been halted at the largest producer of fresh eggs in the United States after bird flu was discovered in chickens. Cal-Maine Foods reported that one of the company’s facilities located in Parmer County, Texas, tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), resulting in depopulation of approximately 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets, or approximately 3.6 percent of its total flock. "Production at the facility has temporarily ceased as the company follows the protocols prescribed by the USDA," Cal-Maine said in a statement, noting that it is working to s…
Bacterial Infection With Unusual, Serious Symptoms Prompts CDC Warning Bacterial Infection With Unusual, Serious Symptoms Prompts CDC Warning
Bacterial Infection With Unusual, Serious Symptoms Prompts CDC Warning A bacterial infection is appearing nationally with unusual and serious symptoms according to federal authorities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has just issued a Health Alert warning that the rare illness, caused by a strain of Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, has a higher fatality rate than normally seen with meningococcal infections. As of Monday, March 25, 143 cases have been reported to CDC for the current calendar year, an increase of 62 cases over the 81 reported as of this date in 2023.  Cases caused by this strain are disproportionately occurring i…
Rockland County Warns Of New Measles Outbreaks In US Rockland County Warns Of New Measles Outbreaks In US
Rockland County Warns Of New Measles Outbreaks In US Rockland County health officials warn residents to stay protected from measles as new cases to surface across the US, resulting in the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issuing an advisory. The CDC reports a total of 58 cases were reported in 17 states including New York and New Jersey this year so far, the total number of cases in 2023, 93 percent of which were linked to international travel.  Most cases involved infants and toddlers who haven’t received the measles-mumps-rubella, or MMR, vaccinations. All children should receive an MMR vaccine at 12 to 15 months of age. A second dos…
Coatesville School Dismisses Early For 'Unscheduled Water Shutoff' Coatesville School Dismisses Early For 'Unscheduled Water Shutoff'
Coatesville School Dismisses Early For 'Unscheduled Water Shutoff' Students at Scott Middle School in Coatesville were sent home early on Thursday, March 21 following an "unscheduled water shut off by American Water Company," district administrators said.  "We apologize for the inconvenience and short notice; however, we have to prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff," Coatesville Area School District said on Facebook.  "The school cannot adequately operate without water." Students were dismissed from campus at 10:30 a.m. and will spend the rest of the day on a remote learning schedule, administrators said.  The amended…
Feral Cat Tests Positive For Rabies After Biting Pleasantville Homeowner Feral Cat Tests Positive For Rabies After Biting Pleasantville Homeowner
Feral Cat Tests Positive For Rabies After Biting Pleasantville Homeowner A cat that was taken in by an Atlantic County homeowner and bit the person has tested positive for rabies, officials said. The feral cat was taken in by someone living on Bayview Avenue in Pleasantville, according to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health. The cat had the third confirmed case of rabies in the county of 2024. An animal control officer took the cat from the home on Friday, Mar. 8. A state lab test confirmed the cat had rabies on Thursday, Mar. 14. Public health officials found five other cats in the home that may also have been exposed to rabies. Those cats were …
2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY 2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY
2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY A rare case of people being exposed to a cow with rabies occurred in a hamlet in upstate New York. It happened late last week in Lee Center, located near the city of Rome in Oneida County. The cow was sent to a New York State Department of Health center for testing and the test results came back positive, the Oneida County Health Department said.  Two people were exposed to the cow and have received post-exposure prophylaxis, the department said. Signs of rabies include: Animal acting strangely Animal acting mad Animal acting shy The animal may get unusually close Drooling or…
COVID-19: Those Infected With Virus 4 Times More Likely To Develop Chronic Fatigue, CDC Says COVID-19: Those Infected With Virus 4 Times More Likely To Develop Chronic Fatigue, CDC Says
Covid-19: Those Infected With Virus 4 Times More Likely To Develop Chronic Fatigue, CDC Says Those who have had COVID-19 are about four times more likely to develop chronic fatigue compared to those who haven't been infected, according to a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Researchers analyzed electronic health records data collected from the University of Washington that included three hospitals and over 300 primary care and specialty clinics providing healthcare services across the state, totaling 4,589 patients. Patients, who consisted of adults over age 18 having either a positive test result for COVID or a clinical diagnosis of COVID …
Sewage Overflow At Mount St. Mary's University Prompts Public Health Alert In Frederick County Sewage Overflow At Mount St. Mary's University Prompts Public Health Alert In Frederick County
Sewage Overflow At Mount St. Mary's University Prompts Public Health Alert In Frederick County The Frederick County Health Department is cautioning residents to avoid certain waterways after a sewage overflow on Mount St. Mary's University campus on the east side of Route 15. According to health officials, the public should avoid the waters from Saint Mary Run to Toms Creek to Monocacy River, and they've cautioned that swimming or full-body immersion in those areas should be avoided. If one comes into contact with the impacted areas, health officials said that they should wash thoroughly with soap and water, especially before eating. "Boating and fishing is still permitted and fish …
Deadly Cheeses Prompt Massive Recall Nationwide: CDC, FDA, USDA Deadly Cheeses Prompt Massive Recall Nationwide: CDC, FDA, USDA
Deadly Cheeses Prompt Massive Recall Nationwide: CDC, FDA, USDA Dairy products linked to deaths and serious illness — sold nationwide at many major retailers — are being recalled, the Center for Disease Control, the US Department of Agriculture, and the Food And Drug Administration announced in multiple releases over the first week of February.  Rizo Lopez Foods, Inc. is recalling over 50 products after 26 illnesses, 23 hospitalizations, and 2 deaths, according to the CDC.  The California-based company issued the recall following the report of Listeria monocytogenes contamination causing illnesses in 11 states. Listeria monocytogene…