Light Rain Fog/Mist 45°
Tag:

Public Health

Business
Recall Issued For Prosciutto Made In Germany, Distributed In US Recall Issued For Prosciutto Made In Germany, Distributed In US
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.  FSIS said it is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ or re…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
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…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
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…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
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 …

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
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…

SHARE

by Jillian Pikora
Business
Supplements Sold Nationwide Being Recalled Due To Presence Of 'Gas Station Heroin' In Products Supplements Sold Nationwide Being Recalled Due To Presence Of 'Gas Station Heroin' In Products
Supplements Sold Nationwide Being Recalled Due To Presence Of 'Gas Station Heroin' In Products Federal Health officials are cautioning consumers to avoid certain products that may contain an ingredient known as "gas station heroin."  Neptune Resources LLC announced a voluntary recall of all lots of "Neptune's Fix Elixir," "Neptune's Fix Extra Strength Elixir," and Neptune's Fix Tablets due to the possible presence of tianeptine, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. Tianeptine, which has been called "gas station heroin" by some, is not FDA-approved for any medical use, and its presence in the products prompted the nationwide recall. "The presence of tianepti…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Greenwich Woman Sues After Finding Severed Finger In Salad At Eatery, Lawsuit Says Greenwich Woman Sues After Finding Severed Finger In Salad At Eatery, Lawsuit Says
Greenwich Woman Sues After Finding Severed Finger In Salad At Eatery, Lawsuit Says A Connecticut woman has filed a lawsuit against a restaurant company in New York after allegedly finding herself chewing on part of a severed human finger while eating a salad served at one of the company's locations within the county.  Fairfield County resident Allison Cozzi, of Greenwich, filed the suit against Rye Brook-based Chop't Creative Salad Company LLC on Monday, Nov. 27 after allegedly finding part of a severed finger inside her meal bought at a Chop't location in Northern Westchester County at 53 South Moger Ave. in Mount Kisco.  According to the lawsuit complaint file…

SHARE

by Ben Crnic
News
COVID-19: Symptoms Now Number 11; Here's Latest Rundown From CDC COVID-19: Symptoms Now Number 11; Here's Latest Rundown From CDC
Covid-19: Symptoms Now Number 11; Here's Latest Rundown From CDC When COVID-19 cases first were identified in the United States in March 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) listed just three symptoms for the novel coronavirus: Fever Cough Shortness of breath Now, nearly five years later, the virus remains an everyday part of American life, with about 1,000 deaths from the disease nationwide each week. As COVID has evolved, mainly from the highly contagious Omicron strain and several of its subvariants, the CDC's updated list of symptoms for the virus now numbers 11. They are: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficu…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
Business
Long Island Restaurant Announces Closure After Foodborne Illness Incident Sickens Dozens Long Island Restaurant Announces Closure After Foodborne Illness Incident Sickens Dozens
Long Island Restaurant Announces Closure After Foodborne Illness Incident Sickens Dozens A Long Island restaurant is permanently closing two weeks after dozens of people were sickened from a foodborne illness incident. The last day in business for Kumo Sushi & Steakhouse in Stony Brook will be Sunday, Sept. 24. "In light of the recent events, we have made the very difficult decision to permanently close the restaurant," the eatery said in a statement released on Saturday, Sept. 23. Located on Nesconset Highway, it had been in business for 10 years. Twelve of the 24 people sickened on Saturday, Sept. 9 were hospitalized. Of the 28 people sickened, 12 were hospitalized.&nb…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants COVID-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants
Covid-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants Health officials are one step closer to rolling out updated COVID-19 vaccines just in time for a rise in cases heading into the fall and winter months. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new vaccines on Monday, Sept. 11, that are meant to better target currently circulating COVID-19 variants and provide better protection against hospitalization and death, the agency announced. Monday’s move affects vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer. The updated mRNA vaccines are each approved for people ages 12 and older and are authorized under emergency use for children ages 6 mo…

SHARE

by Michael Mashburn
News
Invasive Tick Found In Fairfield: Could Have 'Significant' Health Impact, Researchers Say Invasive Tick Found In Fairfield: Could Have 'Significant' Health Impact, Researchers Say
Invasive Tick Found In Fairfield: Could Have 'Significant' Health Impact, Researchers Say Following the third confirmed discovery of an Asian longhorned tick in Connecticut, researchers are warning of the potential health impacts that the invasive arachnids could bring to the state.  The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory identified one Asian longhorned tick in Fairfield County over the summer after it was submitted by someone in the town of Fairfield, University of Connecticut officials announced on Thursday, Sept. 7. The tick is the third case that the laboratory has seen in Connecticut since the species arrived in the US in 2017. The firs…

SHARE

by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
24-Year-Old Fairfield University Grad Killed In Crash ID'd As Daughter Of Ex-NBA Player 24-Year-Old Fairfield University Grad Killed In Crash ID'd As Daughter Of Ex-NBA Player
24-Year-Old Fairfield University Grad Killed In Crash ID'd As Daughter Of Ex-nba Player A young woman killed in a horrific Connecticut crash earlier this week was the first child and only daughter of a former NBA player. Tiara Wheeler was 24 years old. Her father, Tyson Wheeler, played for the University of Rhode Island men's basketball team as point guard from 1994 to 1998 when the Rams advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight before being drafted by the Toronto Raptors. He later appeared in an NBA game as a member of the Denver Nuggets in 1999. The crash took place in New London County on Monday, Aug. 28 at around 9:30 p.m. in Groton at the intersection of Long Hill Road and t…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
2 CT Deaths Tied To Rare Bacterial Infection; Here Are Symptoms To Watch For 2 CT Deaths Tied To Rare Bacterial Infection; Here Are Symptoms To Watch For
2 CT Deaths Tied To Rare Bacterial Infection; Here Are Symptoms To Watch For Two Connecticut residents have died from a rare bacterial infection that has also claimed the life of a third person in New York. Both people died from severe Vibrio vulnificus infections after contracting the bacteria either by consuming raw shellfish or swimming in brackish water in Long Island Sound, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. A third Connecticut resident who developed an infection has been released from the hospital. All three cases involved people between the ages of 60 and 80. Related Report: NY Death Tied To Rare Bacterial Infection; Healthcare …

SHARE

by Michael Mashburn
News
Ouch, Swimmer's Itch Reported At Greenwich Beaches Ouch, Swimmer's Itch Reported At Greenwich Beaches
Ouch, Swimmer's Itch Reported At Greenwich Beaches If you've been swimming at a Greenwich beach and are itching all over don't worry, it's an allergic reaction to a parasite from snails. On Monday, July 31, the Greenwich Department of Health announced that they have been informed of incidents involving swimmers’ itch at several Greenwich beaches. Swimmer’s Itch, also called cercarial dermatitis, appears as a skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites that are released from snails into fresh and salt water, Michael Long, of the Greenwich Health Department said. Swimmers itch is found throughout the world and…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
News
Salmonella Outbreak: Linked To Ground Beef Bought In CT Salmonella Outbreak: Linked To Ground Beef Bought In CT
Salmonella Outbreak: Linked To Ground Beef Bought In CT Federal officials are warning residents in four states in the Northeast about a salmonella outbreak that is suspected of spreading through ground beef purchased in a specific supermarket chain.  The outbreak, which was announced by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday, July 25, has been linked to lean ground beef, which is the only common food eaten by those who became ill.  According to officials, all of the affected people who remembered the type of ground beef they ate and where they had purchased it reported that they bought 80 percent lean ground …

SHARE

by Ben Crnic
News
Several CT State Parks Closed To Swimming Due To High Bacteria Levels, Flooding Several CT State Parks Closed To Swimming Due To High Bacteria Levels, Flooding
Several CT State Parks Closed To Swimming Due To High Bacteria Levels, Flooding Several lakes and ponds in Connecticut are closed due to high bacteria levels and the aftereffects of recent flooding.As of Thursday, July 13, officials with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) listed the following lakes and ponds as closed: Burr Pond State Park -- Torrington -- Litchfield County Lake Waramaug State Park -- Kent -- Litchfield County Gardner Lake State Park -- Salem -- New London County Indian Well State Park -- Shelton -- Fairfield County/due to flooding DEEP said the water is retested at regular intervals and parks would reo…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Bobcat Attacks Man Sleeping In Hammock At CT State Park Bobcat Attacks Man Sleeping In Hammock At CT State Park
Bobcat Attacks Man Sleeping In Hammock At CT State Park A bobcat attacked an adult camper at a Connecticut state park. The attack took place during the early morning hours of Friday, June 30 in New London County at Selden Neck Island in Selden Neck State Park in Lyme. Paul Copleman, a spokesman for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), said the man was sleeping in a hammock when he was attacked,  The man and two other adult computers killed the bobcat, he added. All three adults were taken to a local hospital for treatment.  The adults were leading a group of youth campers at the time, and it is believ…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
News
Severe Drug-Resistant Skin Infection Never Before Seen In US Detected In NY Severe Drug-Resistant Skin Infection Never Before Seen In US Detected In NY
Severe Drug-Resistant Skin Infection Never Before Seen In US Detected In NY A severe drug-resistant skin infection has been detected for the first time in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The cases of tinea caused by Trichophyton indotineae were diagnosed in women ages 28 and 47 in New York City who experienced lesions on their neck, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, the CDC said. "A New York City dermatologist notified public health officials of two patients who had severe tinea that did not improve with oral terbinafine treatment, raising concern for potential T. indotineae infection," the CDC said in a…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
House Full Of Neglected Animals Deemed Unhabitable In Fairfield House Full Of Neglected Animals Deemed Unhabitable In Fairfield
House Full Of Neglected Animals Deemed Unhabitable In Fairfield A Fairfield home has been deemed uninhabitable after police and animal control found 25 dogs and 22 cats malnourished and living in feces and urine. The discovery took place during the week of Tuesday, April 17 when a concerned citizen contacted police about a dog that was found roaming in the Steep Hill Road area of Fairfield, said Lt. Michael Paris, of the Fairfield Police. The dog appeared to have been covered in feces and urine, having a generally poor appearance, Paris said. Animal Control officers began to investigate and determined that the dog came from a home on Ste…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
News
Rabid Bears: Sick Cub Found In Northern Westchester, May Be More, Officials Say Rabid Bears: Sick Cub Found In Northern Westchester, May Be More, Officials Say
Rabid Bears: Sick Cub Found In Northern Westchester, May Be More, Officials Say County officials are monitoring for sick animals after a rabid bear cub was discovered in Northern Westchester.  The young bear was discovered in Lewisboro and tested positive for rabies, Westchester County officials announced on Friday, April 14.  Because of concerns that there may be more rabid bears in the area, officials are now monitoring the situation in addition to warning residents to avoid any wild animals that look ill.  Additionally, the county's government is advising any residents who have come into contact with bear cubs in the last two weeks to call their doct…

SHARE

by Ben Crnic
News
New Listeria Outbreak With Unknown Food Source Under Investigation New Listeria Outbreak With Unknown Food Source Under Investigation
New Listeria Outbreak With Unknown Food Source Under Investigation A new multi-state outbreak of infections from Listeria is under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "A specific food item has not yet been identified as the source of this outbreak," the CDC said in a statement released on Wednesday, Feb. 15. "However, CDC is concerned that several recent illnesses have been reported. Listeria illness is rare, but it can result in serious illness or death." A total of 11 illnesses have been reported in 10 states, including New York, shown in the image above. Of those states, Michigan is the only state with more than one il…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
Child From CT Dies Of Flu In State's First Pediatric Fatality Of Season Child From CT Dies Of Flu In State's First Pediatric Fatality Of Season
Child From CT Dies Of Flu In State's First Pediatric Fatality Of Season Health officials confirmed that a child from Connecticut has died of influenza. The child, a resident of New Haven County, died in December in what is the first pediatric influenza death in the state this flu season, the Connecticut Department of Public Health said. Officials said the child was between the ages of less than a year old and 9 years old. They did not report the child's exact age. “The flu continues to circulate and is particularly dangerous to the very youngest and the oldest people in your life,” DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani said. “The holidays are just around the corner…

SHARE

by Nicole Valinote
News
Listeria Outbreak Linked To Meat, Cheese Bought At Deli Counters Under Investigation By CDC Listeria Outbreak Linked To Meat, Cheese Bought At Deli Counters Under Investigation By CDC
Listeria Outbreak Linked To Meat, Cheese Bought At Deli Counters Under Investigation By CDC The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is continuing to investigate a Listeria outbreak linked to meat and cheese bought at deli counters.  "Deli meats (cold cuts, lunch meats, hot dogs, and pâtés sold at the deli) and cheeses are known sources of Listeria illnesses," the CDC said. "This is because Listeria can easily spread among food on deli countertops, deli slicers, surfaces, and hands.  "Listeria is a hardy germ that can be difficult to fully remove once it is in the deli. It can survive and grow at cold temperatures in the refrigerator." The CDC said that it's…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
First Flu Death Of Season Confirmed In Connecticut As Person In 50s First Flu Death Of Season Confirmed In Connecticut As Person In 50s
First Flu Death Of Season Confirmed In Connecticut As Person In 50s Health officials have reported this season's first flu death in Connecticut. The individual who died in November was a resident of New London County and was in their 50s, the Connecticut Department of Health announced on Monday, Nov. 28. No further information about the patient is will be released, officials reported. Flu season occurs between October and May, and the highest levels of influenza are usually seen between December and March, according to the report.  “This is a tragic reminder that the 2022-23 flu season is already an active one. As we approach the holidays, I strongly…

SHARE

by Nicole Valinote
News
Surge In Children Hospitalized With Virus Putting Strain On CT Hospitals, Sparking Concerns Surge In Children Hospitalized With Virus Putting Strain On CT Hospitals, Sparking Concerns
Surge In Children Hospitalized With Virus Putting Strain On CT Hospitals, Sparking Concerns An alarming surge in potentially serious respiratory illnesses among children is sparking concern nationwide, and in the region. Cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common cold virus that can be associated with severe disease in young children as well as older adults, are now rising in 32 states, including New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. The non-COVID-19 related virus, common among children, is now appearing earlier in the season and more frequently. Connecticut has been especially affected, seeing an unprecedented number of children infected by the illnes…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
E. Coli Outbreak Sickening Dozens May Be Linked To Wendy's In 4 States, CDC Says E. Coli Outbreak Sickening Dozens May Be Linked To Wendy's In 4 States, CDC Says
E. Coli Outbreak Sickening Dozens May Be Linked To Wendy's In 4 States, CDC Says An E. coli outbreak in four states that may be linked to Wendy's has sickened at least 37 people and put 10 in the hospital, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A specific food has not yet been confirmed as the source of this outbreak, but many sick people reported eating sandwiches with romaine lettuce at Wendy’s restaurants in Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania before getting sick, the CDC said. An illness related to the outbreak was also reported in Indiana. Wendy's said in a statement that it's "fully cooperating with public health authorities on their o…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Connecticut 19-Year-Old Missing For Almost A Week, Police Say Connecticut 19-Year-Old Missing For Almost A Week, Police Say
Connecticut 19-Year-Old Missing For Almost A Week, Police Say Police in Connecticut are asking the public for help locating a 19-year-old who has been missing for almost a week. New Haven County resident Ariana Bel-Jean, of Ansonia, left her home on Wednesday, July 27, and has not returned, said Lt. Patrick Lynch, of the Ansonia Police. Bel-Jean left on her own but failed to bring the medication that she needs to take every day, Lynch said. She is described as being Black, 5-foot-6, with black hair and brown eyes.  Bel-Jean was wearing a red crop top and black shorts and was last seen in the area of Beaver Street and Pyramid Street, Lynch said.…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
News
Mosquitoes In Three Fairfield County Communities Test Positive For West Nile Virus Mosquitoes In Three Fairfield County Communities Test Positive For West Nile Virus
Mosquitoes In Three Fairfield County Communities Test Positive For West Nile Virus Mosquitoes trapped in four Connecticut communities have tested positive for West Nile virus, state officials announced.  The State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program reported that some of the positive mosquitoes were found in three Fairfield County communities: Stamford, Darien, and Fairfield. Mosquitoes trapped in New Haven also tested positive for West Nile, officials reported.  Officials said the mosquitos were trapped on Monday, July 18, and Tuesday, July 19. These are the first mosquitoes tested by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) tha…

SHARE

by Nicole Valinote
News
First US Monkeypox Cases In Children Confirmed: Here's New State-By-State Breakdown First US Monkeypox Cases In Children Confirmed: Here's New State-By-State Breakdown
First US Monkeypox Cases In Children Confirmed: Here's New State-By-State Breakdown The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the first case of monkeypox among children in the United States. Those two cases are part of a record outbreak of nearly 2,900 infections nationwide. The unrelated cases, in an infant and a toddler -- one in California and the other in Washington, DC -- are unrelated and likely the result of household transmission, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky told The Washington Post on Friday, July 22. New York accounts for about 31 percent of the nation's 2,891 monkeypox cases with 900, followed by California (356). For a state-by-sta…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade Reported In NY First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade Reported In NY
First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade Reported In NY State health officials have confirmed a case of polio in New York, the first time the disease has been seen in the United States in nearly a decade. The case was confirmed in Rockland County, the New York State Department of Health announced Thursday, July 21. State and county health officials said they were advising medical practitioners and healthcare providers to be on the lookout for additional cases. Today NYSDOH notified NYers of a case of polio in Rockland County, identified through sequencing at Wadsworth, confirmed by @CDCgov. Working with @rockhealth & @nychealthy, we wil…

SHARE

by Michael Mashburn
News
CT Sees Jump In Monkeypox Cases CT Sees Jump In Monkeypox Cases
CT Sees Jump In Monkeypox Cases A total of 11 Connecticut residents have now been diagnosed with monkeypox, the state Department of Public Health has announced.  All 11 patients are between the ages of 20 and 50 and live in Fairfield, New Haven, and Hartford counties, the department said. The majority of the patients have not been hospitalized. “Monkeypox spreads through close prolonged contact with an infected person. This might include coming into contact with skin lesions, or body fluids, sharing clothes or other materials that have been used by an infected person, or inhaling respiratory droplets during prolonge…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes