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Health

COVID-19: Here's What To Know About New XEC Strain That's Arrived In US From Europe COVID-19: Here's What To Know About New XEC Strain That's Arrived In US From Europe
Covid-19: Here's What To Know About New XEC Strain That's Arrived In US From Europe A new highly transmissible COVID-19 strain that first appeared in Europe is now beginning to spread in the United States. Called XEC, the offshoot of the Omicron strain was initially identified in Germany early this past summer before quickly spreading throughout Europe. It is not causing more serious symptoms than other COVID strains, but it is causing concern. “The rate of infections from XEC they're seeing in some countries rose pretty quickly compared to previous variants in those same places," Dr. Scott Roberts, a Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist said in YaleMedicine.…
Stop & Shop Will No Longer Sell Tobacco Products Stop & Shop Will No Longer Sell Tobacco Products
Stop & Shop Will No Longer Sell Tobacco Products Stop & Shop, the supermarket chain with 360 stores throughout the Northeast, said its locations will stop carrying tobacco products at the end of the month.  The chain announced the move on Monday, Aug. 26, after it partnered with the American  American Cancer Society to improve community health, Stop & Shop CEO Gordon Reid said in a statement.  Our responsibility as a grocer goes far beyond our aisles, and we are committed to taking bold steps to help our associates, customers, and communities work towards better health outcomes. From our team of registered diet…
COVID-19: Surge In Summer Cases Sparks Concern COVID-19: Surge In Summer Cases Sparks Concern
Covid-19: Surge In Summer Cases Sparks Concern A surge in COVID-19 cases in the United States and around the globe is sparking concern among health officials who are warning that more severe variants of the virus may be coming. “COVID-19 is still very much with us and circulating in all countries," Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove of the World Health Organization said in a news conference last week. “Data from our sentinel-based surveillance system across 84 countries reports that the percent of positive tests for SARS-CoV-2 has been rising over several weeks." Wastewater surveillance suggests that the circulation of COVID is two to 20 times…
2 Dead, 28 Sickened In Multistate Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak, CDC Says 2 Dead, 28 Sickened In Multistate Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak, CDC Says
2 Dead, 28 Sickened In Multistate Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak, CDC Says Two people died, and dozens of others sickened in a Listeria outbreak tied to deli meats in several states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Twenty-eight people across 12 states had been sickened between late May and mid-July, the CDC says. The deaths occurred in New Jersey and Illinois, health officials said. All 28 individuals had been hospitalized as of Friday, July 19. According to the CDC map, seven illnesses were reported in New York; six in Maryland; two in New Jersey; two in Virginia; two in Massachusetts; and one in Pennsylvania. Click here for the…
Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets COVID-19 Again Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets COVID-19 Again
Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets Covid-19 Again Despite being fully vaccinated and boosted, President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 — again, White House officials announced on Wednesday, July 17. The 81-year-old Biden has tested positive for COVID while in Las Vegas, Nevada ahead of the DNC, officials with the White House explained. His symptoms are mild. His doctor noted that he presented with upper respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose, a non-productive cough, and "general malaise," as stated in the release.  Since his condition did not improve throughout the day, a COVID test was conducted on Wednesda…
COVID-19: New Highly Contagious KP.3 'FLiRT' Variant Now Accounts For Majority Of US Cases COVID-19: New Highly Contagious KP.3 'FLiRT' Variant Now Accounts For Majority Of US Cases
Covid-19: New Highly Contagious KP.3 'FLiRT' Variant Now Accounts For Majority Of US Cases A new highly contagious COVID-19 variant known as KP.3 now accounts for most infections in the United States. Data from the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that in a two-week period ending Saturday, June 8, the strain made up 25 percent of cases nationally, just ahead of the KP.2 variant (22.5 percent). Both KP.3 and KP.2 are offshoots of the highly contagious Omicron variant and are members of a newly identified group of variants known as  “FLiRT.”  COVID-19: New 'FLiRT' Variants Now Dominant In US Neither is expected to cause more serious symptom…
Air Quality Alert: Widespread Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Lingers Throughout Region Air Quality Alert: Widespread Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Lingers Throughout Region
Air Quality Alert: Widespread Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Lingers Throughout Region An Air Quality Alert is in effect for much of the Northeast as smoke drifting south from more than 400 Canadian wildfires lingers. Air quality levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than an Air Quality Index value of 100 for the pollutant of fine particulates, according to the National Weather Service.   "The higher the AQI value, the greater the health concern," said the weather service. More than 8 million acres of land has already burned in what already is Canada's worst wildfire season in history.  That's way above the normal 600,000 acres…
CT One Of States With 'Most Racial Progress,' New Report Says CT One Of States With 'Most Racial Progress,' New Report Says
CT One Of States With 'Most Racial Progress,' New Report Says Connecticut is near the top of a list of US states that have made the most racial progress, according to a new report.  The Nutmeg State ranks tenth in the nation for racial progress, according to a report by Wallethub from Tuesday, Jan. 10.  The report measures steps that states have taken toward racial harmony in areas such as workplaces, schools, and elections by measuring gaps between Black and White people across "21 key indicators of equality and integration," the report said.  These indicators were divided into four main divisions: employment and wealth, education, so…
Sports Journalist Grant Wahl, Age 48, Dies Suddenly While In Press Box Covering World Cup Sports Journalist Grant Wahl, Age 48, Dies Suddenly While In Press Box Covering World Cup
Sports Journalist Grant Wahl, Age 48, Dies Suddenly While In Press Box Covering World Cup A popular sports journalist died while covering a game at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Grant Wahl, a New York City resident and soccer analyst for CBS Sports, was age 48. According to CBS News, Wahl collapsed while in the press box during the Argentina-Netherlands quarterfinal match early Saturday, Dec. 10. Paramedics quickly responded, but Wahl was pronounced dead a short time later, the report said. Wahl had written about health issues he had been experiencing while in Qatar. "My body finally broke down on me," Wahl wrote on Substack on Monday, Dec. 5. "Three weeks of little sleep, hi…
These Connecticut Counties Among Healthiest In Nation, New Report Says These Connecticut Counties Among Healthiest In Nation, New Report Says
These Connecticut Counties Among Healthiest In Nation, New Report Says When it comes to the healthiest locales in the United States, several counties in Connecticut are faring quite well, according to a new ranking by U.S. News & World Report. The outlet analyzed nearly 3,000 US counties on metrics it said shape and show the health of a community, like public safety, access to healthcare, educational equity, income, housing affordability, food availability, and nutrition. Analysts then used that data to rank the 500 healthiest communities in the country across 10 categories on a scale of zero to 100. In Connecticut, Middlesex County was ranked healt…
Coffee Linked To Lower Risk Of Dying, New Study Says Coffee Linked To Lower Risk Of Dying, New Study Says
Coffee Linked To Lower Risk Of Dying, New Study Says Need some coffee before you're ready to get going each morning? Well, a new study says that cup of Joe may have some even bigger benefits. In fact, it may be linked to a lower risk of dying, according to a study that just published in The Annals of Internal Medicine. The study found that those who drank between 1.5 to 3.5 cups of coffee per day, with or without sugar, were up to 30 percent less likely to die during the study period than those who didn’t drink coffee.  The study examined information from more than 170,000 people between the ages of 37 and 73 from a medical database in…
COVID-19: CT Positive Infection Rate Back Below 7 Percent; Latest Breakdown Of Cases By County COVID-19: CT Positive Infection Rate Back Below 7 Percent; Latest Breakdown Of Cases By County
Covid-19: CT Positive Infection Rate Back Below 7 Percent; Latest Breakdown Of Cases By County The positive COVID-19 infection rate in Connecticut dipped back below 7 percent, but more than two dozen new patients being treated for the virus were admitted to area hospitals as the state continues to add extra capacity in case beds become limited due to the surge of new cases and healthcare staff shortages. There were 21,269 COVID-19 tests administered in Connecticut on Thursday, Dec. 16, according to the latest update from the Department of Public Health, resulting in 1,443 confirmed COVID-19 cases for a 6.78 percent daily positivity rate, down from 7.14 percent the previous day. Conne…
COVID-19: CT Sees New Surge In Hospitalizations; Latest Breakdown Of Cases COVID-19: CT Sees New Surge In Hospitalizations; Latest Breakdown Of Cases
Covid-19: CT Sees New Surge In Hospitalizations; Latest Breakdown Of Cases The number of COVID-19 patients being treated in Connecticut hospitals has spiked to 500 as the number of unvaccinated filling beds continues to rise.  In his latest update from the state Department of Health, 80 more patients were admitted to Connecticut hospitals over the weekend as the number of new post-Thanksgiving infections being reported is surging. Of the 500 patients who are hospitalized, 386 (77.2 percent) are not fully vaccianted, according to Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont. According to state health officials, in the past week, unvaccinated people in Connecticut had a 4.5-ti…
Bill Clinton Glad To Be Home In New York After Health Scare In California Bill Clinton Glad To Be Home In New York After Health Scare In California
Bill Clinton Glad To Be Home In New York After Health Scare In California Former President Bill Clinton is back resting in his Northern Westchester home following a health scare that left him hospitalized in California. While working on business for the Clinton Foundation, the former president was hospitalized at the UCI Medical Center in California when he began to feel fatigued, according to reports. While he was being treated, Clinton was diagnosed with a urological infection that led to a more broad infection that needed to be treated. According to Clinton’s doctors, he was “administered IV antibiotics and fluids” as part of his treatment, Dr. Alpesh Amin a…
COVID-19: First CT Case Exactly One Year Ago; Here's How Many There Have Been Since COVID-19: First CT Case Exactly One Year Ago; Here's How Many There Have Been Since
Covid-19: First CT Case Exactly One Year Ago; Here's How Many There Have Been Since It has been one year since the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Connecticut, changing the state, and country, forever. On March 8, 2020, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced the first laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case in a Wilton man who was treated at Danbury Hospital. Original story - First CT Resident To Test Positive For Coronavirus Is From Wilton Following the first case, what some thought was going to be a quick blip in history turned into a yearlong battle that has left thousands dead and even more with potentially permanent medical concerns. A year later, there have now been…
COVID-19: CT Sees 57 New Virus-Related Deaths; Latest Rundown By Counties, Communities COVID-19: CT Sees 57 New Virus-Related Deaths; Latest Rundown By Counties, Communities
Covid-19: CT Sees 57 New Virus-Related Deaths; Latest Rundown By Counties, Communities The overall positive rate of those being tested for COVID-19 in Connecticut dropped several percentage points as the state saw dozens of new virus-related deaths reported as the state and country combat the holiday surge. During his daily COVID-19 update, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said that there were 52,633 new tests administered, resulting in 3,304 positive cases. Fifty-seven new COVID-19-related deaths were reported in the past 24 hours, bringing the total statewide death toll to 6,287 since mid-March, 2020. Check Daily Voice's Interactive Map Of Cases, Including ICU Bed Capacity The…
COVID-19: Here's Latest CT Positivity Rate, Number Of New Cases COVID-19: Here's Latest CT Positivity Rate, Number Of New Cases
Covid-19: Here's Latest CT Positivity Rate, Number Of New Cases The positivity rate in Connecticut residents being tested for COVID-19 fell over the weekend but still remains higher than it was over the summer as the state continues combating the COVID-19 crisis. Last week, Connecticut saw a positivity rate spike to 2.4 percent, the highest rate since the peak of the pandemic. Related story - COVID-19: Hospital In Fairfield County Bans Visitors Amid Rise In Cases Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said late Monday afternoon, Oct. 19 that there were 71,905 COVID-19 tests administered statewide, with 1,191 testing positive for the virus, since Friday, Oct. 16, …
COVID-19: Positive Case Reported At School District In Fairfield County COVID-19: Positive Case Reported At School District In Fairfield County
Covid-19: Positive Case Reported At School District In Fairfield County A staff member at a Fairfield County school has tested positive for COVID-19, the district announced. Weston High School officials wrote in a letter to the community on Tuesday, Oct. 13 that a staff member has tested positive for the virus, though it happened off school grounds and the building will remain open. “The administration has been monitoring the situation, which occurred outside of school grounds,” school officials stated. “There is no risk of exposure on campus” they noted, after contact tracing was conducted. The school plans to continue educating students in its hybrid model, …
COVID-19: Ridgefield First Selectman Tests Positive For Second Time COVID-19: Ridgefield First Selectman Tests Positive For Second Time
Covid-19: Ridgefield First Selectman Tests Positive For Second Time Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi has been battling the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) since the first week of April. Marconi tested positive for the second time on Friday, May 1, town officials announced. Marconi said he wants to assure town residents that he is doing great and feels fully recovered after his serious bout with COVID-19.  While he recently tested "presumptive positive," Marconi said it was not surprising. His wife, Peggy, who tested negative in a follow-up, said that they were told that many people test positive for weeks after they have recovered.…
COVID-19: Latest Rundown Of Overall, New Cases By Town, City, County In Connecticut COVID-19: Latest Rundown Of Overall, New Cases By Town, City, County In Connecticut
Covid-19: Latest Rundown Of Overall, New Cases By Town, City, County In Connecticut There have been 1,064 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Connecticut. A total of 28,764 have now tested positive in the state after 3,124 new tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. The overall number of those tested in Connecticut is 100,257. Fairfield County now has 11,612 cases. A total of 2,339 deaths related to the virus have been reported in Connecticut as of late Friday afternoon, May 1, with 82 coming in the last 24 hours. The number of patients in the state hospitalized with the virus, 1,592, is 58 less than a day earlier. Interactive Map: You can get…
COVID-19: CDC Issues Guidelines On When Patients Can Stop Isolating Themselves COVID-19: CDC Issues Guidelines On When Patients Can Stop Isolating Themselves
Covid-19: CDC Issues Guidelines On When Patients Can Stop Isolating Themselves The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidance on when people who test positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) can stop self-isolating. Those patients can stop isolating themselves after they’ve been fever-free for three days (72 hours), the agency said. Those three days must be without using fever-reducing medicine. Patients should also see an improvement in respiratory symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath before breaking isolation. People with COVID-19 should stay isolated for at least seven days after the initial onset of symptoms. The CDC noted that …
COVID-19: Death Toll Predicted For Individual States, Entire Nation In New Scientific Data COVID-19: Death Toll Predicted For Individual States, Entire Nation In New Scientific Data
Covid-19: Death Toll Predicted For Individual States, Entire Nation In New Scientific Data The number of deaths per day related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are expected to peak in mid-April, according to new scientific data. There could be as many as 3,000 fatalities per day during that peak, according to graphs created by the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metric. (See image above.) According to that data, the predicted total number of deaths nationally will be 81,766 by early August. The data also projects deaths for each state, as well as hospital beds needed and intensive-care beds needed. The total number of deaths in New York, New Jersey and …
COVID-19: Familiar Westport Faces Share Message Of Unity As Number Of Cases In Town Hits 62 COVID-19: Familiar Westport Faces Share Message Of Unity As Number Of Cases In Town Hits 62
Covid-19: Familiar Westport Faces Share Message Of Unity As Number Of Cases In Town Hits 62 As the number of cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to increase in the Westport/Weston area, local residents, some famous, are offering messages of hope and unity on the town's Facebook page. As of early Monday, March 23, there were a reported 62 cases of COVID-19 in Westport, and three in Weston, said Director of Health, Mark Cooper. Statewide there are 327 cases. Cooper said those number do not include testing conducted last week, which will most likely drive the numbers higher. And while the grim news may make some want to hide under the covers, other Westport resident…
COVID-19: Is it Safe to Travel? AAA Offers Advice Amid Coronavirus Concerns COVID-19: Is it Safe to Travel? AAA Offers Advice Amid Coronavirus Concerns
Covid-19: Is it Safe to Travel? AAA Offers Advice Amid Coronavirus Concerns With more and more positive cases of coronavirus cropping up around the country, many Americans are asking the question: is it safe to travel? Currently, the United States recommends travelers avoid all non-essential travel to China, Iran, South Korea and Italy. Traveling anywhere else is a personal decision you have to make based on all facts available. In response, AAA issued a series of advice for travelers, cautioning that the organization can’t determine who should or should not travel. “Research is important to any traveler ahead of a trip. It’s no different with the coronavirus,” Pa…
Do You Have One? These Are The Eight Major Food Allergies Do You Have One? These Are The Eight Major Food Allergies
Do You Have One? These Are The Eight Major Food Allergies As consumers become increasingly concerned with food safety and quality, ensuring food safety in terms of allergen exposure is still vitally important to everyday health, the USDA warns. Millions of Americans have allergic reactions to food each year. There are eight major food allergens, and being aware of the signs and symptoms associated with an allergy attack can help to keep you safe and avoid potential triggers in the future. More than 160 foods have been identified that can cause allergic reactions in those with allergies. These foods make up about 90 percent of food allergic reactio…
Four Flu-Related Deaths Reported In Connecticut This Season Four Flu-Related Deaths Reported In Connecticut This Season
Four Flu-Related Deaths Reported In Connecticut This Season Four flu-related deaths have been reported in Connecticut so far this season. The state Department of Public Health's latest report says there was one new death between Dec.15 and Dec. 21. All four deaths were people age 65 and over. A total of 203 hospitalizations linked to the flu have been reported this season. For more information from the Department of Health report, click here.
NY Law Raising Legal Age To Purchase Tobacco Products Takes Effect NY Law Raising Legal Age To Purchase Tobacco Products Takes Effect
NY Law Raising Legal Age To Purchase Tobacco Products Takes Effect Older teenagers in New York will officially no longer be able to purchase tobacco or e-cigarette products. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the legislation into law on Tuesday, July 16 that raises the minimum sales age for tobacco and e-cigarette products from 18 to 21. The law took effect after 120 days, on Wednesday, Nov. 13. "New York is taking aggressive action to stamp out smoking among teens and children, but tobacco and e-cigarette use still persists thanks to irresponsible corporate marketing campaigns targeting young people," Cuomo said. "By raising the smoking age from 18 to 21…
Separate Salmonella Outbreaks Sicken 890 In 48 States Separate Salmonella Outbreaks Sicken 890 In 48 States
Separate Salmonella Outbreaks Sicken 890 In 48 States Two separate salmonella outbreaks have now sickened 890 people in 48 states, according to health officials.  In an outbreak linked to backyard poultry, 768 people in 48 states have been sickened, with 122 hospitalizations and two deaths reported. In interviews, 75 percent -- 237 of 315 -- ill people reported contact with chicks or ducklings, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A total of 38 cases have been confirmed in New York and 17 in Connecticut. People reported getting chicks and ducklings from several sources, including agricultural stores, websites, and hatche…
Light At The End Of The Tunnel? CT Flu Activity Decreased To 'Local' Light At The End Of The Tunnel? CT Flu Activity Decreased To 'Local'
Light At The End Of The Tunnel? CT Flu Activity Decreased To 'Local' For the first time in several weeks, there were no flu-related deaths in Connecticut, prompting the state Health Department to classify activity in the area from "regional," to "local."  There were no deaths related to influenza reported in Connecticut in the past week, leaving the total of 78 during the current flu season, which may be nearing a close.   The Connecticut Department of Health issued its report for the week ending on Saturday, May 18, and the spread of the virus seems to have slowed, with the percentage of outpatient visits with influenza-like illness decreasin…
Having A Stroke Can Happen To Anyone At Any Time, CDC Warns Having A Stroke Can Happen To Anyone At Any Time, CDC Warns
Having A Stroke Can Happen To Anyone At Any Time, CDC Warns The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is sharing a warning about the potential for anyone at any time to be afflicted by a stroke. Strokes are considered the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. A person’s risk of having a random stroke is dependent on a number of factors including undiagnosed high blood pressure, unknown family history and more. American actor Luke Perry died of complications following a massive ischemic stroke. The incident occurred in his Sherman Oaks, California home on Feb. 27. After Perry suffered from a second stroke, his family decided …
Six New Deaths Linked To Flu Reported In CT Six New Deaths Linked To Flu Reported In CT
Six New Deaths Linked To Flu Reported In CT There has been six more deaths related to influenza in Connecticut reported the past week, bringing the total to 75 during the current flu season. The Connecticut Department of Health issued its report for the week ending on Saturday, April 27, and the virus continues to spread throughout the state. The 75 deaths are still less than at this time last year. The CDC said that reported cases tend to increase in November before peaking between December and February. Flu season typically lasts through the middle of the spring. The organization estimates that flu has resulted in between 9.2 mill…