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COVID-19: CDC Recommends Indoor Mask-Wearing In Fairfield County In Brand-New Tracker Report COVID-19: CDC Recommends Indoor Mask-Wearing In Fairfield County In Brand-New Tracker Report
Covid-19: CDC Recommends Indoor Mask-Wearing In Fairfield County In Brand-New Tracker Report The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending indoor mask-wearing in four Connecticut counties in its latest COVID-19 data tracker report. The CDC displays counties in orange, yellow, or green on a color-coded map shown in the image above to guide local residents and authorities: Counties shown in orange are where the CDC advises wearing masks indoors.  Counties shown in yellow are places in which those at high risk for severe disease should be cautious. In green counties, indoor masking is not necessary. As of Friday, Dec. 30, these Connecticut counties are in …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
CDC Warns Of Increase In Strep Throat Infections Among Kids Amid Rise In COVID, Flu, RSV Cases CDC Warns Of Increase In Strep Throat Infections Among Kids Amid Rise In COVID, Flu, RSV Cases
CDC Warns Of Increase In Strep Throat Infections Among Kids Amid Rise In COVID, Flu, RSV Cases The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an advisory warning of an increase in cases of strep throat infections among children amid the so-called "tripledemic" of COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases. The CDC said it has notified clinicians and public health authorities of a recent increase in pediatric invasive group A streptococcal (iGAS) infections.  In November 2022, the CDC said it was notified of a possible increase in iGAS infections among children at a hospital in Colorado. Potential increases in pediatric iG…

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by Joe Lombardi
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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…

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by Joe Lombardi
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CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of COVID-19, Flu, RSV CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of COVID-19, Flu, RSV
CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of Covid-19, Flu, RSV The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging Americans to wear masks during the holiday season to help prevent the spread of the so-called tripledemic of COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It's especially important for people living in areas with high levels of COVID transmission to mask up, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said on Monday, Dec. 5. “The past several years have certainly not been easy, and we now face yet another surge of ailments, another moment of overstretched capacity, and really one of tragic and often preventab…

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by Joe Lombardi
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NY Ranks 'High' In Flu Activity As Season Is Off To Harsh Start Earlier Than Normal NY Ranks 'High' In Flu Activity As Season Is Off To Harsh Start Earlier Than Normal
NY Ranks 'High' In Flu Activity As Season Is Off To Harsh Start Earlier Than Normal Nationwide flu cases have doubled in the last week as the 2022-23 season is off to an unusually rough start earlier than usual. See the map above for a look at nationwide flu activity levels in the Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Both New York and Connecticut rank "high" in flu activity. Seven states and Washington, DC (shown in purple on the map) are already in the highest category for flu activity. They are Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. For more on the 2022-23 flu s…

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by Joe Lombardi
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Winter Is Coming: Flu Cases Rapidly Rising Nationwide Just One Month Into Fall Season Winter Is Coming: Flu Cases Rapidly Rising Nationwide Just One Month Into Fall Season
Winter Is Coming: Flu Cases Rapidly Rising Nationwide Just One Month Into Fall Season Flu cases are soaring nationwide just a month into the fall season, and health officials are sounding the alarm now that it could be a dangerous winter. Some are citing the end of many of the COVID-19 pandemic precautions that have been in effect for two-plus years as a possible cause. "Early increases in seasonal influenza activity have been reported in most of the United States, with the southeast and south-central areas of the country reporting the highest levels of activity," the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. In the Northeast, New York is already reporting…

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by Joe Lombardi
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Alarming Surge In Kids Hospitalized With Non-COVID Virus Putting Strain On Hospitals Alarming Surge In Kids Hospitalized With Non-COVID Virus Putting Strain On Hospitals
Alarming Surge In Kids Hospitalized With Non-covid Virus Putting Strain On Hospitals 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…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Public Health Alert Issued For Ground Beef Products Due To E. Coli Concerns Public Health Alert Issued For Ground Beef Products Due To E. Coli Concerns
Public Health Alert Issued For Ground Beef Products Due To E. Coli Concerns A public health alert has been issued due to concerns that ground beef products may be associated with Escherichia coli (E. coli) illness, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced.  A recall for the products contained in HelloFresh meal kits was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase. The meal kits containing ground beef for this public health alert were shipped to consumers from Saturday, July 2 to Thursday, July 21.  The following products are subject to the alert: 10-oz. plastic vacuum-packed pack…

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by Joe Lombardi
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COVID-19: New Booster Shots Targeting Omicron Variant Approved By FDA COVID-19: New Booster Shots Targeting Omicron Variant Approved By FDA
Covid-19: New Booster Shots Targeting Omicron Variant Approved By FDA It’s time to roll up your sleeve and get another COVID-19 vaccine. On Wednesday, Aug. 31, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated versions of COVID booster shots made by Pfizer and Moderna that target the highly contagious BA.5 Omicron subvariant. The updated vaccine boosters are designed to give people broad protection against COVID and can help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death, the FDA said in a statement. Pfizer’s modified booster was authorized for people ages 12 and older, while Moderna’s shot was approved for those 18 and up. People who…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Wendy's Grows, CDC Says E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Wendy's Grows, CDC Says
E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Wendy's Grows, CDC Says A multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce in sandwiches at Wendy's has grown, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There have now been 55 more reported infections in the outbreak, bringing the total number of cases to 84, and hospitalizations to 34, the CDC announced Thursday, Aug. 25. In its initial report on the outbreak, about three dozen people were sickened, with 10 hospitalized, in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana. Wendy's said in a statement that it's "fully cooperating with public health authorities on their ongoi…

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by Joe Lombardi
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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…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: CDC Announces Sweeping New Guidance, Including For Schools, Quarantines COVID-19: CDC Announces Sweeping New Guidance, Including For Schools, Quarantines
Covid-19: CDC Announces Sweeping New Guidance, Including For Schools, Quarantines Federal health officials have announced sweeping new COVID-19 guidelines, including for schools and quarantines for those infected. In the updated guidance unveiled on Thursday, Aug. 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it was no longer recommending that unvaccinated people quarantine after possibly being exposed to the virus. Instead, the CDC said they should wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and get tested five days after they were exposed. The agency had previously said unvaccinated people and those who haven't received their booster shots should q…

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by Michael Mashburn