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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…

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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…

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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…

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by Zak Failla
Obituaries
Off-Duty Anne Arundel County Police Sergeant Dies Unexpectedly Off-Duty Anne Arundel County Police Sergeant Dies Unexpectedly
Sgt. Eric Trumbauer Died Unexpectedly In Maryland The Anne Arundel Police Department is mourning the loss of one of their own. Veteran police Sgt. Eric Trumbauer died after suffering a medical emergency while off-duty overnight, according to the agency on Thursday afternoon. After joining the department as a member of the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s 60th Recruit Class in October of 2002, Trumbauer had a decorated career serving the community. Trumbauer spent a decade patrolling the Northern and Southern Districts, where he was recognized as the Northern District Community Relations Committee Officer of the …

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by Zak Failla
News
First Tickborne-Related Powassan Virus Death Reported In Maryland First Tickborne-Related Powassan Virus Death Reported In Maryland
First Tickborne-Related Powassan Virus Death Reported In Maryland The Maryland Department of Health has announced the first travel-related case and death due to the tickborne illness Powassan. Officials confirmed that a local resident tested positive in late September, and it was confirmed earlier this week after being bitten by an infected tick. Maryland's Deputy Secretary for Public Health Nilesh Kalyanaraman said that the person who was infected came home to Maryland after being bitten by the bug during a trip to Canada. "We are very saddened to report the first death due to the Powassan virus in our state," Kalyanaraman said. "The individual con…

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by Zak Failla
News
First Human Case Of West Nile Virus Reported In Maryland This Year First Human Case Of West Nile Virus Reported In Maryland This Year
First Human Case Of West Nile Virus Reported In Maryland This Year The Maryland Department of Health has confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in 2023. On Wednesday, an alert was issued by the agency advising that an adult living in the Eastern Shore region of Maryland has tested positive for the virus and is now recovering from the infection. The human case comes after several pools of mosquitos tested positive for the virus over the summer. West Nile virus infections have been rare in Maryland, with the state recording four cases in 2021 and just single cases in 2020 and 2022. "We are in the season when the West Nile virus can spread in Mar…

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by Zak Failla
News
Case Of Measles Confirmed In MD Tied To Area Ice Skating Rink, Officials Say Case Of Measles Confirmed In MD Tied To Area Ice Skating Rink, Officials Say
Case Of Measles Confirmed In MD Tied To Area Ice Skating Rink, Officials Say For the first time since 2019, a measles case has been reported in Maryland. Health officials issued an alert over the weekend when a case of measles was confirmed in Montgomery County that was tied to a visit to the Cabin John Ice Rink on Westlake Drive in Bethesda and a separate business days later. In an alert to the community, officials said that anyone who was at the rink on Wednesday, May 24 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. and a business at 16220 Frederick Road in Gaithersburg on Tuesday, May 30, may have been exposed to the virus. The latest case is the first since five were confirmed in …

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by Zak Failla
Business
Kale, Spinach, Collard Green Products Produced In MD Subject To Listeria Recall Kale, Spinach, Collard Green Products Produced In MD Subject To Listeria Recall
Kale, Spinach, Collard Green Products Produced In MD Subject To Listeria Recall A Maryland-based company announced a recall of kale and other similar products that were shipped up and down parts of the East Coast and could be contaminated with Listeria. Lancaster Foods is voluntarily recalling three brands of Robinson Fresh, Lancaster, and Giant brand kale, spinach, and collard green products after a random sample tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes by the New York Agriculture and Markets Food Safety Division. Items subject to the recall were distributed to retailers and distributors in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. …

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by Zak Failla
News
Rabid Raccoon Reportedly Found In Anne Arundel County Rabid Raccoon Reportedly Found In Anne Arundel County
Rabid Raccoon Reportedly Found In Anne Arundel County The Anne Arundel County Health Department is cautioning residents that a rabid raccoon has been reported in the region. On Wednesday, April 26, health officials issued an alert advising the rabid animal was found near the 1700 block of Mayapple Way in Gambrills. ALERT: Rabid raccoon found near the 1700 block of Mayapple Way in #Gambrills. If you or your pet had contact with the raccoon, or your pet has unexplained wounds, call 410-222-7254 weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. or 443-481-3140 after business hours. https://t.co/gZ7xDqMEks pic.twitter.com/qcdDw8rcGi — Anne Arundel Health (@AAHealth…

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by Zak Failla
News
JUUL Ordered To Pay $15.2M To DC After Contributing To Teen Vaping Epidemic JUUL Ordered To Pay $15.2M To DC After Contributing To Teen Vaping Epidemic
Juul Ordered To Pay $15.2M To DC After Contributing To Teen Vaping Epidemic JUUL Labs, Inc. has been ordered to pay $15.2 million to the District of Columbia after a massive settlement across several states. The settlement is the largest litigated settlement that the DC Office of the Attorney General has secured under the Consumer Protection Procedures Act, officials said. JUUL Labs, Inc. is the maker of the popular nicotine vape JUUL, which quickly rose in popularity amongst young adults and teenagers over the last ten years, initially available in fruity and mint flavors that were later banned due to highly-addictive qualities. At least 50 percent of the settlem…

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by Annie DeVoe
News
DMV Resident Among Those Sickened By Eating Raw Flour Amid Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak DMV Resident Among Those Sickened By Eating Raw Flour Amid Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak
DMV Resident Among Those Sickened By Eating Raw Flour Amid Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak Federal investigators are working to identify a specific brand of flour that is linked to a salmonella outbreak that sickened at least one person in Virginia. A salmonella outbreak connected to raw flour has infected 12 people in 11 different states, with three forced to be hospitalized due to their illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Aside from Virginia, illnesses have also been reported in: New York; Ohio; Tennessee; Illinois (two); Missouri; Iowa; Minnesota; Nebraska; Oregon; California. The breakdown of illnesses reported amid the salmonell…

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by Zak Failla
Business
EPA Accuses Baltimore County Police Of Failing To Clean Hazardous Waste At Gun Range EPA Accuses Baltimore County Police Of Failing To Clean Hazardous Waste At Gun Range
EPA Accuses Baltimore County Police Of Failing To Clean Hazardous Waste At Gun Range The Baltimore County Police Department is being fined nearly $16,000 by the Environmental Protection Agency in Maryland for a gun range used by officers to train that allegedly failed to clean up hazardous waste. Officials announced a $15,800 penalty for soil at an outdoor firing range that is considered hazardous due to lead concentration from bullets fired at the location that has built up and could pose a potential hazard. The announcement was made on Thursday, Oct. 6. According to the EPA, the outdoor firing range is used by county police officers for the firing practice of handguns, …

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by Zak Failla
News
Health Commissioner Says No Conclusive Link To Water After Two Report Sickness Health Commissioner Says No Conclusive Link To Water After Two Report Sickness
Health Commissioner Says No Conclusive Link To Water After Two Report Sickness The Baltimore City Health Department has issued a statement concerning two individuals who were reported sick after an E.coli contamination was found in some of the City water supply, officials say. An East Baltimore resident was hospitalized for reported gastrointestinal issues amid the water contamination crisis, with Baltimore City Health Department officials saying there is "no conclusive link to water". Update from @TheOfficialDocD on 2 GI cases:A self reported case of a minor with GI issues self resolved on 9/2. No conclusive link to waterAn East Baltimore resident hospitalized (p…

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by Annie DeVoe
Lifestyle
This Stinks: Loose Skunk Tests Positive For Rabies In Odenton This Stinks: Loose Skunk Tests Positive For Rabies In Odenton
This Stinks: Loose Skunk Tests Positive For Rabies In Odenton Health officials in Maryland are cautioning residents to be on high alert after a skunk tested positive for rabies in Anne Arundel County. The Anne Arundel County Department of Health issued an alert on Wednesday, Sept. 7 after a skunk found over the weekend tested positive for the disease in the Two Rivers Community in Odenton. Related story - Anne Arundel County To Bait Raccoons Into Getting Vaccinated For Rabies Officials said that anyone who may have come in contact with a skunk near the intersection of Broad Wing Drive and White Clover Lane should be aware if a pet has u…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Water Distribution Sites Announced After E. Coli Found In Baltimore Water Water Distribution Sites Announced After E. Coli Found In Baltimore Water
Water Distribution Sites Announced After E. Coli Found In Baltimore Water Water distribution sites have been announced following the discovery of E. coli in the drinking water of a Baltimore neighborhood — including some police and fire facilities, the DPW said. Three locations will distribute up to three gallons of water per household to residents beginning at 11 a.m. : 1401 W. Lafayette Ave., Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School 3301 Waterview Ave., Middle Branch Park 500 3rd Ave., Landsdowne Library Although the Baltimor…

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by Annie DeVoe
News
West Nile Virus Case Reported In Maryland West Nile Virus Case Reported In Maryland
West Nile Virus Case Reported In Maryland Maryland has its first case of West Nile Virus of the year, officials announced. An adult in the Baltimore area tested positive for the virus, the state's health department said Thursday, Aug. 25. “We are in the season when we start to see West Nile virus spread in Maryland,” said MDH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Jinlene​ Chan. “We urge people to be vigilant and take steps to avoid infection. Disease surveillance teams are closely monitoring for any signs of increased numbers of infected mosquitoes that may turn up in areas across the state." The West Nile virus is trans…

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by Cecilia Levine
Schools
COVID-19: This Maryland County School District Reinstated Mask Policy Before Start Of The Year COVID-19: This Maryland County School District Reinstated Mask Policy Before Start Of The Year
Covid-19: This Maryland County School District Reinstated Mask Policy Before Start Of The Year Students and staff members preparing to return to the classroom in Prince George's County will be required to mask up as the district contends with the latest wave of new COVID-19 cases. District officials announced on Friday, Aug. 12 that they are updating the mask requirements in all schools and facilities “until further notice,” beginning as of Monday, Aug. 15 following a recommendation from the Prince George’s County Health Department. Students in Prince George's County are scheduled to return to class beginning on Monday, Aug. 29. 
“When responding to public health threats such as COV…

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by Zak Failla
News
Health Officials Report First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade Health Officials Report First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade
Health Officials Report First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade 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…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
First Human Monkeypox Case Reported In St. Mary’s County First Human Monkeypox Case Reported In St. Mary’s County
First Human Monkeypox Case Reported In St. Mary’s County The first human monkeypox case has been confirmed in St. Mary's County. The St. Mary’s County Health Department has been notified of a human monkeypox virus infection in a local resident, officials announced on Monday, July 18. The person is isolating from others and is recovering, according to health officials. The Health Department has also begun the process of contact tracing and notifying anyone who may have been exposed to the virus. “The risk of transmission to the general community at this time is believed to be low,” officials said. "(The St. Mary's County Health Department) enco…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Biggest Loser: Every Maryland County Reported Weight Gain In Past Decade: New Study Biggest Loser: Every Maryland County Reported Weight Gain In Past Decade: New Study
Biggest Loser: Every Maryland County Reported Weight Gain In Past Decade: New Study Maryland residents have been packing on the pounds in the past decade, but some counties have gained more weight than others, according to a newly released study. In the past 10 years, each of Maryland’s counties has seen levels of obesity rise, though the numbers vary, depending on the locations in the state. From Dorchester and Howard counties (1 percent more obese) to Charles County (11 percent more obese), here’s how Maryland has fared, according to a new study from Infographic, by county: Dorchester 2012 obesity level: 36 percent; 2022 obesity level: 37 percent; Change: 1 percen…

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by Zak Failla
News
Federal Health Officials Confirm Second Case Of Human Monkeypox In Maryland Federal Health Officials Confirm Second Case Of Human Monkeypox In Maryland
Federal Health Officials Confirm Second Case Of Human Monkeypox In Maryland Federal health officials have confirmed a second human case of monkeypox in Maryland. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that a second Maryland resident has a confirmed case of the virus, while several others remain under investigation. Earlier in June, the Department of Health announced that a resident from the National Capital Region tested positive for monkeypox infection, though he presented mild symptoms and was not required to be hospitalized. No details were released regarding the second confirmed case, which the CDC announced on Monday, June 27. Sympto…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: CDC Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These Maryland Counties COVID-19: CDC Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These Maryland Counties
Covid-19: CDC Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These Maryland Counties Some municipalities in Maryland are still being advised to continue masking up by federal health officials, even as the state and region continue to cover from the most recent surge of COVID-19 cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on mask-wearing to concentrate on COVID-19 hospitalizations, hospital capacity, and newly reported infections, leaving some parts of the state still encouraged to continue masking up indoors. With the state's seven-day average COVID-19 positivity rate hovering between 10 percent and 15 percent, and 41 virus-related death…

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by Zak Failla
News
First Presumed Monkeypox Infection Identified In Maryland Resident First Presumed Monkeypox Infection Identified In Maryland Resident
First Presumed Monkeypox Infection Identified In Maryland Resident The scourge of new monkeypox cases that have been spreading across the US has hit Maryland. A Maryland resident from the National Capital Region has been identified as the first presumed case of human monkeypox infection in the state, the Department of Health announced. The individual - whose name has not been released - presented mild symptoms, is currently recovering in isolation, and did not require hospitalization. Testing was conducted at the State Public Health Laboratory while the Maryland Department of Health waits for confirmation testing from the Centers for Disease Control and P…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: CDC Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These Maryland Counties COVID-19: CDC Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These Maryland Counties
Covid-19: CDC Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These Maryland Counties Mask mandates in Maryland are being eased by federal health officials as the state recovers from the surge of new infections in early spring. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on mask-wearing to concentrate on COVID-19 hospitalizations, hospital capacity, and newly reported infections, leaving some parts of the state still encouraged to continue masking up indoors. With the state's seven-day average COVID-19 positivity rate above 10 percent, with 42 virus-related deaths in the past week, some counties in Maryland are being encouraged to continue weari…

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by Zak Failla
News
First Heat-Related Death Of 2022 Reported In Maryland First Heat-Related Death Of 2022 Reported In Maryland
First Heat-Related Death Of 2022 Reported In Maryland A Baltimore man died in Maryland's first heat related death of 2022, according to officials.  The 65-year-old man died in Baltimore County as temperatures rose in the area, according to the Maryland Department of Health(MDH). “As this tragedy shows, heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, can result in serious ailments and even death,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Dr. Jinlene Chan.  Heat related illnesses and deaths are monitored by MDH from May through September each year.  MDH urges residents that they should never leave children or pet…

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by Annie DeVoe
News
Virginia Farm Responds To E. Coli Outbreak Allegedly Linked To Baby Goats Virginia Farm Responds To E. Coli Outbreak Allegedly Linked To Baby Goats
Virginia Farm Responds To E. Coli Outbreak Allegedly Linked To Baby Goats A dairy farm in Virginia has responding to a claim made in a press release posted by the Loudon County officials about an E. coli investigation.  Several E. coli cases were traced back to Georges Mill Farm in Lovettsville, from people who visited between March 6 and April 20, The Loudoun County Health Department said. Farm owner Molly Koiz said she and other farm workers "feel horrible" both that visitors got sick, and that the Loudoun County Health Department considers contact with the baby goats as the source of the illness. The Loudon County Health Department hung up on Daily Voice whe…

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by Annie DeVoe
News
COVID-19: CDC Issues New Advisory Recommending People Wear Masks In These Settings COVID-19: CDC Issues New Advisory Recommending People Wear Masks In These Settings
Covid-19: CDC Issues New Advisory Recommending People Wear Masks In These Settings The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is calling on the Department of Justice to proceed with an appeal after a federal judge struck down President Joe Biden’s mask mandate for public transportation settings. Following the announcement of the judgment, the CDC issued a statement advising that the agency is continuing to advise that all Americans continue to mask up while using public transportation, despite the ruling. Original story - COVID-19: Federal Judge Strikes Down CDC Mask Mandate For Travel According to the CDC, officials “continue to recommend that people west mask…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: This Key Factor Could Indicate Whether Stealth Omicron Will Cause New Surge In US COVID-19: This Key Factor Could Indicate Whether Stealth Omicron Will Cause New Surge In US
Covid-19: This Key Factor Could Indicate Whether Stealth Omicron Will Cause New Surge In US With the new “stealth” COVID-19 sub-variant emerging from the shadows in the US and overseas, researchers are concerned that one subset of Americans could potentially lead to a possible new surge of infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Omicron, which is known as B.1.1.529, has three sub-variants: the original BA.1 that remains the dominant strain, the “stealth” BA.2, which is picking up steam, and the more elusive BA.3. The new “stealth” variant - named for its difficulty to identify due to a lack of certain genetic characteristics - has been becoming more of a co…

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by Zak Failla
News
Omicron Surge Halts Maryland Jury Trials Omicron Surge Halts Maryland Jury Trials
Omicron Surge Halts Maryland Jury Trials New jury trials in Maryland are being postponed due to the unprecedented rise in COVID-19 fueled by omicron. The Maryland Judiciary announced that all jury trials scheduled between Dec. 29 and Feb. 8 will be rescheduled. Specific types of court cases will also only be heard remotely. Court of Appeals of Maryland Chief Judge Joseph M. Getty said in a statement:   “In an abundance of caution and through consultation with state leadership, I have made the necessary decision to revert back to Phase III operations. Although reduced in operations, our courts will continue to remai…

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by Joe Gomez