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Public Health

Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Nearly 30 percent of US pharmacies closed between 2010 and 2021, according to a new study in the health-policy publication Health Affairs. The research, led by University of California Berkeley assistant professor Jenny S. Guadamuz and colleagues, analyzed data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, county health statistics, and ZIP Code demographic surveys.  Of the 88,930 retail pharmacies operating in 2010, almost one-third shuttered by 2021, with those in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods disproportionately affected, Independent pharmacies were hit ha…
Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak Linked To 10 Deaths Ends After 61 Illnesses: CDC Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak Linked To 10 Deaths Ends After 61 Illnesses: CDC
Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak Linked To 10 Deaths Ends After 61 Illnesses: CDC The deadly Listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats is over, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Boar's Head recalled all deli products made at its Jarratt, Virginia facility in July 2024, due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  The recall included prepackaged deli products and ready-to-eat liverwurst. The CDC announced the conclusion of its investigation, noting that the outbreak resulted in 61 confirmed illnesses across 19 states. Among those affected, 60 were hospitalized, and 10 deaths were reported, underscoring the severity of the cont…
Feds Issue Order For National Milk Testing To Monitor Bird Flu Feds Issue Order For National Milk Testing To Monitor Bird Flu
Feds Issue Order For National Milk Testing To Monitor Bird Flu The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is stepping up efforts to monitor avian influenza (better known as bird flu) with a new federal order mandating national testing of raw milk for the H5N1 virus. The order requires all producers of raw, unpasteurized milk across the US to provide samples for testing as part of a broad initiative to prevent the spread of bird flu from potentially infected dairy cattle to humans.  The move follows recent detections of the virus in dairy herds in several states, underscoring the importance of controlling outbreaks at the source. While pas…
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says A rare case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a child in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The child, who is a resident of California, experienced only mild symptoms and is now recovering. The case, detected through routine flu testing, revealed low levels of the virus in the initial sample, and follow-up tests were negative for bird flu, but positive for other common respiratory viruses.  The CDC is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to determine how the child might hav…
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving With Thanksgiving meals just a day away, there are concerns over the nation's food supply after multiple major recalls the last few days. Federal authorities are now saying that all products linked to the outbreaks are off the shelves and products currently being sold are safe to eat. After a deadly E. coli outbreak, a California-based company pulled bagged organic carrots from such popular retailers as Whole Foods, Walmart and Trader Joe's.  For the latest info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here. In a Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry pr…
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says A newly discovered compound in drinking water has raised questions about its potential health risks.  The chemical, known as chloronitramide anion (Cl–N–NO₂⁻), was found in all samples from 10 US drinking water systems that use chloramines, according to a study published in the journal Science on Thursday, Nov. 21. The research, led by Julian L. Fairey, an associate professor at the University of Arkansas,  identified chloronitramide anion as a decomposition product of inorganic chloramines, which are commonly used to disinfect municipal water supplies.  The study estimates …
Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products
Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products An E. coli outbreak linked to bagged organic carrots has prompted an expanded recall as the number of cases grows. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 39 people across 18 states have been sickened.  Click here for a new, updated story - Here's What To Know Now About Food Illness Outbreaks, Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving The outbreak has resulted in 15 hospitalizations and one death. The recall initially began earlier this month when reports of illnesses linked to Grimmway Farms’ bagged carrots surfaced. The recall now covers multiple brands of orga…
Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk
Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk A major, nationwide recall is underway for more than 167,000 pounds of ground beef due to possible contamination with E. coli. Wolverine Packing Co., based in Detroit, issued the recall, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced late Wednesday night, Nov. 20. The affected products include fresh ground beef with a “use by” date of Nov. 14 and frozen products marked with a production date of Oct. 22. The items, bearing establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA inspection mark, were shipped to restaurants nationwide. View the full product …
Diesel Dumper: Truck Driver Sentenced For Fuel Spill That Contaminated Maryland Waterways: AG Diesel Dumper: Truck Driver Sentenced For Fuel Spill That Contaminated Maryland Waterways: AG
Diesel Dumper: Truck Driver Sentenced For Fuel Spill That Contaminated Maryland Waterways: AG A Charles County man has been sentenced for illegally dumping thousands of gallons of diesel fuel in Anne Arundel County, causing environmental damage and posing risks to public health, the Attorney General's Office announced on Tuesday. Larry Gross, 46, of Waldorf, pleaded guilty earlier this month to two counts of unlawfully discharging oil, specifically diesel fuel, officials say. "Illegally dumping thousands of gallons of diesel fuel is an irresponsible act that jeopardizes public health," Attorney General Anthony Brown stated. "Toxins from this fuel can harm our waterways, contaminate …
1 Dead, Dozens Sickened In 18 States From E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Carrots 1 Dead, Dozens Sickened In 18 States From E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Carrots
1 Dead, Dozens Sickened In 18 States From E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Carrots An E. coli outbreak linked to carrots has left one person dead and sickened 39 people in 18 states. Click here for a new, updated story: Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) says the infections have come from multiple brands of recalled organic whole bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms, which is based in Bakersfield, California.  "Carrots on store shelves right now are likely not affected but may be in people's homes," the CDC said. "If you have any recalled carrots…
New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Maryland Neighborhood New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Maryland Neighborhood
New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Maryland Neighborhood A new alert has been issued in Anne Arundel County after a raccoon tested positive for rabies. The county's Department of Health issued an alert on Friday, Nov. 15 advising that a raccoon that was trapped in the area of Seamore Street and Marco Drive in the Cedarwood Cove Community in Pasadena tested positive on Thursday for the virus. It is the second such alert in a week. Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals (warm-blooded animals who nurse their young) and is spread through the saliva of the infected animal, usually by a bite or scratch, officials said. Symptoms of rabi…
Trump Selects DMV Native, UVA Grad RFK Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services Trump Selects DMV Native, UVA Grad RFK Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services
Trump Selects DMV Native, UVA Grad RFK Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services President-elect Donald Trump tapped a controversial New Yorker to oversee public health. Robert F Kennedy Jr. is his choice for secretary of health and human services, Trump announced Thursday, Nov. 14.  "For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health," Trump said on Truth Social. Earlier Report: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Suspends Presidential Bid, Backs Donald Trump "The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any A…
Drug Bust In MD Leads To Seizure Of Stash Capable Of Causing 'Hundreds Of Lethal Doses:' Police Drug Bust In MD Leads To Seizure Of Stash Capable Of Causing 'Hundreds Of Lethal Doses:' Police
Drug Bust In MD Leads To Seizure Of Stash Capable Of Causing 'Hundreds Of Lethal Doses:' Police A multi-agency investigation in Northern Maryland led to the recovery of tens of thousands of dollars worth of dangerous drugs that could have killed hundreds and landed three behind bars, authorities announced on Tuesday. The Frederick High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) group executed search and seizure warrants in the 1000 block of Monroe Avenue in Frederick and on a vehicle in Hagerstown on Monday night, leading to a massive bust and multiple arrests. Those charged:  Jayden Isaiah Stephon, 20, of Hagerstown; Christion Sayyid Gill, 26, of Hagerstown; Jamil Nicholas Gardne…
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Cases of whooping cough are five times higher than at this time a year ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning. Officially known as pertussis, those infected have persistent, chronic fits of coughing followed by a “whoop” sound. "Reports of pertussis cases were lower than usual over the past few years, during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.," the CDC said in a new advisory. "However, the United States is beginning to return to pre-pandemic patterns where more than 10,000 cases are typically reported each year. It's likely mitigation measures used during the…
Euthanasia Of 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Euthanasia Of 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation
Euthanasia Of 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Outrage is swirling after New York wildlife officials seized and later euthanized beloved social media sensation “Peanut” the squirrel. Chemung County resident Mark Longo, of Elmira, took to Instagram Wednesday, Oct 30, telling his 581,000 followers that Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers had seized the animal, which he rescued in 2017 after its mother was struck by a car. “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness,” he wrote. “To the people who called (DEC), there’s a special place in hell for you.” In a…
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Maryland Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Maryland
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Maryland A new alert has been issued in Anne Arundel County after a raccoon tested positive for rabies. The county's Department of Health issued an alert on Friday, Nov. 1 advising that anyone who may have come into contact with a raccoon this week in the 6500 block of Shadyside Road in Shadyside should contact officials after the animal tested positive for the virus. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the raccoon tested positive for rabies, though therea re concerns it may have spread to other people and pets in the surrounding area. Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals (warm-blooded ani…
Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning
Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning Cases of walking pneumonia have spiked significantly, especially among children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning in a brand-new advisory. The agency said increases in M. pneumoniae-associated pneumonia infections began late this past spring, peaked in August, and have remained high.  The CDC said it's using various surveillance tools "to better understand any differences in demographics, severity of illness, and outcomes as compared to M. pneumoniae infections prior to the COVID-19 pandemic." The agency said it's also contacting heal…
Dozens Taken To Hospital With Food Poisoning Symptoms In Maryland (DEVELOPING) Dozens Taken To Hospital With Food Poisoning Symptoms In Maryland (DEVELOPING)
Dozens Taken To Hospital With Food Poisoning Symptoms In Maryland (Developing) Dozens of people were evaluated and treating for food poisoning symptoms in Howard County late on Monday afternoon, officials said. At approximately 3:45 p.m. on Oct. 21, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services personnel were called to the 7700 block of Chesapeake Bay Court in Jessup, where there were reports of dozens of people who fell ill from reportedly eating the same food. In total, 46 people were evaluated and taken to area hospitals. Each was considered "non-critical."  Mutual aid during the investigation was provided by Anne Arundel and Baltimore counties. Cr…
Frozen Waffle Listeria Recall Expands To 14+ Grocery Store Brands Frozen Waffle Listeria Recall Expands To 14+ Grocery Store Brands
Frozen Waffle Listeria Recall Expands To 14+ Grocery Store Brands A massive voluntary recall has been issued for frozen waffles sold by over 14 different grocery store chains nationwide due to the potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, TreeHouse Foods, Inc. announced on Friday, Oct. 18. Over 500 varieties of frozen waffles manufactured by TreeHouse Foods and sold with the branding of major retailers such as Walmart's Great Value and Target's Good & Gather have been recalled because of possible Listeria.  As stated in the release: "Listeria monocytogenes is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections …
Fire Company At PA/MD Line Rescues Amish Family Of 11 Poisoned By 'Toxic Mushrooms’ Fire Company At PA/MD Line Rescues Amish Family Of 11 Poisoned By 'Toxic Mushrooms’
Fire Company At PA/MD Line Rescues Amish Family Of 11 Poisoned By 'Toxic Mushrooms’ "Toxic mushrooms" sent 11 Amish family members – including a 1-year-old – to a hospital on Friday night, Oct. 11, officials say.  First responders were called to the home in the 200 block of Burke Road in Peach Bottom Township around 9:37 p.m. when a family member went to a payphone a half-mile away and called 911, Delta-Cardiff Volunteer Fire Company Lieutenant Gregory Fantom explained to the press. The family of 11 included a man, a woman, and nine of their children and they ranged in ages between 1 to 39 years old, Fantom said.  They had reportedly found the wil…
10M Pounds Of Meat, Poultry Recalled Due To Listeria Concerns: Product List 10M Pounds Of Meat, Poultry Recalled Due To Listeria Concerns: Product List
10M Pounds Of Meat, Poultry Recalled Due To Listeria Concerns: Product List The product list has now been released for a nationwide recall of nearly 10 million pounds of meat and poultry products over fears they may be contaminated with Listeria. Click here for a new, updated story: New Update: Products Added To Recall Of 10M Pounds Of Meat, Poultry Due To Listeria Concerns The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)  announced that BrucePac is recalling approximately 9,986,245 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes. The ready-to-eat meat and poultry items were produced…
Third Groundhog Tests Positive For Rabies Within Same Quarter-Mile Area In Frederick County Third Groundhog Tests Positive For Rabies Within Same Quarter-Mile Area In Frederick County
Third Groundhog Tests Positive For Rabies Within Same Quarter-Mile Area In Frederick County For the third time in as many months, a groundhog has tested positive for rabies in Frederick County in the same neighborhood, this time after getting in a fight with a dog, health officials are cautioning. An alert was issued on Tuesday, Oct. 8 cautioning that the animal collected in the Willowcrest neighborhood in Frederick last week tested positive for the virus, the third to test positive for rabies in a quarter-mile area in the last three months. Google Maps satellite view "Finding this many rabid animals a short distance from each other and over a short period of time is unusua…
Boar's Head Shuts Down Plant Tied To Deadly Listeria Outbreak, Will No Longer Make Liverwurst Boar's Head Shuts Down Plant Tied To Deadly Listeria Outbreak, Will No Longer Make Liverwurst
Boar's Head Shuts Down Plant Tied To Deadly Listeria Outbreak, Will No Longer Make Liverwurst The Boar’s Head plant at the center of a recall of millions of pounds of deli meat that has led to nine deaths due to Listeria contamination will be shut down.The company made the announce early Friday afternoon, Sept. 13. "Major deficiencies" at the facility in the rural southern Virginia town of Jarratt posed an “imminent threat” government inspectors warned after discovering "rusted equipment, condensation dripping on the floor and green mold on a wall" about two years before the initial recall on Friday, July 26, according to The Washington Post. But the US Agriculture Department did n…
Mold, Mildew, Insects Found At Boar’s Head Plant Tied To Deadly Listeria Outbreak, Report Says Mold, Mildew, Insects Found At Boar’s Head Plant Tied To Deadly Listeria Outbreak, Report Says
Mold, Mildew, Insects Found At Boar’s Head Plant Tied To Deadly Listeria Outbreak, Report Says Inspectors at the Boar's Head plant tied to a deadly Listeria outbreak discovered mold, mildew and insects among dozens of violations, according to a report by CBS News. Dozens of violations at the plant in Jarratt, Virginia, were outlined in records released by the US Department of Agriculture, the report said. After an initial recall of around 200,000 pounds of deli meat due to possible Listeria contamination, the company expanded it to approximately seven million additional pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products on Tuesday, July 30. Boar's Head's recall includes 71 p…
Walmart Issues Massive Recall For Juice Product Sold In 23 States, Including Maryland Walmart Issues Massive Recall For Juice Product Sold In 23 States, Including Maryland
Walmart Issues Massive Recall For Juice Product Sold In 23 States, Including Maryland Apple juice sold at Walmart has been recalled due to high arsenic levels. The US Food and Drug Administration says 9,535 cases of the company's  Great Value brand 100 percent apple juice were sold in six-packs of 8-ounce plastic bottles bearing this expiration date: Best if Used by DEC2824 CT89-6, and a UPC code of 0-78742-29655-5. According to the FDA, the product contains inorganic arsenic above the action level set in industry guidance (13.2 parts per billion). They were sold in 23 states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia,…
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 2024. On Monday, an alert was issued by the agency advising that an adult living in the Baltimore metro region of Maryland has tested positive for the virus and is recovering from the infection. 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. That number rose to seven in 2023. "We are in the season when the West Nile virus can spread in Maryland,” Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Nilesh Kalyanar…
Pet Owners Warned To Keep Animals Away From Potomac River Due To Algae Mats Pet Owners Warned To Keep Animals Away From Potomac River Due To Algae Mats
Pet Owners Warned To Keep Animals Away From Potomac River Due To Algae Mats Pet owners are being advised to keep their animals away from parts of the Potomac River after potentially deadly algae mats were detected.  A new alert was issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources cautioning that the algae - which was collected from Williamsport to Riley Lock - could be harmful to animals if ingested. This week, a second advisory was issued for the Cumberland area. According to officials, "the algae has the appearance of mats of fine, green cotton and can be found along the shoreline, attached to rocks or plants, on the bottom or floating downstream…
Feral Cat Prowling Outside Maryland Hotel Tests Positive For Rabies: Health Department Feral Cat Prowling Outside Maryland Hotel Tests Positive For Rabies: Health Department
Feral Cat Prowling Outside Maryland Hotel Tests Positive For Rabies: Health Department A feral cat who became aggressive outside a Cecil County hotel has tested positive for rabies, the Health Department confirmed on Wednesday. On Saturday, Aug. 10, Animal Services picked up a cat near the Best Western hotel on Elwoods Road in North East that later tested positive for the virus after acting aggressively in the area. The cat was described as being a small to medium-sized brown and white female tabby. Officials caution that although the cat was found at the hotel, it may have exposed other people and pets in the surrounding area. According to health officials, "rabies is a vi…
Sanitary Sewage Overflow Causes Closure In Anne Arundel County Park Sanitary Sewage Overflow Causes Closure In Anne Arundel County Park
Sanitary Sewage Overflow Causes Closure In Anne Arundel County Park The Anne Arundel County Department of Health has issued an emergency closing for the headwaters of the southern branch of Cypress Creek between Dill Road and Oak Grove Circle. An alert was issued by officials on Monday afternoon advising that the waters will temporarily be closed for swimming, waterskiing and other direct water contact. The closure is in effect for seven days through Monday, Aug. 19. According to health officials, the overflow was reported to the Department of Public Works at around 5 p.m. on Sunday afternoon. It was contained by 9:30 p.m., but the damage was done. Signag…
Boar's Head Expands Deli Meat Recall To Include 7 Million Extra Pounds Boar's Head Expands Deli Meat Recall To Include 7 Million Extra Pounds
Boar's Head Expands Deli Meat Recall To Include 7 Million Extra Pounds Boar's Head has expanded a recall of deli meat products due to possible Listeria contamination. Click here for a new, updated story: Boar's Head Facing Lawsuit Over Deli Meat Recall  The company said on Tuesday, July 30, that it is now recalling approximately seven million additional pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.  This expansion includes 71 products produced between Friday, May 10, and Monday, July 29, 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said. They have “s…
Rabies Alert Issued In Frederick County After Groundhog Tests Positive Following Dog Attack Rabies Alert Issued In Frederick County After Groundhog Tests Positive Following Dog Attack
Rabies Alert Issued In Frederick County After Groundhog Tests Positive Following Dog Attack A fresh alert has been issued in Frederick County after a groundhog tested positive for rabies after attacking a dog near the Taskers Chance swimming pool. An alert was issued by the Health Department after it was notified that a groundhog in the Frederick neighborhood tested positive for the virus after it was picked up from the stormwater management pond area near the swimming pool on Bel Aire Lane. Frederick County Animal Control collected the groundhog after receiving a report that it had attacked a dog earlier this month. Anyone who may have had contact with the infected animal, …