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Public Health

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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.  An 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. 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."  PET HEALTH ALERT: Algae mats detected in the Potomac Riv…
Popular Ice Cream Products Recalled Over Listeria Concerns, FDA Says Popular Ice Cream Products Recalled Over Listeria Concerns, FDA Says
Popular Ice Cream Products Recalled Over Listeria Concerns, FDA Says Approximately 70 ice cream products sold by multiple brands including Friendly's and Hershey's are being recalled due to a possible presence of listeria, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said. The brands were recalled this week by Totally Cool, Inc. based in Owings Mills, MD, which has stopped the production and distribution of the affected products due to FDA sampling. Some of the most popular items recalled include: Friendly's 60 fl oz Celebration Ice Cream Cake 40 fl oz Strawberry Krunch Ice Cream Cake; Hershey's 38 fl oz vanilla and chocolat…
Dollar Tree Sold Lead-Infused Applesauce Pouches For Weeks After Recall, FDA Says Dollar Tree Sold Lead-Infused Applesauce Pouches For Weeks After Recall, FDA Says
Dollar Tree Sold Lead-Infused Applesauce Pouches For Weeks After Recall, FDA Says Despite a recall notice and multiple warnings from the Food and Drug Administration, Dollar Tree continued to sell applesauce pouches containing lead for weeks, federal officials say. The popular retail chain was issued a letter from the FDA this month regarding the WanaBana fruit puree pouches, distributed by Negasmart. "As described below, laboratory analysis of multiple lots of WanaBana Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree pouches, including finished product samples collected from Dollar Tree stores, detected extremely high concentrations of lead," the letter reads.  "... you conti…
First Heat-Related Death Of Summer Reported In Maryland First Heat-Related Death Of Summer Reported In Maryland
First Heat-Related Death Of Summer Reported In Maryland A 59-year-old Prince George's County man has become the first heat-related death this year in Maryland. The Maryland Department of Health issued an alert on Wednesday, June 5 advising of the man's death, though few details were released. Each year, health officials monitor temperature conditions and incidents of heat-related illness and death between May and September, officials said. “We are very saddened to report our first heat-relat​ed death of the 2024 season,” Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Nilesh Kalyanaraman said. “As we experience more hot days in Maryland this summer…
Cucumbers Shipped To 14 States Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination Cucumbers Shipped To 14 States Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination
Cucumbers Shipped To 14 States Recalled Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination A Florida-based company is recalling whole cucumbers that were shipped to 14 states, but may be contaminated with Salmonella, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced. According to the FDA, the cucumbers subject to recall are dark green, between 1.5 inches and two inches thick and between five to nine inches long. Officials made note that mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in the recall. FDA The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons between Friday, May 17 and Tuesday, May 21 to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributor…
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…
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…
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…
Highly-Decorated Off-Duty Police Sergeant Dies Unexpectedly In Maryland Highly-Decorated Off-Duty Police Sergeant Dies Unexpectedly In Maryland
Highly-Decorated Off-Duty Police Sergeant Dies 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 …
Traveler With Measles Passed Through Dulles, Reagan Airports In Virginia: Health Officials Traveler With Measles Passed Through Dulles, Reagan Airports In Virginia: Health Officials
Traveler With Measles Passed Through Dulles, Reagan Airports In Virginia: Health Officials Health officials are cautioning about potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia airports.  The Virginia Department of Health was notified about a person who returned stateside after an international trip and traveled through Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport earlier this month and may have exposed other travelers to the virus. VDH was notified of a confirmed case of measles in a person who traveled through Northern Virginia when returning from international travel. Out of an abundance of caution, VDH is informing people who were at vari…
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…
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…
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 …
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. …
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…
Virginian Among Those Sickened By Eating Raw Flour Amid Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak Virginian Among Those Sickened By Eating Raw Flour Amid Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak
Virginian 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…
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, …
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…