Tag:

Public Health

Court Discontinues Lawsuit Claiming Finger Was Found In Salad At Mount Kisco Eatery Court Discontinues Lawsuit Claiming Finger Was Found In Salad At Mount Kisco Eatery
Court Discontinues Lawsuit Claiming Finger Was Found In Salad At Mount Kisco Eatery A court has discontinued a lawsuit filed against a restaurant chain by a Connecticut woman who claimed she found herself chewing on part of a severed human finger while eating a salad served at one of the company's locations in New York.  The lawsuit, filed against Rye Brook-based Chop't Creative Salad Company LLC by Fairfield County resident Allison Cozzi of Greenwich, was discontinued by the Westchester County Supreme Court on Thursday, July 11.  Cozzi, who brought the suit against Chop't in November, claimed she found part of a severed finger inside her meal…
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…
Latest Update: 2 Northern Westchester Beaches Reopened After Algae Blooms Disappear Latest Update: 2 Northern Westchester Beaches Reopened After Algae Blooms Disappear
Latest Update: 2 Northern Westchester Beaches Reopened After Algae Blooms Disappear Two beaches in Northern Westchester have been allowed to open after testing confirmed the complete clearing of harmful algae blooms from the water.  The following two beaches, both located in Mohegan Lake, were cleared to open on Thursday, July 18, the Westchester County Department of Health announced:  Mohegan Colony Association; Mohegan Beach Park District.  Both beaches were originally shut down on Monday, July 8 as a precautionary measure, according to health officials.  Earlier Report - Harmful Algae Blooms Close Pair Of Mohegan Lake Beaches Their reopenings…
Summer Bummer: High Bacteria Levels Force Beach To Close In Westchester Summer Bummer: High Bacteria Levels Force Beach To Close In Westchester
Summer Bummer: High Bacteria Levels Force Beach To Close In Westchester A beach in Westchester is closed until further notice as a result of high bacteria levels.  New, updated report - Latest Update: Beach In New Rochelle Reopens After Water Samples Show Lower Bacteria Levels Following the collection of water samples on Monday, July 8, and Wednesday, July 10, Hudson Park East Beach in New Rochelle has closed to visitors, Westchester County officials announced on Thursday, July 11.   The collected samples exceeded the bacteria levels allowed by New York State, officials said, adding that the beach would soon be re-tested.  Additionall…
Harmful Algae Blooms Close Pair Of Northern Westchester Beaches Harmful Algae Blooms Close Pair Of Northern Westchester Beaches
Harmful Algae Blooms Close Pair Of Northern Westchester Beaches Two beaches in Northern Westchester are closed thanks to an outbreak of harmful algae blooms that could harm the health of swimmers who come into contact with it.  New, updated report - Summer Bummer: High Bacteria Levels Force Beach To Close In New Rochelle Two beaches in Mohegan Lake are closed until further notice due to the algae blooms, the Westchester County Department of Health announced on Monday, July 8.  The affected beaches are:  Mohegan Colony Association; Mohegan Beach Park District.  The decision to close the beaches was a "precautionary measure,"&n…
Harmful Algae Blooms Close Several Hudson Valley Beaches Harmful Algae Blooms Close Several Hudson Valley Beaches
Harmful Algae Blooms Close Several Hudson Valley Beaches Several beaches in the Hudson Valley are closed to the public thanks to harmful algae blooms that can harm the health of swimmers.  Five beaches in Putnam County are currently closed as a result of the blooms, according to county officials.  The affected beaches include:  Barger Pond Beach in Putnam Valley, which was closed on Saturday, July 6; Carraras Beach in Putnam Valley, which was closed on Friday, July 5;  Jackson Beach in Patterson, which was closed on Tuesday, July 2; Singers Beach in Putnam Valley, which was closed on Saturday, July 6; Warren Beach in Patters…
COVID-19: NY Hospitalizations Well Above Same Period Last Year Amid Increase In Virus Activity COVID-19: NY Hospitalizations Well Above Same Period Last Year Amid Increase In Virus Activity
Covid-19: NY Hospitalizations Well Above Same Period Last Year Amid Increase In Virus Activity As new highly contagious COVID-19 variants emerge, authorities are reporting that statewide hospitalizations in New York have significantly increased compared to the same period last summer. With social gatherings increasing during the summer months and high temperatures forcing people indoors, New York Gov. Kathy Hocul stated on Saturday, July 6, that New Yorkers should get tested if they have symptoms.  In addition, they should also follow the usual precautions, including current CDC guidance, stay current with COVID vaccines, and seek appropriate treatments if necessary. “While we …
COVID-19: New LB.1 Variant Sees Climb In Infections Amid Nationwide Uptick In Cases COVID-19: New LB.1 Variant Sees Climb In Infections Amid Nationwide Uptick In Cases
Covid-19: New LB.1 Variant Sees Climb In Infections Amid Nationwide Uptick In Cases Cases of a new COVID-19 variant are on the rise nationally as the spread of the virus overall is climbing, according to brand-new data from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). The highly contagious variant, LB.1, now accounts for 17.5 percent of US cases in the two weeks ending Saturday, June 22. LB.1 cases have more than doubled since May, and some experts think it could be on a path to surpass two offshoots of the highly contagious Omicron variant who are part of the so-called "FLiRT" group: KP.3 and KP. 2. Combined, those two subvariants account for mo…
Latest Update: Pair Of Westchester Beaches Cleared To Open By Health Officials Latest Update: Pair Of Westchester Beaches Cleared To Open By Health Officials
Latest Update: Pair Of Westchester Beaches Cleared To Open By Health Officials This story has been updated.  Two Westchester County-owned beaches have been cleared to open after tests confirmed that bacteria levels were back to a safe amount, officials announced.  The two beaches, Croton Point Park Beach in Croton-on-Hudson and Philipse Manor Beach in Sleepy Hollow, were cleared to open on Tuesday, July 2, the Westchester County Department of Health announced around 4 p.m.  Both beaches were originally ordered closed on Thursday, June 27 after tests revealed the presence of the maximum level of enterococcus bacteria outlined by the sanitary c…
New Update: Pair Of Westchester Beaches Closed Through Weekend Due To High Bacteria Levels New Update: Pair Of Westchester Beaches Closed Through Weekend Due To High Bacteria Levels
New Update: Pair Of Westchester Beaches Closed Through Weekend Due To High Bacteria Levels This story has been updated.  Sorry, beachgoers — two popular beaches in Westchester have been ordered closed for the weekend following the discovery of high bacteria levels.  New, updated report - Update: Pair Of Westchester Beaches Still Closed Due To High Bacteria Levels Both Croton Point Park Beach in Croton-on-Hudson and Philipse Manor Beach in Sleepy Hollow have been closed through Monday, July 1 due to high bacteria levels, the Westchester County Department of Health announced on Friday, June 28. The beaches were originally closed on Thursday, June 27. However, after…
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…
Caseworker Dies More Than Month After Northern Westchester Attack During Shift: 'Enraging' Caseworker Dies More Than Month After Northern Westchester Attack During Shift: 'Enraging'
Caseworker Dies More Than Month After Northern Westchester Attack During Shift: 'Enraging' A Westchester caseworker has succumbed to her injuries more than a month after she was brutally attacked while performing her duties.  Maria Coto, age 56, died on Wednesday, June 19 as a result of injuries she sustained during an assault in Peekskill on Tuesday, May 14, according to Peekskill Police Lieutenant Adam Renwick.  On the day of the attack, just after 3 p.m., Coto was assaulted by a suspect identified as 31-year-old Haseem Jenkins inside a Peekskill apartment on South Street while making contact with clients, according to county officials and Peekskill Police. Coto…
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…
These Westchester Beaches Ordered Closed By Health Department These Westchester Beaches Ordered Closed By Health Department
These Westchester Beaches Ordered Closed By Health Department If you were looking to spend a fun day in the sand, be warned — several county-owned beaches in Westchester have been ordered closed by health officials.  A total of nine beaches across the county were preemptively closed on Friday, June 7 as a result of 1.25 inches of rain observed in the last 24 hours, according to the Westchester County Department of Health.  The closed beaches are:  Harbor Island, Mamaroneck; Beach Point Club, Mamaroneck; Orienta Beach Club, Mamaroneck; Mamaroneck Beach and Yacht Club; Coveleigh Club, Rye; Hudson Park Beach, New Rochelle; Davenport…
Update: Sewer Break Along Westchester Road Could Take Up To Few Months To Repair Update: Sewer Break Along Westchester Road Could Take Up To Few Months To Repair
Update: Sewer Break Along Westchester Road Could Take Up To Few Months To Repair A sewer pipe leak along a busy road in Westchester could take as much as a few months to repair, officials said.  The break occurred in the area of 100 East Hartsdale Ave. in Greenburgh over Memorial Day weekend and has caused traffic delays and sidewalk closures, according to Greenburgh Police and town officials.  Earlier Report - Sewer Break Closes East Hartsdale Ave Sidewalk In Greenburgh In an announcement on Wednesday, June 5, Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner said that the town still does not have an estimate for the completion of repairs. However, he added t…
Nationwide Recall Issued For Ground Black Pepper Due To Possible Health Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Ground Black Pepper Due To Possible Health Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Ground Black Pepper Due To Possible Health Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a brand of ground black pepper that could be contaminated with Salmonella. UBC Food Distributors issued the recall for the product under the Baraka brand name in 7-ounce plastic containers with UPC code 8 22514 26626 6, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced. The company said it was notified of the potential for contamination based on a routine state surveillance sample collected by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets that tested positive for Salmonella the presence of Salmonella in some packages of the product. Salmon…
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…
Mosquito Prevention: Officials Handing Out Free Dunks To Kill Larvae In Westchester Mosquito Prevention: Officials Handing Out Free Dunks To Kill Larvae In Westchester
Mosquito Prevention: Officials Handing Out Free Dunks To Kill Larvae In Westchester To help combat the spread of mosquitos in Westchester, officials will give out free dunks to residents meant to kill off larvae. On Friday, May 17 between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., the Westchester County Health Department will hand out free mosquito dunks for placing in bird baths, rain barrels, unused pools, lined ornamental ponds, and other areas with standing water. The dunks will be available at the Westchester County Department of Public Works in White Plains at 198 Lake St.  To kill mosquito, blackfly, and fungus gnat larvae, the dunks contain a bacterium called Bacillus Thu…
Nationwide Recall Issued For Ground Beef Products Due To Possible Contamination: View Labels Nationwide Recall Issued For Ground Beef Products Due To Possible Contamination: View Labels
Nationwide Recall Issued For Ground Beef Products Due To Possible Contamination: View Labels A nationwide recall has been issued for ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli. Cargill Meat Solutions, headquartered in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, is recalling approximately 16,240 pounds of the raw ground beef products, the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on Wednesday, May 1. The raw ground beef items were produced on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, 27.  The following products are subject to recall: 2.25-lbs. plastic-wrapped trays containing "93% LEAN 7% FAT ALL NATURAL LEAN GROUND BEEF" with lot code 117 and estab…
Westchester To Hold Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic For Pets: Here's When Westchester To Hold Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic For Pets: Here's When
Westchester To Hold Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic For Pets: Here's When To help residents protect their four-legged friends against potential contact with rabid animals, Westchester County will hold a free rabies vaccination clinic for pets, officials announced.  The free vaccinations will be given to dogs, cats, and ferrets on Sunday, May 5 at Stamen Animal Hospital in New Rochelle at 61 Quaker Ridge Rd., Westchester officials announced.  Vaccinations will be given out from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and no appointments will be needed. Cats and ferrets are required to be in carriers and dogs must be on a leash. Additionally, aggressive dogs must be muzzled.&n…
Nationwide Recall Issued For Prosciutto Made In Germany, Distributed In US Nationwide Recall Issued For Prosciutto Made In Germany, Distributed In US
Nationwide Recall Issued For Prosciutto Made In Germany, Distributed In US A recall has been issued for a brand of deli meat that authorities say was uninspected. The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that ConSup North America Inc., based in Lincoln Park, New Park, is recalling approximately 85,984 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) sliced prosciutto ham produced in Germany without the benefit of equivalent inspection. The RTE sliced prosciutto ham item was produced on various dates from Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, through Wednesday, March 6, 2024, and shipped to retail locations nationwide. FSIS said it is concerned th…
Botched Botox Causes Illness For 19 People In 9 States Including New Jersey, New York: CDC Botched Botox Causes Illness For 19 People In 9 States Including New Jersey, New York: CDC
Botched Botox Causes Illness For 19 People In 9 States Including New Jersey, New York: CDC Nineteen people in nine states, including New Jersey and New York, reported illness after injections from a "counterfeit or mishandled" injection of botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports. As of April 15, a total of 19 people from 9 states reported harmful reactions after receiving botulinum toxin injections from unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-healthcare settings, such as homes and spas, the CDC said.  Counterfeit Botox packages. FDA States reporting these reactions include Colorado, Florida, Illinois, K…
Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness
Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness Less than a month since a case of measles showed up outside of New York City, the number of cases has more than doubled across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Friday, April 12, the CDC announced that the total number of measles cases in the US in 2024 has reached 121 — far surpassing last year’s number of 58 — with cases being reported in 18 states and jurisdictions, including New York State. The update comes after a Nassau County child under the age of 5 was announced as the state’s first measles case to be reported outside of New York C…
Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens
Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens Production has been halted at the largest producer of fresh eggs in the United States after bird flu was discovered in chickens. Cal-Maine Foods reported that one of the company’s facilities located in Parmer County, Texas, tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), resulting in depopulation of approximately 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets, or approximately 3.6 percent of its total flock. "Production at the facility has temporarily ceased as the company follows the protocols prescribed by the USDA," Cal-Maine said in a statement, noting that it is working to s…
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…
2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY 2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY
2 People Exposed To Rabid Cow In Upstate NY A rare case of people being exposed to a cow with rabies occurred in a hamlet in upstate New York. It happened late last week in Lee Center, located near the city of Rome in Oneida County. The cow was sent to a New York State Department of Health center for testing and the test results came back positive, the Oneida County Health Department said.  Two people were exposed to the cow and have received post-exposure prophylaxis, the department said. Signs of rabies include: Animal acting strangely Animal acting mad Animal acting shy The animal may get unusually close Drooling or…
COVID-19: Those Infected With Virus 4 Times More Likely To Develop Chronic Fatigue, CDC Says COVID-19: Those Infected With Virus 4 Times More Likely To Develop Chronic Fatigue, CDC Says
Covid-19: Those Infected With Virus 4 Times More Likely To Develop Chronic Fatigue, CDC Says Those who have had COVID-19 are about four times more likely to develop chronic fatigue compared to those who haven't been infected, according to a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Researchers analyzed electronic health records data collected from the University of Washington that included three hospitals and over 300 primary care and specialty clinics providing healthcare services across the state, totaling 4,589 patients. Patients, who consisted of adults over age 18 having either a positive test result for COVID or a clinical diagnosis of COVID …
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…
Update: 2 More People Bit By Rabid Fox In Northern Westchester Come Forward Update: 2 More People Bit By Rabid Fox In Northern Westchester Come Forward
Update: 2 More People Bit By Rabid Fox In Northern Westchester Come Forward Officials have revealed that two more people were bitten by a rabid fox that was killed in Northern Westchester.  In an announcement on Friday, Jan. 19, the Westchester County Department of Health said two more people bitten by the rabid fox, which was killed in Peekskill, came forward and are now under a doctor's care.  The fox was previously reported as biting two residents in Peekskill on Saturday, Jan. 13 before being killed.  Earlier Report - Rabid Fox Killed After Biting 2 People In Peekskill The fox was seen in the following areas in Peekskill: Roma Orcha…
Rabid Fox Killed After Biting 2 People In Northern Westchester Rabid Fox Killed After Biting 2 People In Northern Westchester
Rabid Fox Killed After Biting 2 People In Northern Westchester Officials are alerting residents to be wary of wild animals after a fox that bit two people in Northern Westchester tested positive for rabies.  New, updated report - Update: 2 More People Bit By Rabid Fox In Peekskill Come Forward The warning came after an incident on Saturday, Jan. 13, when a fox bit two people in Peekskill, according to the Westchester County Department of Health. The exact location of where this happened was not revealed by officials.  The fox has since been killed after testing positive for rabies, health officials said, adding that the two victims, who…