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Public Health

Recall Issued For Prosciutto Made In Germany, Distributed In US Recall Issued For Prosciutto Made In Germany, Distributed In US
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.  FSIS said it is concerned that some products may be in consumers’ or re…
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 Concerns: NY Seeing Rise In Cases 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…
RSV Cases Spike Past COVID-19, Flu In NY RSV Cases Spike Past COVID-19, Flu In NY
RSV Cases Spike Past Covid-19, Flu In NY Health officials are urging New Yorkers to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations as cases of RSV have skyrocketed past cases of the flu and COVID-19. On Wednesday, Nov. 29, the New York State Department of Health urged eligible New Yorkers to get vaccinated against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The recommendation was published alongside data comparing the number of RSV cases alongside COVID-19 and flu cases across the state. From Saturday, Oct. 21 to Saturday, Nov. 25, COVID-19 cases dropped from around 200 cases to just over 150, while the flu increased from under 50 to around…
Woman Sues After Finding Severed Finger In Salad At NY Eatery, Lawsuit Says Woman Sues After Finding Severed Finger In Salad At NY Eatery, Lawsuit Says
Woman Sues After Finding Severed Finger In Salad At NY Eatery, Lawsuit Says A Connecticut woman has filed a lawsuit against a restaurant company in New York after allegedly finding herself chewing on part of a severed human finger while eating a salad served at one of the company's locations within the county.  Fairfield County resident Allison Cozzi, of Greenwich, filed the suit against Rye Brook-based Chop't Creative Salad Company LLC on Monday, Nov. 27 after allegedly finding part of a severed finger inside her meal bought at a Chop't location in Northern Westchester County at 53 South Moger Ave. in Mount Kisco.  According to the lawsuit complaint file…
COVID-19: Symptoms Now Number 11; Here's Latest Rundown From CDC COVID-19: Symptoms Now Number 11; Here's Latest Rundown From CDC
Covid-19: Symptoms Now Number 11; Here's Latest Rundown From CDC When COVID-19 cases first were identified in the United States in March 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) listed just three symptoms for the novel coronavirus: Fever Cough Shortness of breath Now, nearly five years later, the virus remains an everyday part of American life, with about 1,000 deaths from the disease nationwide each week. As COVID has evolved, mainly from the highly contagious Omicron strain and several of its subvariants, the CDC's updated list of symptoms for the virus now numbers 11. They are: Fever or chills Cough Shortness of breath or difficu…
Long Island Restaurant Announces Closure After Foodborne Illness Incident Sickens Dozens Long Island Restaurant Announces Closure After Foodborne Illness Incident Sickens Dozens
Long Island Restaurant Announces Closure After Foodborne Illness Incident Sickens Dozens A Long Island restaurant is permanently closing two weeks after dozens of people were sickened from a foodborne illness incident. The last day in business for Kumo Sushi & Steakhouse in Stony Brook will be Sunday, Sept. 24. "In light of the recent events, we have made the very difficult decision to permanently close the restaurant," the eatery said in a statement released on Saturday, Sept. 23. Located on Nesconset Highway, it had been in business for 10 years. Twelve of the 24 people sickened on Saturday, Sept. 9 were hospitalized. Of the 28 people sickened, 12 were hospitalized.&nb…
COVID-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants COVID-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants
Covid-19: FDA Approves Updated Booster Shots Targeting New Variants Health officials are one step closer to rolling out updated COVID-19 vaccines just in time for a rise in cases heading into the fall and winter months. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new vaccines on Monday, Sept. 11, that are meant to better target currently circulating COVID-19 variants and provide better protection against hospitalization and death, the agency announced. Monday’s move affects vaccines manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer. The updated mRNA vaccines are each approved for people ages 12 and older and are authorized under emergency use for children ages 6 mo…
24-Year-Old Fairfield University Grad Killed In Crash ID'd As Daughter Of Ex-NBA Player 24-Year-Old Fairfield University Grad Killed In Crash ID'd As Daughter Of Ex-NBA Player
24-Year-Old Fairfield University Grad Killed In Crash ID'd As Daughter Of Ex-nba Player A young woman killed in a horrific Connecticut crash earlier this week was the first child and only daughter of a former NBA player. Tiara Wheeler was 24 years old. Her father, Tyson Wheeler, played for the University of Rhode Island men's basketball team as point guard from 1994 to 1998 when the Rams advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight before being drafted by the Toronto Raptors. He later appeared in an NBA game as a member of the Denver Nuggets in 1999. The crash took place in New London County on Monday, Aug. 28 at around 9:30 p.m. in Groton at the intersection of Long Hill Road and t…
Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Ground Beef Bought In NY Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Ground Beef Bought In NY
Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Ground Beef Bought In NY Federal officials are warning residents in four states in the Northeast about a salmonella outbreak that is suspected of spreading through ground beef purchased in a specific supermarket chain.  The outbreak, which was announced by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday, July 25, has been linked to lean ground beef, which is the only common food eaten by those who became ill.  According to officials, all of the affected people who remembered the type of ground beef they ate and where they had purchased it reported that they bought 80 percent lean ground …
Stay Out Of Water: Several Beaches On Long Island Closed Over Bacteria Levels Stay Out Of Water: Several Beaches On Long Island Closed Over Bacteria Levels
Stay Out Of Water: Several Beaches On Long Island Closed Over Bacteria Levels Long Islanders hoping to cool off at the beach will have to choose wisely as several locales are closed to swimming due to high bacteria levels. The following Suffolk County beaches were closed to swimming as of Thursday evening, June 29: Gold Star Battalion Beach in Huntington Amityville Beach in Amityville Benjamin Beach in Bay Shore Ronkonkoma Beach in Islip Water at all four beaches was found to contain bacteria at levels above what is considered acceptable, according to the Suffolk County Department of Health. Bathing in such water could cause gastrointestinal illness, as well as…
Severe Drug-Resistant Skin Infection Never Before Seen In US Detected In NY Severe Drug-Resistant Skin Infection Never Before Seen In US Detected In NY
Severe Drug-Resistant Skin Infection Never Before Seen In US Detected In NY A severe drug-resistant skin infection has been detected for the first time in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The cases of tinea caused by Trichophyton indotineae were diagnosed in women ages 28 and 47 in New York City who experienced lesions on their neck, abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, the CDC said. "A New York City dermatologist notified public health officials of two patients who had severe tinea that did not improve with oral terbinafine treatment, raising concern for potential T. indotineae infection," the CDC said in a…
New Item Added To Recall Of Spinach, Kale, Collard Green Products Due To Listeria Risk New Item Added To Recall Of Spinach, Kale, Collard Green Products Due To Listeria Risk
New Item Added To Recall Of Spinach, Kale, Collard Green Products Due To Listeria Risk A new item has just been added to a recall announced late last week for brands of vegetable products due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes. Lancaster Foods announced the recall of Robinson Fresh, Lancaster, and Giant brand Kale, Spinach, and Collard Green products produced at the company’s Jessup, Maryland facility and distributed through retailers and distributors in the states of New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia.  The recall was initiated after notification that a random sample of a single bag of Chopped Kale Gree…
'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Nassau County Clinics 'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Nassau County Clinics
'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Nassau County Clinics Health officials in New York are hoping that a new campaign encouraging residents to complete their mpox vaccine will help prevent another outbreak ahead of summer. The statewide campaign kicked off Monday, May 1, and includes digital ads on websites, posters in stores and communities, and social media posts, according to the New York State Department of Health (DOH). Earlier Report: NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases Images center around two themes: “It takes two” and “Know the skin you’re in.” Mpox is a rare, viral infection that spreads thr…
Wash Your Hands: Over 80 Students Sickened By Suspected Norovirus Outbreak At LI School Wash Your Hands: Over 80 Students Sickened By Suspected Norovirus Outbreak At LI School
Wash Your Hands: Over 80 Students Sickened By Suspected Norovirus Outbreak At LI School Dozens of students at a Long Island high school were sickened by a suspected outbreak of norovirus, health officials confirmed. More than 80 students were reported absent at Babylon High School on Friday, March 17, after suffering a gastrointestinal illness, according to Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson Pigott. Within hours, officials from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services visited the campus to inspect the kitchen and food services area. They found no indication that the outbreak originated in the school’s cafeteria, according to the department. Lab testing h…
New Poll Reveals How NY Voters Think Gov. Hochul Is Doing Months Into First Full Term New Poll Reveals How NY Voters Think Gov. Hochul Is Doing Months Into First Full Term
New Poll Reveals How NY Voters Think Gov. Hochul Is Doing Months Into First Full Term New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s approval rating dipped slightly in the second month of her first full term in office, according to a brand-new poll. Among the state’s registered voters, Hochul holds an approval rating of 56 to 40 percent, compared to 56 to 36 percent in January, according to a Siena College poll released Monday, Feb. 27. Hochul’s favorability also dipped slightly to 46 to 43 percent, from 48 to 42 percent in January, the poll found. When asked which issues state lawmakers should focus on, 36 percent of voters said crime, followed by cost of living at 27 percent, and afford…
New Listeria Outbreak With Unknown Food Source Under Investigation In NY New Listeria Outbreak With Unknown Food Source Under Investigation In NY
New Listeria Outbreak With Unknown Food Source Under Investigation In NY A new multi-state outbreak of infections from Listeria is under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). "A specific food item has not yet been identified as the source of this outbreak," the CDC said in a statement released on Wednesday, Feb. 15. "However, CDC is concerned that several recent illnesses have been reported. Listeria illness is rare, but it can result in serious illness or death." A total of 11 illnesses have been reported in 10 states, including New York, shown in the image above. Of those states, Michigan is the only state with more than one il…
COVID-19: Subvariant XBB Rapidly Spreading Statewide, Prompting NY Health Department Warning COVID-19: Subvariant XBB Rapidly Spreading Statewide, Prompting NY Health Department Warning
Covid-19: Subvariant XBB Rapidly Spreading Statewide, Prompting NY Health Department Warning As the new COVID-19 variant named XBB.1.5 rapidly spreads through New York, officials are urging people to receive their booster shots to protect themselves.  Earlier Report - COVID-19: Subvariant XBB Accounts For 70% Of Tristate NY Cases, Sparking Concerns Of New Wave The variant, which spreads more quickly than other currently circulating strains of the virus, is already making up more than 50 percent of cases in the state, making it the predominant strain, according to the New York Department of Health.  Although it is not yet clear if the XBB.1.5 variant is more se…
Need A New Year's Resolution? Here's A Good One, NY Health Officials Say Need A New Year's Resolution? Here's A Good One, NY Health Officials Say
Need A New Year's Resolution? Here's A Good One, NY Health Officials Say State health officials have a suggestion for those struggling to come up with a new year’s resolution: kick the habit of smoking e-cigarettes and vaping. In a statement Friday, Dec. 30, the New York State Department of Health urged residents to stop using the “highly addictive and dangerous” products. “According to research, both e-cigarette users and those who are exposed to secondhand emissions may experience long-term health issues,” State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett said. “I encourage New Yorkers who use e-cigarettes to ring in the New Year by making a resolution to quit usi…
COVID-19: Cases Rising On Long Island, Wastewater Testing Reveals COVID-19: Cases Rising On Long Island, Wastewater Testing Reveals
Covid-19: Cases Rising On Long Island, Wastewater Testing Reveals State leaders are urging people to take precautions ahead of holiday gatherings as new data shows COVID-19 cases are rising on Long Island. Wastewater testing shows that COVID-19 cases are climbing in Suffolk County, the county’s health department revealed Thursday, Dec. 22. Testing found “substantial to high” levels of the virus at sewage treatment plants near Babylon, Gordon Heights, and Mount Sinai, according to a graphic shared by the health department on Twitter. COVID-19 Alert: Wastewater surveillance has indicated COVID-19 is rising in Suffolk County. Increases in wastewater ca…
Cold Spring Hills Nursing Home Stole $22.6M In Government Funds, AG Says Cold Spring Hills Nursing Home Stole $22.6M In Government Funds, AG Says
Cold Spring Hills Nursing Home Stole $22.6M In Government Funds, AG Says Millions of dollars in public funding that should’ve gone to caring for residents of a New York nursing home were instead diverted into the pockets of its greedy owners, according to a lawsuit from Attorney General Letitia James. The suit, filed Friday, Dec. 16, alleges a years-long fraud scheme carried out by the owners of Long Island’s Cold Spring Hills Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, located in Woodbury. Earlier Report: East Meadow Nursing Home's $16M Fraud Scheme Led To 'Devastating' Resident Abuse, AG Says An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that…
East Meadow Nursing Home's $16M Fraud Scheme Led To 'Devastating' Resident Abuse, AG Says East Meadow Nursing Home's $16M Fraud Scheme Led To 'Devastating' Resident Abuse, AG Says
East Meadow Nursing Home's $16M Fraud Scheme Led To 'Devastating' Resident Abuse, AG Says Sexual abuse, unexplained bruising, unanswered call bells, and humiliating missed trips to the bathroom. Those were just some of the horrors experienced by residents at a New York nursing home stemming from a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme, according to a lawsuit from Attorney General Letitia James. Related Report: East Meadow Nursing Home Employee Sexually Assaulted Resident, Boss Covered Up Crime, DA Says The suit, filed Tuesday, Dec. 13, alleges that the owners of Long Island’s Fulton Commons Care Center, located in East Meadow, exploited New York’s Medicaid program to enrich themsel…
COVID-19: CDC Now Recommends Indoor Mask-Wearing In These 9 NY Counties COVID-19: CDC Now Recommends Indoor Mask-Wearing In These 9 NY Counties
Covid-19: CDC Now Recommends Indoor Mask-Wearing In These 9 NY Counties The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending indoor mask-wearing in nine New York counties in its latest COVID-19 data tracker report. The CDC displays counties in orange, yellow, or green on a color-coded map shown in the image above to guide local residents and authorities: Counties shown in orange are where the CDC advises wearing masks indoors.  Counties shown in yellow are places in which those at high risk for severe disease should be cautious. In green counties, indoor masking is not necessary. As of Friday, Dec. 9, these New York counties are in the “or…
Listeria Outbreak Linked To Meat, Cheese Bought At Deli Counters Under Investigation By CDC Listeria Outbreak Linked To Meat, Cheese Bought At Deli Counters Under Investigation By CDC
Listeria Outbreak Linked To Meat, Cheese Bought At Deli Counters Under Investigation By CDC The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is continuing to investigate a Listeria outbreak linked to meat and cheese bought at deli counters.  "Deli meats (cold cuts, lunch meats, hot dogs, and pâtés sold at the deli) and cheeses are known sources of Listeria illnesses," the CDC said. "This is because Listeria can easily spread among food on deli countertops, deli slicers, surfaces, and hands.  "Listeria is a hardy germ that can be difficult to fully remove once it is in the deli. It can survive and grow at cold temperatures in the refrigerator." The CDC said that it's…
Don't Say Monkeypox: NY Following WHO's Lead In Replacing Disease Name Don't Say Monkeypox: NY Following WHO's Lead In Replacing Disease Name
Don't Say Monkeypox: NY Following WHO's Lead In Replacing Disease Name Health officials in New York are ditching the term “monkeypox.” Instead, the state will follow guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and refer to the disease as “mpox,” state Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett announced Thursday, Dec. 1. Earlier Report: First Case Of Monkeypox Confirmed In Albany County “The words we use matter, and words can carry stigma,” Bassett said. “For this reason, we applaud the World Health Organization for replacing ‘monkeypox’ with ‘mpox.’ “The New York State and City Departments of Health will do the same and transition our printed and digital …