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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 NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation
Euthanasia Of NY's '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…
McDonald's IDs Source Of E. Coli Outbreak Tied To Quarter Pounders McDonald's IDs Source Of E. Coli Outbreak Tied To Quarter Pounders
McDonald's IDs Source Of E. Coli Outbreak Tied To Quarter Pounders Health officials have pinpointed the specific ingredient that triggered an E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s that killed one person and sickened dozens more across several states. Testing done by the Colorado Department of Agriculture eliminated Quarter Pounder beef patties as the source of the outbreak, McDonald’s confirmed on Sunday, Oct. 27. That leaves the restaurant’s slivered onions, which are primarily used on Quarter Pounder hamburgers, as the likely source of contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Earlier Report: E. Coli Outbreak Tied To McDonald'…
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 …
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…
This Top Westchester Official Named Recipient Of Prestigious Award This Top Westchester Official Named Recipient Of Prestigious Award
This Top Westchester Official Named Recipient Of Prestigious Award A top-ranking Westchester County official has received a prestigious award for her leadership abilities.  Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler has been named the 2024 recipient of New York Medical College's William Cullen Bryant Award, county officials announced on Thursday, Oct. 3.  The award, named after the college's founder, recognizes those who show seminal leadership in health care, science, education, business, or the arts and was also bestowed to Amler's husband, Robert Amler, the college's Vice President of Government Affairs.  The awards were …
Water Fluoridation Suspended In 2 Northern Westchester Towns After Court Ruling Water Fluoridation Suspended In 2 Northern Westchester Towns After Court Ruling
Water Fluoridation Suspended In 2 Northern Westchester Towns After Court Ruling In response to a federal court ruling regarding risks posed by water fluoridation, officials in Northern Westchester have ordered the practice to be suspended in two towns as a precautionary measure.  In an announcement on Thursday, Sept. 26, Yorktown Supervisor Ed Lachterman said he ordered a pause on water fluoridation within the town, which will also affect Somers residents.  Lachterman's decision was made following a ruling by US District Court Edward Chen on Tuesday, Sept. 24 that determined the current standard for fluoridation in the US, 0.7 mg/L, poses an "unreas…
COVID-19: Free At-Home Tests Are Now Available To Order Online While Supplies Last COVID-19: Free At-Home Tests Are Now Available To Order Online While Supplies Last
Covid-19: Free At-Home Tests Are Now Available To Order Online While Supplies Last Free rapid tests for COVID-19 are now available to order online. As of Friday, Sept. 27, every American household may order four nasal swab tests through the Department of Health and Human Services program by visiting covid.gov/tests or covidtests.gov while supplies last. After orders are placed, a confirmation email will be sent to the household, with free shipping scheduled to start the week of Monday, Sept. 30, and email delivery updates available if requested. New COVID booster vaccines that became available at the start of September have been updated with a formula…
2nd NY Resident Dies In Listeria Outbreak Linked To Boar's Head Deli Meats 2nd NY Resident Dies In Listeria Outbreak Linked To Boar's Head Deli Meats
2nd NY Resident Dies In Listeria Outbreak Linked To Boar's Head Deli Meats A new death, the 10th overall, has been reported from a Listeria outbreak linked to the recall of millions of pounds of Boar's Head deli meats.The person who died was a New York resident, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The breakdown by states of the fatalities since the outbreak began in mid-May is as follows: New York (two), South Carolina (two), and one each in New Jersey, Virginia, Florida, Illinois, Tennessee, and New Mexico. Since the bacteria was first discovered in liverwurst produced at Boar's Head's plant in Jarratt, Virginia, 59 people have been…
Free COVID-19 At-Home Tests Will Soon Become Available Online Free COVID-19 At-Home Tests Will Soon Become Available Online
Free Covid-19 At-Home Tests Will Soon Become Available Online The Department of Health and Human Services will soon restart its program of offering free rapid tests for the virus through the mail. Every American household may order four nasal swab tests starting by the end of September by visiting covid.gov/tests or covidtests.gov. Both standard and more accessible COVID-19 tests will be available, while supplies last. The department did not announce what specific day and date requests will start to be processed. New COVID booster vaccines that became available at the start of September have been updated with a formula to more closely target cu…
Hudson Valley Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared Hudson Valley Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared
Hudson Valley Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared A New York resident has died days after contracting the state’s first human case of a rare but serious mosquito-borne virus in nearly a decade. The Ulster County resident died from complications stemming from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office confirmed on Monday, Sept. 23. It marks the first human case of EEE in New York State since 2015. Earlier Report: Human Case Of Severe Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed In Ulster County, First In NY Since 2015 “We’ve been informed this patient has passed away from EEE, we extend our sympathies and our hearts go out t…
Human Case Of Potentially Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed For First In NY Since 2015 Human Case Of Potentially Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed For First In NY Since 2015
Human Case Of Potentially Deadly Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed For First In NY Since 2015 For the first time in a decade, health officials in New York confirmed a human case of a rare but serious mosquito-borne disease. Click here for updated story: Ulster County Resident Dies From EEE Virus; State Declares 'Imminent Threat To Public' In Ulster County, the New York State Department of Health confirmed that a resident was hospitalized after testing positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE), the agency announced Friday, Sept. 20. It marks the first human case of EEE in New York State since 2015. The Ulster County Department of Health is investigating. Earlier …
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…
COVID-19: Hochul Urges NYers To Receive New Vaccines Ahead Of Flu Season COVID-19: Hochul Urges NYers To Receive New Vaccines Ahead Of Flu Season
Covid-19: Hochul Urges NYers To Receive New Vaccines Ahead Of Flu Season Now that the new COVID-19 vaccine is available in New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging residents to get their updated shots ahead of this year's respiratory virus illness season. Related story - COVID-19: New XEC Strain 'Just Getting Started' Sparks Concern Amid Summer Wave Of US Cases In an announcement this week, Hochul encouraged eligible New Yorkers to get the new Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccine for the 2024-2025 season, offered by Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax.  According to Hochul, receiving the new vaccine is more pressing as students return to school and …
COVID-19: New XEC Strain 'Just Getting Started' Sparks Concern Amid Summer Wave Of US Cases COVID-19: New XEC Strain 'Just Getting Started' Sparks Concern Amid Summer Wave Of US Cases
Covid-19: New XEC Strain 'Just Getting Started' Sparks Concern Amid Summer Wave Of US Cases A newly discovered more contagious COVID-19 strain spreading rapidly through Europe is sparking concerns among health authorities around the globe as the United States is experiencing its largest wave of cases in over two years. XEC, which was first identified in Germany, may eventually overtake the current dominant subvariant, KP.3.1.1, which is currently most common in the United States, accounting for about 42 percent of cases nationally according to data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released on Saturday, Aug. 31. XEC make take weeks or even months before it s…
Person Who Consumed Recalled Boar’s Head Products May Have Permanent Injuries, Lawsuit Says Person Who Consumed Recalled Boar’s Head Products May Have Permanent Injuries, Lawsuit Says
Person Who Consumed Recalled Boar’s Head Products May Have Permanent Injuries, Lawsuit Says A person in the New York metropolitan area who purchased and consumed recalled Boar's Head products is believed to have permanent injuries, a new lawsuit alleges. Manhattan-based injury and food safety attorney John Beatty has been retained to file the suit against Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc. for a client who suffered severe health consequences due to Listeria contamination. The person, whose precise place of residence has not been released, contracted Listeria, leading to a near-fatal case of meningitis and an almost month-long hospital stay, according to Beatty. "The client is belie…
Free Vaccine Clinics For Students To Be Held In Westchester: Here's Where: Free Vaccine Clinics For Students To Be Held In Westchester: Here's Where:
Free Vaccine Clinics For Students To Be Held In Westchester: Here's Where: As the new school year approaches, Westchester health officials will be hosting free vaccine clinics to help children receive their required shots.  The immunizations will be offered to children eligible for New York State's Vaccines for Children program at clinics hosted by the Westchester County Department of Health in Yonkers and White Plains, county officials announced.  The clinics, which will be held between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., include: Mondays in the White Plains clinic at 134 Court St.; Thursdays and Fridays in the Yonkers clinic at 20 South Broadway.&nb…
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…
NY Resident Dies After Eating Recalled Boar's Head Deli Meat NY Resident Dies After Eating Recalled Boar's Head Deli Meat
NY Resident Dies After Eating Recalled Boar's Head Deli Meat The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says six more people have died from a listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats since authorities issued a recall notice last month.  Over 50 people have been hospitalized.  Federal authorities warned about Boar's Head deli meats after people in 13 states reported getting sick after eating the products. That number has grown to 18 states, with new deaths being reported in New York, Florida, Tennessee, New Mexico, and South Carolina, the CDC said on Wednesday, Aug. 28.  The agency said it is the biggest listeria ou…
41-Year-Old In Northeast Dies From Serious Mosquito Virus Eastern Equine Encephalitis 41-Year-Old In Northeast Dies From Serious Mosquito Virus Eastern Equine Encephalitis
41-Year-Old In Northeast Dies From Serious Mosquito Virus Eastern Equine Encephalitis One person has died and two others in the Northeast have been infected this summer with a rare but serious mosquito-borne disease. Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is caused by a virus spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, similar to the West Nile virus. On Tuesday, Aug. 27, an adult from the town of Hampstead, in southeastern New Hampshire who tested positive for EEE died, the New Hampshire Department of Public Health announced. He had been hospitalized with the illness. The man has been identified by his family as 41-year-old Steven Perry, according to ABC…
NY County's Mask Ban Causes 'Great Stress, Fear,' Federal Lawsuit Argues NY County's Mask Ban Causes 'Great Stress, Fear,' Federal Lawsuit Argues
NY County's Mask Ban Causes 'Great Stress, Fear,' Federal Lawsuit Argues A New York county’s controversial mask ban is already facing legal challenges. Click here for a new, updated story: Mask Ban Arrest: Hicksville 18-Year-Old First Person Charged Under Controversial Law In a class action lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of New York on Thursday, Aug. 22, Disability Rights of New York argued that Nassau County’s law barring face coverings in public violates federal law and discriminates against people with disabilities. The filing came a little more than a week after Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, signed the “Mask Transparenc…
Walmart Issues Massive Recall For Juice Product Sold In 23 States, Including NY Walmart Issues Massive Recall For Juice Product Sold In 23 States, Including NY
Walmart Issues Massive Recall For Juice Product Sold In 23 States, Including NY 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,…
FDA Approves Updated COVID-19 Vaccines: Here's When They Will Be Available FDA Approves Updated COVID-19 Vaccines: Here's When They Will Be Available
FDA Approves Updated Covid-19 Vaccines: Here's When They Will Be Available The US Food and Drug Administration has just approved new COVID-19 vaccines.It marks the third time the vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna have been updated to match circulating strains since the original shot. The shots should be available within days, the FDA said in making the announcement Thursday afternoon, Aug. 22. The new vaccines have been updated with a formula to more closely target currently circulating variants and provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID, including hospitalization and death. “Vaccination continues to be the cornerstone of COVID-19 preventi…
Beaches Closed To Swimming In Westchester After Heavy Rain: Here's Where Beaches Closed To Swimming In Westchester After Heavy Rain: Here's Where
Beaches Closed To Swimming In Westchester After Heavy Rain: Here's Where Swimmers are not allowed to enter the water at several beaches in Westchester following heavy rainfall, health officials announced. The beach closures were implemented by the Westchester County Department of Health for Monday, Aug. 19 following heavy precipitation on Sunday, Aug. 18.  Affected beaches include:  Mamaroneck:  The Stephen E. Johnston Beach at Harbor Island Park; Beach Point Club; Orienta Beach Club; Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club. Rye:  Coveleigh Club. New Rochelle:  Hudson Park Beach; Davenport Club; Greentree Club; Surf Club. According to h…
Newest Update: More Beaches In Westchester Cleared To Reopen, 2 Remain Closed Newest Update: More Beaches In Westchester Cleared To Reopen, 2 Remain Closed
Newest Update: More Beaches In Westchester Cleared To Reopen, 2 Remain Closed Bring out your buckets and spades—more beaches in Westchester have been cleared to open to swimmers by county health officials.  A total of three beaches in Mamaroneck in New Rochelle were allowed to open on Friday, Aug. 16, Westchester County health officials announced.  The beaches include:  Mamaroneck:  Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club; Harbor Island Beach. New Rochelle: Hudson Park West Beach. The announcement follows a previous spree of beach reopenings on Tuesday, Aug. 13.  Earlier Report - Update: Heavy Rains Prompt Beach Closures In Mamaroneck W…
Season's First Positive Human West Nile Virus Cases Confirmed In Westchester Season's First Positive Human West Nile Virus Cases Confirmed In Westchester
Season's First Positive Human West Nile Virus Cases Confirmed In Westchester West Nile Virus has made its way to humans in Westchester, officials announced.  A New Rochelle resident and Mount Vernon resident both tested positive for the virus, making them the first confirmed human cases in the county this year, Westchester health officials announced on Thursday, Aug. 15.  According to Westchester Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, the confirmation came a little sooner than expected.  "These first cases of West Nile Virus are earlier than usual and should serve as a reminder to all of us to remove all standing water around your home every time a…
Update: Heavy Rains, Algae Blooms Prompt Beach Closures In Westchester While Several Reopen Update: Heavy Rains, Algae Blooms Prompt Beach Closures In Westchester While Several Reopen
Update: Heavy Rains, Algae Blooms Prompt Beach Closures In Westchester While Several Reopen Beachgoers, there's good news and bad news: several beaches in Westchester shuttered by health officials after heavy rains have reopened, while some remain closed to visitors.  New, updated report - More Beaches In Westchester Cleared To Reopen, 2 Remain Closed The closure updates were announced by county officials on Tuesday, Aug. 13 following water retesting conducted after several locations were originally closed on Monday, Aug. 6, and Thursday, Aug. 8.  County-owned beaches that remain closed to swimmers because of heavy rainfall include: Mamaroneck: Mamaroneck Beach …
Milk From NY Farm Recalled Over Possible Bacteria Concerns Milk From NY Farm Recalled Over Possible Bacteria Concerns
Milk From NY Farm Recalled Over Possible Bacteria Concerns State officials are warning people not to consume unpasteurized raw milk that was sold by a New York farm due to possible bacteria concerns. Routine testing revealed the presence of bacteria in unpasteurized milk that was sold by Montgomery County’s HuHill Farm in Fort Plain, according to the state’s Department of Agriculture and Markets. The farm was prohibited from selling raw milk until further testing indicated it was free of the harmful bacteria. No illnesses connected to the recall had been reported to the agency as of Wednesday, Aug. 7. The particular bacteria found, Campylobacter …
Sewage Discharge Prompts Beach Closures In Westchester: Here's Where Sewage Discharge Prompts Beach Closures In Westchester: Here's Where
Sewage Discharge Prompts Beach Closures In Westchester: Here's Where Health officials have closed two beaches in Westchester as a result of an ongoing sewage discharge.  The two beaches, both located in Larchmont, were shut down by the county's Health Department on Thursday, Aug. 8 due to a sewage discharge from the Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities Beach Avenue Pump Station.  The beaches now closed are: Larchmont Manor Park Beach; Larchmont Shore Club Beach. Any residents in the area should avoid contact with the water until further notice.  This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.&nbs…
Third Death From Listeria Outbreak Linked To Boar's Head Deli Meat Third Death From Listeria Outbreak Linked To Boar's Head Deli Meat
Third Death From Listeria Outbreak Linked To Boar's Head Deli Meat A person from Virginia has become the third person to die during an ongoing Listeria food poisoning outbreak linked to millions of pounds of Boar's Head deli meats that were recalled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an update on Thursday, Aug. 8 advising that there have been nine more cases reported in connection to the recall, bringing the total to 43 hospitalized - three of which who died, including one from Virginia. No details about the person who died in Virginia have been released. Two others in the state have also been sickened with Listeria amid the outbr…