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Public Health

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 …
PA Amish Family Of 11, Including Infant, Hospitalized By ‘Toxic Mushrooms’: Officials PA Amish Family Of 11, Including Infant, Hospitalized By ‘Toxic Mushrooms’: Officials
PA Amish Family Of 11, Including Infant, Hospitalized By ‘Toxic Mushrooms’: Officials "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…
Woman Dies After Less Than 24 Hours In Allegheny County Jail: Officials Woman Dies After Less Than 24 Hours In Allegheny County Jail: Officials
Woman Dies After Less Than 24 Hours In Allegheny County Jail: Officials A woman who had only been in the Allegheny County Jail for one day has died, officials announced on Saturday, Sept. 14.  The unidentified 53-year-old woman passed away following a "medicinal incident" less than 24 hours after entering the jail, Acting Warden Shane T. Dady said.   The woman was still in the Allegheny County Jail intake department when she passed. She was brought in on a felony possession charge on Friday, Sept. 13. A "medical emergency" was called in the department at approximately 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 14. "Jail healthcare staff attempted lifesavin…
'Gas Station Heroin' Killed NJ Man, Philadelphia Firm Announces 'Gas Station Heroin' Killed NJ Man, Philadelphia Firm Announces
'Gas Station Heroin' Killed NJ Man, Philadelphia Firm Announces The family of a Toms River man has filed a lawsuit claiming he was killed by a supplement known by many as "gas station heroin." The suit, filed on Thursday, Sept. 5 by the family of 32-year-old Matthew Cornier, names Neptune Resources, LLC; Super Chill CBD Products; and Hometown Market. Philadelphia-based law firm Feldman Shepherd announced the legal action in a news release on Thursday, Sept. 12. Cornier died on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, after consuming Neptune's Fix Elixir purchased from a store in Point Pleasant, the suit claimed. The product is marketed as a dietary supplement…
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…
Raw Milk Recall In Lancaster County Due To E. Coli: PA Dept. Of Agriculture Raw Milk Recall In Lancaster County Due To E. Coli: PA Dept. Of Agriculture
Raw Milk Recall In Lancaster County Due To E. Coli: PA Dept. Of Agriculture A raw milk recall has been issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Meadow View Jerseys brand milk bought between Aug. 5-12 with a sell-by date of Aug. 19 should be thrown away immediately, according to the PA Dept. of Agriculture. It was sold in plastic gallon, quart, pint, and plastic and glass half-gallon jugs. Routine pathogen testing showed the milk was contaminated with E. coli, the department explained.  "Shigatoxin-producing E. coli can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses," the dep…
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…
FDA Recalls Ground Cinnamon Over Lead Contamination FDA Recalls Ground Cinnamon Over Lead Contamination
FDA Recalls Ground Cinnamon Over Lead Contamination The FDA is recalling two brands of ground Cinnamon shipped out to several states due to elevated levels of lead. Both Advance Food International, Inc. of Maspeth, NY, and American Spices, LLC. of Ozone Park, NY, recalled the products Shahzada's Cinnamon powder was distributed to retailers in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts between Jan. 1 and May 24. AFI's powder was distributed across the NYC area between Dec. 1, 2023 and May 15. ALB-USA Enterprises Recalls ALB Flavor Ground Cinnamon Because of Possible Health Risk https://t.co/FkvWx4vA9R pic.twitter.com/pG…
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…
Lehigh Coroner Seeks Next Of Kin For New Jersey Woman Lehigh Coroner Seeks Next Of Kin For New Jersey Woman
Lehigh Coroner Seeks Next Of Kin For New Jersey Woman Officials are looking for the loved ones of a New Jersey woman who died on Friday, July 12.  Shirley J. Smith, 77, of Belvidere, broke her right femur in a fall and died from complications at St. Luke's University Hospital in Bethlehem, said the Lehigh County Coroner's Office. Her death was ruled an accident.  Anyone who can contact her family is asked to call the Coroner's Office at 610-782-3426 or email danielbuglio@lehighcounty.org. 
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…
FDA Warns Against Microdosed' Chocolate After PA Resident Sickened FDA Warns Against Microdosed' Chocolate After PA Resident Sickened
FDA Warns Against Microdosed' Chocolate After PA Resident Sickened Consumers should avoid Diamond Shruumz branded chocolate, cones, and gummies, federal regulators say.  Twelve people, including one Pennsylvania resident, became sick after eating Diamond Shruumz products, which according to the company's website contain a "proprietary blend of nootropic and functional mushrooms." The Food and Drug Administration said consumers reported a variety of symptoms including seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting. Of the 12 peopl…
27 Pennsylvanians Sickened In Salmonella Outbreak: CDC 27 Pennsylvanians Sickened In Salmonella Outbreak: CDC
27 Pennsylvanians Sickened In Salmonella Outbreak: CDC Dozens of Pennsylvanians are among the 162 people affected by a salmonella outbreak, according to health officials.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the outbreak is linked to cucumbers sold in bulk to retail distribution centers in 14 states. Sellers may also have shipped the affected produce to other states.  The supplier, Fresh Start Produce Sales, recalled the cucumbers on May 31. They were grown in Florida and shipped from May 17 to May 21, according to the CDC.  Officials said 27 Pennsylvanians have gotten sick, more than in any other state.…
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…
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…
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…
Coatesville School Dismisses Early For 'Unscheduled Water Shutoff' Coatesville School Dismisses Early For 'Unscheduled Water Shutoff'
Coatesville School Dismisses Early For 'Unscheduled Water Shutoff' Students at Scott Middle School in Coatesville were sent home early on Thursday, March 21 following an "unscheduled water shut off by American Water Company," district administrators said.  "We apologize for the inconvenience and short notice; however, we have to prioritize the health and safety of our students and staff," Coatesville Area School District said on Facebook.  "The school cannot adequately operate without water." Students were dismissed from campus at 10:30 a.m. and will spend the rest of the day on a remote learning schedule, administrators said.  The amended…
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…
Potential Measles Exposure In Montgomery County: Health Officials Potential Measles Exposure In Montgomery County: Health Officials
Potential Measles Exposure In Montgomery County: Health Officials Public health authorities in Montgomery County are warning of potential exposure to the measles virus.  There are currently eight confirmed cases of measles in Philadelphia, and while there are no known cases in Montco, the Office of Public Health says residents may have been exposed at two times and locations:  Holy Redeemer Pediatric Urgent Care-Meadowbrook, 1648 Huntingdon Pike, Meadowbrook on Jan. 3 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Jefferson Abington Hospital Emergency Department, 1200 Old York Road, Abington, Jan. 3 from 7 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.  OPH reco…
Trenton Lead Inspectors Admit Inflating Overtime Pay: Feds Trenton Lead Inspectors Admit Inflating Overtime Pay: Feds
Trenton Lead Inspectors Admit Inflating Overtime Pay: Feds Two Trenton lead inspectors admitted that they received nearly $55,000 in illegal overtime pay from the city for hours they did not work, federal authorities said. Michael Ingram, 71, of Trenton, and William Kreiss, 40, of Yardley, PA, pleaded guilty in Trenton federal court to conspiracy to embezzle, steal, and obtain by fraud from the city of Trenton, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Trenton’s Department of Health and Human Services was required to provide services to identify lead sources in homes in Trenton where children had tested positive for elevated levels of lead in their …
Judge Orders South Jersey School Janitor Detained In Food Contamination Case Judge Orders South Jersey School Janitor Detained In Food Contamination Case
Judge Orders South Jersey School Janitor Detained In Food Contamination Case A South Jersey judge has ordered that an elementary school janitor accused of contaminating food with his own bodily fluids at his place of employment be detained in the Cumberland County Jail. Judge Cristen P. D’Arrigo said that Giovanni Impellizzeri, 25, of Vineland, remains a substantial risk to the public during a hearing on Thursday, Nov. 9. Impellizzeri, was charged with aggravated assault, tampering with food and official misconduct for the heinous incidents at the Elizabeth Moore School in the Upper Deerfield School District, where he has worked since 2019, as previously report…
South Jersey School Janitor Contaminated Food, Utensils With Bleach, Bodily Fluids: Prosecutor South Jersey School Janitor Contaminated Food, Utensils With Bleach, Bodily Fluids: Prosecutor
South Jersey School Janitor Contaminated Food, Utensils With Bleach, Bodily Fluids: Prosecutor An elementary school janitor in South Jersey faces multiple charges, including child endangerment, for allegedly contaminating food and utensils with bleach and bodily fluids. UPDATE: Police Papers Detail Heinous Accusations Against NJ School Janitor, Parents Livid Giovanni Impellizzeri, 25, of Vineland, also is charged with aggravated assault, tampering with food and official misconduct. Impellizzeri was employed by the Elizabeth Moore School in the Upper Deerfield School District. According to the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office, New Jersey State Police were contacted by scho…
Measles In Eastern PA: Officials Measles In Eastern PA: Officials
Measles In Eastern PA: Officials Montgomery County officials are investigating a case of measles in the area.  The patient is an unvaccinated child, and the Office of Public Health is conducting contact tracing "in coordination with (...) the child’s guardian," authorities said in a release Friday, July 28.  "Identified individuals will be contacted and notified of potential exposure to measles and assess each individual’s vaccination status and risk for infection," said MCOPH.  The measles virus can remain infectious on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours after exposure, authorities note.  Th…
Air Quality Alert For South Jersey, Pennsylvania Fueled By Wildfire Air Quality Alert For South Jersey, Pennsylvania Fueled By Wildfire
Air Quality Alert For South Jersey, Pennsylvania Fueled By Wildfire A massive 5,000-acre wildfire raging across Burlington and Ocean counties has contributed to an air quality alert in South Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania, authorities said. Levels of fine particulates and ozone also will rise into the unhealthy zone for sensitive groups, according to the National Weather Service and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.  If you have been outside Thursday, June 1 in southeast New Jersey or southern Delaware, you may have noticed extra smoke and the smell of fire in the air.  While there is decreased air quality due to fires in Nova Scotia, C…
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. …
All Clear: Philly Water Safe To Drink And Unimpacted By Spill, Mayor Says All Clear: Philly Water Safe To Drink And Unimpacted By Spill, Mayor Says
All Clear: Philly Water Safe To Drink And Unimpacted By Spill, Mayor Says Four days after a chemical spill into the Delaware River in Bucks County, municipal officials in Philadelphia say the city's tap water was unaffected.  Philly's tap water remains safe to drink and use, said Mayor Jim Kenney in an address late on Tuesday, March 28. As the city's water was not impacted by the spill, all ongoing advisories have been lifted, added the Water Department.  Mayor Kenney thanked "the swift action, caution, and preparedness" of municipal employees in handling the emergency.  "I'm grateful that no residents were exposed to unsafe chemicals in the City’…