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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…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
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…

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by Jillian Pikora
Business
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…

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by Zak Failla
News
West Nile Virus Detected In Two Mosquito Pools In Central PA West Nile Virus Detected In Two Mosquito Pools In Central PA
West Nile Virus Detected In Two Mosquito Pools In Central PA West Nile Virus has been detected in two pools of mosquitos in one Pennsylvania county. Pools in York City and Spring Grove Borough tested positive for the virus, the York County Mosquito Disease Control announced Saturday, July 22. West Nile Virus is a potentially serious illness that can be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. While most people infected with the virus may not show any symptoms, some individuals may develop mild to severe symptoms, including fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.  In rare cases, particul…

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by Cecilia Levine
Business
Kale, Spinach, Collard Green Products Sold In PA Subject To Listeria Recall Kale, Spinach, Collard Green Products Sold In PA Subject To Listeria Recall
Kale, Spinach, Collard Green Products Sold In PA 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. …

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by Zak Failla
News
Salmonella Outbreak In Bearded Dragons Sickens PA, NJ Residents: Reports Salmonella Outbreak In Bearded Dragons Sickens PA, NJ Residents: Reports
Salmonella Outbreak In Bearded Dragons Sickens PA, NJ Residents: Reports An outbreak of salmonella linked to pet reptiles has reached Pennsylvania and New Jersey, health officials have announced.  Twenty-three residents of 15 states have fallen ill as a result, including two in Pennsylvania and one in New Jersey, according to CBS News.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that bearded dragons kept as pets can spread salmonella, as they carry the bacteria in their droppings. The germs can be found anywhere in a bearded dragon's immediate environment, even when it looks clean, the agency said.  Eight people have been hospitaliz…

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by Mac Bullock
News
Multiple Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Central PA Multiple Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Central PA
Multiple Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Central PA After "multiple collections of mosquitoes" test positive for West Nile Virus, parts of Cumberland County will be "conducting an Adult Mosquito Control Spray on Thursday, August 11,"  authorities say.  “Our recent collections have revealed high populations of adult mosquitoes, some of which were determined to have West Nile Virus,” said John Bitner, Cumberland County Vector Control. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) confirmed the county’s collection contained West Nile Virus, according to Vector Control.  The positive mosquitos all w…

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by Jillian Pikora
News
Monkeypox Arrives In Philadelphia: Reports Monkeypox Arrives In Philadelphia: Reports
Monkeypox Arrives In Philadelphia: Reports Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles County all announced their first monkeypox cases on Thursday, June 2. The disease is normally spread by infected wild animals in Africa. There were two cases in the United States last year, both in travelers returning from Nigeria, reports said. At least two of the newest US cases involved travel. All three locations’ public health departments are awaiting confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The Hill reported.  New York City also has recorded five monkeypox cases. Philadelphia's health department said any …

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by Jon Craig
News
COVID-19: CDC Issues New Advisory Recommending People Wear Masks In These Settings COVID-19: CDC Issues New Advisory Recommending People Wear Masks In These Settings
Covid-19: CDC Issues New Advisory Recommending People Wear Masks In These Settings The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is calling on the Department of Justice to proceed with an appeal after a federal judge struck down President Joe Biden’s mask mandate for public transportation settings. Following the announcement of the judgment, the CDC issued a statement advising that the agency is continuing to advise that all Americans continue to mask up while using public transportation, despite the ruling. Original story - COVID-19: Federal Judge Strikes Down CDC Mask Mandate For Travel According to the CDC, officials “continue to recommend that people west mask…

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by Zak Failla
News
Philly Mask Mandate Returns Due To Rising COVID-19 Cases Philly Mask Mandate Returns Due To Rising COVID-19 Cases
Philly Mask Mandate Returns Due To Rising Covid-19 Cases A mask mandate has been reinstated in Philadelphia in response to an increase in COVID-19 cases, health officials announced this week. The mandate, which will apply to all indoor public spaces, will take effect on Monday, April 18, the city's health department said on Twitter. 🧵 Due to increasing COVID-19 cases, @PhiladelphiaGov will move to Level 2: Mask Precautions beginning today. In order to provide a one-week education period for businesses, masks will be required in all indoor public spaces as of Monday, April 18, 2022. (1/4) — Philadelphia Public Health (@PHLPublicHealth) April 1…

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by Nicole Acosta
News
COVID-19: This Key Factor Could Indicate Whether Stealth Omicron Will Cause New Surge In US COVID-19: This Key Factor Could Indicate Whether Stealth Omicron Will Cause New Surge In US
Covid-19: This Key Factor Could Indicate Whether Stealth Omicron Will Cause New Surge In US With the new “stealth” COVID-19 sub-variant emerging from the shadows in the US and overseas, researchers are concerned that one subset of Americans could potentially lead to a possible new surge of infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Omicron, which is known as B.1.1.529, has three sub-variants: the original BA.1 that remains the dominant strain, the “stealth” BA.2, which is picking up steam, and the more elusive BA.3. The new “stealth” variant - named for its difficulty to identify due to a lack of certain genetic characteristics - has been becoming more of a co…

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by Zak Failla
News
Contaminated Water In These PA Towns Has Lasting Health Effects, National Study Underway Contaminated Water In These PA Towns Has Lasting Health Effects, National Study Underway
Contaminated Water In These PA Towns Has Lasting Health Effects, National Study Underway A national study is measuring the effects of contaminated drinking water in 10 regions of the country including towns near military bases in Pennsylvania. The contaminants, known as PFAS, are also called “forever” chemicals because they stay in bodies for many years and have been linked to potentially serious health problems. In many cases, the source of PFAS in the groundwater is likely past use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in the area. At airports and military bases, the foam is used as a fire suppressant to extinguish flammable liquid fires such as fuel fires. The studies are bei…

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by Jon Craig
News
Omicron Surge Halts Maryland Jury Trials Omicron Surge Halts Maryland Jury Trials
Omicron Surge Halts Maryland Jury Trials New jury trials in Maryland are being postponed due to the unprecedented rise in COVID-19 fueled by omicron. The Maryland Judiciary announced that all jury trials scheduled between Dec. 29 and Feb. 8 will be rescheduled. Specific types of court cases will also only be heard remotely. Court of Appeals of Maryland Chief Judge Joseph M. Getty said in a statement:   “In an abundance of caution and through consultation with state leadership, I have made the necessary decision to revert back to Phase III operations. Although reduced in operations, our courts will continue to remai…

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by Joe Gomez
News
Original COVID-19 'Ground Zero' In NJ Approaches Virtual Lockdowns Again Original COVID-19 'Ground Zero' In NJ Approaches Virtual Lockdowns Again
Original Covid-19 'Ground Zero' In NJ Approaches Virtual Lockdowns Again An “alarming” spike in the number of new COVID-19 cases forced all township buildings closed to the public on Tuesday in Teaneck, which had been considered "ground zero" in New Jersey when the virus first exploded 21 months ago. “This action is just one measure that will be taken to help keep our community, workforce and families safe from the spread of the virus,” Township Manager Dean B. Kazinci said. Citizens can still conduct business and communicate with township authorities during normal business hours by making an appointment. Other resources include calls, emails, the township webs…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Business
Central PA Walmart Temporarily Closes Central PA Walmart Temporarily Closes
Central PA Walmart Temporarily Closes A central Pennsylvania Walmart is temporarily closed for restocking amid rising cases of COVID-19, according to a statement released by the company. The company closed its York, Pennsylvania store located at 1000 Town Center Drive on Thursday starting at 2 p.m., according to the release. The release cites rising COVID-19 cases in the area as the reason it must close, saying, “This will allow extra time for a third-party specialist to further sanitize the store and will also give our associates additional time to restock shelves and prepare the store to once again serve the community.” The…

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by Jillian Pikora
News
PA Health Secretary Resigning At End Of Year PA Health Secretary Resigning At End Of Year
PA Health Secretary Resigning At End Of Year Pennsylvania's acting Health Secretary Alison Beam will step down at the end of the year, according to a release by Gov. Tom Wolf's administration. "I am proud to have worked with Acting Secretary Beam over the past several years, and the commonwealth has been fortunate to have had the benefit of her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic – especially as the Department of Health oversaw a massive vaccine roll-out over the course of the past year," Gov. Wolf said in the statement. "Thank you to Governor Wolf, his leadership team, and the incredibly dedicated Department of Health employees,"…

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by Jillian Pikora
News
COVID-19: Philadelphia Resident Tests Positive For Omicron Variant COVID-19: Philadelphia Resident Tests Positive For Omicron Variant
Covid-19: Philadelphia Resident Tests Positive For Omicron Variant UPDATE (8:30 p.m.):  New Jersey officials announced the first detection of the Omicron variant in the state just hours after this report was published. CLICK HERE to read "COVID-19: First Case Of Omicron Variant Reported In New Jersey" *** (4:55 p.m.): A day after the first case of the new COVID-19 variant was identified in a Minnesota man who traveled to New York City, a Philadelphia resident has tested positive for the Omicron COVID-19 strain. The person is a man in his 30’s from Northwest Philadelphia, the city's health department announced Friday. It was unclear when he tes…

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by Nicole Acosta
News
Bottle Water Advisory Issued In Hershey After Water Main Breaks Near Sewer Main Bottle Water Advisory Issued In Hershey After Water Main Breaks Near Sewer Main
Bottle Water Advisory Issued In Hershey After Water Main Breaks Near Sewer Main A boil water advisory has been issued in parts of Hershey by Pennsylvania American Water. A water main broke nearby a sewer main prompting the advisory on Wednesday. All water used for drinking, washing dishes, teeth brushing, food preparation and washing dishes needs to be boiled (a rolling boil) for at least one minute. This notice applies to approximately 1,000 customers along the following streets: West Areba Avenue between Briarcrest Drive and Hillcrest Road Two sections of Briarcrest Apartments “Inadequately treated water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms…

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by Jillian Pikora
News
PA Family's Adopted Dog From Middle East Tests Positive For Rabies PA Family's Adopted Dog From Middle East Tests Positive For Rabies
PA Family's Adopted Dog From Middle East Tests Positive For Rabies The CDC has initiated a multi-state investigation after a Chester County family adopted a dog from the Middle East that was later determined to have a previously eradicated variant of rabies, reports say. The dog was one of 34 animals that were flown from Azerbaijan to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport by an animal rescue group on June 10, CBS reports. The animal had been acting oddly after being placed with its new family in East Whiteland Township and later tested positive for the variant, according to ABC. The 6-month-old mixed breed dog possibly exposed the virus variant —which pr…

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by Valerie Musson
Police & Fire
PA Man Poops In Public Stairwell, Police Say PA Man Poops In Public Stairwell, Police Say
PA Man Poops In Public Stairwell, Police Say A man defecated in a stairwell of a Carlisle parking garage on Wednesday night, according to area police. The man captured on CCTV, entered the parking garage at 42 West Pomfret Street. Upon reaching the 5th floor of the parking garage, he pulled down his pants and defecated in the stairwell, say police.  The man then left the parking garage. Employees had to clean up the feces the following day. Carlisle Police are requesting any information to help identify the man. Anyone with information can call 717-243-5252.

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by Jillian Pikora
News
PACK YOUR BAGS: Restrictions Loosened For Fully-Vaccinated Travelers PACK YOUR BAGS: Restrictions Loosened For Fully-Vaccinated Travelers
Pack Your Bags: Restrictions Loosened For Fully-Vaccinated Travelers Federal health officials on Friday loosened the restrictions – and increased the incentives -- for fully-vaccinated Americans to “return to the things we love about life,” including leaving on a jet plane. Although the government hasn’t required the coronavirus vaccine for travel, officials said anyone who is two weeks past his or her final shot doesn’t need a COVID test before going on domestic trips. You also don’t need to self-quarantine after travel, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. You should, however, follow other public health recommendations, including wearing …

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by Jerry DeMarco