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Public Health

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…
City Lead Inspector From Yardley Got $34K In Phony Overtime Payments: Feds City Lead Inspector From Yardley Got $34K In Phony Overtime Payments: Feds
City Lead Inspector From Yardley Got $34K In Phony Overtime Payments: 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 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. …
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’…
Chemical Spill May Have Tainted Drinking Water For Residents Along Delaware River Chemical Spill May Have Tainted Drinking Water For Residents Along Delaware River
Chemical Spill May Have Tainted Drinking Water For Residents Along Delaware River UPDATE: Philadelphia Water officials say tap water is safe to drink through Monday night, Marcy 27, following a chemical spill into the Delaware River Friday, March 24. Officials had been urging some residents who live along the Delaware River to avoid the drinking water after a chemical spill last Friday, March 24. UPDATE: Based on updated hydraulic modeling and the latest sampling, we are confident tap water from the Baxter plant will remain safe to drink through 11:59 p.m. Monday, March 27. We're continuing to respond to this incident. Follow for more updates: https://t.co/g0jrCcy17…
Delco Middle Schooler Test Positive For Tuberculosis: Health Department Delco Middle Schooler Test Positive For Tuberculosis: Health Department
Delco Middle Schooler Test Positive For Tuberculosis: Health Department A person who attends Penn Wood Middle School in Darby Township has tested positive for tuberculosis, the Delaware County Health Department has announced.  Officials said they are working with William Penn School District administrators to identify any students or staff who may have been exposed to the disease.  Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infection that commonly affects the lungs, and can be deadly if not properly treated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  "It is important for parents who are concerned they or their children may have …
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…
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 …
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,"…
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…
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…
Report: Felony Charge For Northampton County Man Who Spit Blood In Jail Cell, Said He Had COVID Report: Felony Charge For Northampton County Man Who Spit Blood In Jail Cell, Said He Had COVID
Report: Felony Charge For Northampton County Man Who Spit Blood In Jail Cell, Said He Had COVID A Northampton County man who police say spit blood at Easton officers from a holding cell and said he had COVID-19 is facing felony charges, a new report says. John Paul Suozzo, 34, said he had the virus and spit blood around the holding cell as well as a nearby desk and computer after being arrested for making several bogus calls to 911 while intoxicated around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, LehighValleyLive reports citing court records. Suozzo, of Forks Township, was charged with felony aggravated harassment by prisoner, calling 911 for something other than emergency, institutional vandalism, public…
HAZMAT: 6 Report Difficulty Breathing In MontCo Drug Lab Leak HAZMAT: 6 Report Difficulty Breathing In MontCo Drug Lab Leak
HAZMAT: 6 Report Difficulty Breathing In MontCo Drug Lab Leak Crews responded to a Montgomery County home on reports of people having difficulty breathing due to an acid leak coming from a drug lab in the basement, officials said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Montco PA Public Safety (@montcodps) Fire and HazMat teams were dispatched to the home at 129 4th Avenue in Pennsburg sometime just before 4 p.m., Emergency Dispatch Services said. Five people refused treatment while one was taken to St. Luke’s Quakertown for difficulty breathing, officials said. Authorities found materials to ma…
Man On Drugs Found Lying Face Down In Berks County Park, Police Say Man On Drugs Found Lying Face Down In Berks County Park, Police Say
Man On Drugs Found Lying Face Down In Berks County Park, Police Say A man lying face down in a Berks County park was found to be under the influence of drugs, police said. Officers responded to the entrance of the Goose Run Park, off Colebrookdale Road, on reports of a man lying face down in the grass around 3:30 p.m. on May 17, Douglass Township police said. The man was acting irrational and would go in and out of consciousness, and was found to be under the influence of drugs of synthetic drugs, police said. The officer escorted EMS who transported the male to the hospital for treatment.   The incident remains under investigation.
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.
COVID-19: Garnet Middle School Pivots To Remote Instruction After 18 Positive Cases In 12 Days COVID-19: Garnet Middle School Pivots To Remote Instruction After 18 Positive Cases In 12 Days
Covid-19: Garnet Middle School Pivots To Remote Instruction After 18 Positive Cases In 12 Days A middle school in Delaware County will move to remote instruction for the remainder of the week after 18 positive cases were reported in less than two weeks, school officials announced Tuesday. Garnet Valley Middle School will pivot to virtual learning starting April 27 to April 30 and will return for in-person learning on May 3, Superintendent, Dr. Marc Bertrand wrote in a statement. Although the new cases span three grade levels, Bertrand noted they were not caused by linked transmission in school.  Parents and students can visit the district's COVID-19 Data Chart for information t…
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 …