Tag:

CDC

Paramus, NJ
News
Botched Botox Causes Illness For 19 People In 9 States Including New Jersey, New York: CDC Botched Botox Causes Illness For 19 People In 9 States Including New Jersey, New York: CDC
Botched Botox Causes Illness For 19 People In 9 States Including New Jersey, New York: CDC Nineteen people in nine states, including New Jersey and New York, reported illness after injections from a "counterfeit or mishandled" injection of botulinum toxin, commonly known as Botox, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports. As of April 15, a total of 19 people from 9 states reported harmful reactions after receiving botulinum toxin injections from unlicensed or untrained individuals or in non-healthcare settings, such as homes and spas, the CDC said.  Counterfeit Botox packages. FDA States reporting these reactions include Colorado, Florida, Illinois, K…

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by Cecilia Levine
Albany, NY
News
Parolee Who Sold Fentanyl-Laced Pills In Capital Region Heading Back To Slammer Parolee Who Sold Fentanyl-Laced Pills In Capital Region Heading Back To Slammer
Parolee Who Sold Fentanyl-Laced Pills In Capital Region Heading Back To Slammer One time behind bars apparently wasn’t enough for a convicted drug dealer from the region. Hason Harres, age 47, of Schenectady, was sentenced to just shy of six years in prison in Albany federal court on Wednesday, April 3. It followed his guilty plea to possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with intent to distribute. Prosecutors said Harres admitted to possessing and/or selling more than 1,400 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, as well as 92 grams of methamphetamine. Fentanyl is a powerful, synthetic opioid that is 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Often ingested u…

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by Michael Mashburn
White Plains, NY
News
Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens
Largest Egg Producer In US Halts Production After Bird Flu Found In Chickens Production has been halted at the largest producer of fresh eggs in the United States after bird flu was discovered in chickens. Cal-Maine Foods reported that one of the company’s facilities located in Parmer County, Texas, tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), resulting in depopulation of approximately 1.6 million laying hens and 337,000 pullets, or approximately 3.6 percent of its total flock. "Production at the facility has temporarily ceased as the company follows the protocols prescribed by the USDA," Cal-Maine said in a statement, noting that it is working to s…

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by Joe Lombardi
Albany, NY
Politics
Parents Of Stillborn Babies Would Qualify For Paid Family Leave Under NY Bill Parents Of Stillborn Babies Would Qualify For Paid Family Leave Under NY Bill
Parents Of Stillborn Babies Would Qualify For Paid Family Leave Under NY Bill New York lawmakers are considering legislation aimed at easing the immense burden on parents whose babies are stillborn. A bill introduced by Democratic State Sen. Timothy Kennedy – whose 63rd District represents most of Buffalo – would add birth of a stillborn child as a qualifying condition for receiving Paid Family Leave benefits. An earlier version of the bill passed the senate in March 2023, but it was not voted on in the assembly. Speaking on the senate floor before its passage in the chamber, Kennedy told his colleagues that the legislation is personal to him and his wife, whose bab…

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by Michael Mashburn
New Haven, CT
News
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
White Plains, NY
News
COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC
Covid-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC New isolation guidelines for those infected with COVID-19 or other respiratory infections have just been announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency said there is no longer a need to isolate for five days before returning to work or school in a statement issued Friday, March 1. The CDC said it's making updates to the recommendations now because the US is seeing "far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV." Three "core prevention tips" were also detaile…

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by Joe Lombardi
White Plains, NY
Business
Nationwide Recall Issued For Meat Products Due To Possible Contamination Nationwide Recall Issued For Meat Products Due To Possible Contamination
Nationwide Recall Issued For Meat Products Due To Possible Contamination A  nationwide recall has been issued for a brand of meat products. Fratelli Beretta USA, Inc., based in Mount Olive, NJ, says the undetermined amount of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat charcuterie products containing Coppa may be under-processed, which may have resulted in possible contamination with foodborne pathogens. The recall was announced by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The Coppa products have various best-by-dates.  Coppa, a dry-cured capicola, is a boneless pork shoulder product that is dry-cured. Click here to view product…

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by Joe Lombardi
Brentwood, NY
Schools
Long Island School District Announces Partnership With Free Text Therapy Program Long Island School District Announces Partnership With Free Text Therapy Program
Long Island School District Announces Partnership With Free Text Therapy Program At a time when mental illness among adolescents is becoming concerningly common, one school district on Long Island is hoping to be able to make a difference with its students. Half Hollow Hills Central School District, located in Dix Hills, announced on Monday, Jan. 22 that it was partnering with the app Counslr to provide free therapy sessions to its high schoolers. A text-based, 24/7 counseling service, Counslr was founded in 2019 on Long Island with a mission to make mental healthcare more accessible to those who need it most, aiming to eliminate hurdles such as cost and stigma. Th…

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by Sophie Grieser
Brentwood, NY
News
Uptick In Whooping Cough Cases Reported On Long Island Uptick In Whooping Cough Cases Reported On Long Island
Uptick In Whooping Cough Cases Reported On Long Island Health officials are seeing an increase in whooping cough cases on Long Island. The Suffolk County Health Department said most of the 108 currently reported cases of pertussis, as it’s formally known, are school-aged children and their parents. Most of those who have contracted the infection are vaccinated and experienced milder symptoms. The county is unaware of any hospitalizations due to this pertussis outbreak. "With so many respiratory illnesses currently circulating, some for which there are no treatment, we wanted to make sure that parents know that pertussis, also called whooping …

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by Michael Mashburn
New Haven, CT
News
COVID-19: US Sees Surge In Hospitalizations, Deaths; Take These Steps, CDC Director Says COVID-19: US Sees Surge In Hospitalizations, Deaths; Take These Steps, CDC Director Says
Covid-19: US Sees Surge In Hospitalizations, Deaths; Take These Steps, CDC Director Says COVID-19 is on the rise just in time for the height of the holiday season. "COVID is starting to increase again after being stable for the last few weeks," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Mandy Cohen said this week.  Nationwide, in the latest data for the week ending Saturday, Dec. 2, there was a 17.6 percent rise in COVID hospitalizations (a total of 22,513) and 25 percent increase in deaths. COVID accounted for three percent of deaths in America from Sunday, Nov. 26 to the end of last week. In addition, the test positivity rate went up around one percent. …

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by Joe Lombardi
Albany, NY
News
NY Will Begin Screening Newborns For Congenital Cytomegalovirus, Becoming Second State To Do So NY Will Begin Screening Newborns For Congenital Cytomegalovirus, Becoming Second State To Do So
NY Will Begin Screening Newborns For Congenital Cytomegalovirus, Becoming Second State To Do So New York is adding a common congenital virus to its list of screenings for newborn babies. Beginning Monday, Oct. 2, all babies will be screened for Congenital Cytomegalovirus, making the Empire State the second in the nation to screen for the virus, according to the New York Health Department. Minnesota began such screenings in February 2023. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common viral infection in newborns and most people infected show no symptoms.  However, about 10 percent of infants born with the virus will have health problems at birth, including rash, jaundice, low birth we…

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by Michael Mashburn
White Plains, NY
News
COVID-19: Here's How To Order Free At-Home Tests Through Mail Now COVID-19: Here's How To Order Free At-Home Tests Through Mail Now
Covid-19: Here's How To Order Free At-Home Tests Through Mail Now The federal program offering free COVID-19 rapid at-home tests through the mail has just been restarted. Every American household may order four of the tests starting Monday, Sept. 25 by visiting covid.gov/tests, the Department of Health and Human Services says. But first, before throwing out tests past their expiration dates, HHS recommends visiting this page to see if expiration dates have been extended. The news comes as a newly identified COVID-19 strain BA.2.86 strain, known as Pirola, with around 30 mutations, has now been identified in 10 states. Earlier report - COVID-…

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by Joe Lombardi
Hartford, CT
News
COVID-19: Here's When Free At-Home Tests Will Become Available Again By Mail COVID-19: Here's When Free At-Home Tests Will Become Available Again By Mail
Covid-19: Here's When Free At-Home Tests Will Become Available Again By Mail Just days after the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccination booster shot started, the Department of Health and Human Services announced on Wednesday, Sept. 20 that its program of offering free rapid tests for the virus through the mail will be restarted. Every American household may order four of the tests starting Monday, Sept. 25 by visiting covid.gov/tests. But first, before throwing out tests past their expiration dates, HHS recommends visiting this page to see if expiration dates have been extended. The news comes as a newly identified COVID-19 strain BA.2.86 strain, known as Pirola, w…

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by Joe Lombardi
Highland Lakes-Vernon, NJ
News
Pockets Of West Nile Virus Reported In Sussex County Pockets Of West Nile Virus Reported In Sussex County
Pockets Of West Nile Virus Reported In Sussex County Pockets of West Nile Virus were reported this week in Sussex County, officials said. Officials in Hampton Township on Aug. 17 confirmed West Nile Virus (WNV) in its adult mosquito population. Four days later, Sussex County officials said its mosquito control division was working to "steadily to neutralize pockets of virus activity detected in the county." No known cases of the illness were reported. Officials were targeting areas with daily treatments to standing water and conducting ULV truck-mounted applications nightly. Residents who experience high adult-mosquito activity ar…

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by Cecilia Levine
York, PA
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
Massapequa, NY
News
Potentially Fatal Bacteria Prompts CDC Warning Potentially Fatal Bacteria Prompts CDC Warning
Potentially Fatal Bacteria Prompts CDC Warning A potentially fatal bacteria confirmed in the United States has prompted a warning from federal authorities. Three cases of B. pseudomallei, which can become lethal if not treated, have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC has declared the bacteria endemic in the US Gulf Coast with the most recent case reported in Mississippi in January, Julia Petras of the CDC's National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, told HealthDay News. However, most of those exposed to the bacteria don't have symptoms and develop antibodies against it, s…

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by Joe Lombardi
Edison, NJ
Lifestyle
NJ Native Finds Calling Making Life Sweeter For All NJ Native Finds Calling Making Life Sweeter For All
NJ Native Finds Calling Making Life Sweeter For All Alyssa Sobecki is not a baker. She is The Difference Baker. Sobecki, a Piscataway native, has had several professional roles over the years — from hair stylist to mortgage loan officer to business coach and consultant—but she’s finally found her calling with The Difference Baker, her bake shop in Loudoun County, VA. It’s an idea, she said, that God put into her heart.  Her shop in Ashburn is the only retail location in the United States that carries nine certifications that it is free from top food allergens.  And as the number of those with food allergies increases, more and more people…

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by Vira Mamchur Schwartz
Ashburn, VA
Lifestyle
Virginia Bakery Owner Finds Calling Making Life Sweeter For All Virginia Bakery Owner Finds Calling Making Life Sweeter For All
Virginia Bakery Owner Finds Calling Making Life Sweeter For All Alyssa Sobecki is not a baker. She is The Difference Baker. Sobecki has had several professional roles over the years — from hair stylist to mortgage loan officer to business coach and consultant—but she’s finally found her calling with The Difference Baker. It’s an idea, she said, that God put into her heart.  Her shop in Ashburn is the only retail location in the United States that carries nine certifications that it is free from top food allergens.  And as the number of those with food allergies increases, more and more people are looking for shops just like The Difference Baker, espec…

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by Vira Mamchur Schwartz
Massapequa, NY
Events
Long Island ‘Out Of Darkness Walk’ Aims To Prevent Suicide Long Island ‘Out Of Darkness Walk’ Aims To Prevent Suicide
Long Island ‘Out Of Darkness Walk’ Aims To Prevent Suicide The upcoming fundraiser event will donate all proceeds to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. This Sunday, May 7, Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead is hosting an ‘Out of the Darkness Walk’ from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Organized by four members of the school’s class of 2023, the walk and fundraiser benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (ASFP). Guests will walk the track for the length of the event, and entrance requires a five-dollar donation. In addition to the tickets, the students organizing the event launched a GoFundMe, which has already exceeded its $2,500 …

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by Sophie Grieser
Albany, NY
Politics
‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says ‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says
‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says Recent mass shootings that killed six people at an elementary school in Tennessee and five more at a bank in Kentucky might not have occurred had those states implemented so-called “red flag” laws like New York, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul. In an op-ed written for USA Today Network and shared on the governor's website, Hochul touted the measures, which allow a court to issue an extreme risk protection order (ERPO) that temporarily prohibits someone from buying or possessing a gun should they be deemed a danger to themselves or others. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the state’s ERPO in…

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by Michael Mashburn
Brentwood, NY
News
First Youth Suicide Prevention Center On Long Island Celebrates Grand Opening First Youth Suicide Prevention Center On Long Island Celebrates Grand Opening
First Youth Suicide Prevention Center On Long Island Celebrates Grand Opening A new program aimed at reducing suicide among teens and young adults was officially launched on Long Island. On Thursday, March 30, in Riverhead, RISE Life Services held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its latest venture in a long line of aid-related programs: the first youth suicide prevention center on Long Island, formally dubbed the RISE Life Services Suicide Prevention and Enrichment Experience. “I want to call it a happy occasion because we’re starting a program that’s going to make a difference,” said Executive Director Charles Evdos at the ceremony. “But I’m also sad…I’m sad becau…

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by Sophie Grieser
Stony Point, NY
News
'Unusual Odor' In Hudson Valley Sparks Fears Of Contamination From Chemical Train Derailment 'Unusual Odor' In Hudson Valley Sparks Fears Of Contamination From Chemical Train Derailment
'Unusual Odor' In Hudson Valley Sparks Fears Of Contamination From Chemical Train Derailment This story has been updated. Environmental officials in New York are investigating multiple reports of strange odors in the air, sparking concerns they may be tied to the chemical train derailment in eastern Ohio, about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh, and its subsequent fire. In a statement to Daily Voice on Friday, Feb. 17, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) said it is responding to reports in the Hudson Valley of an “unusual odor in the air.” “DEC has not received any reports from regulated emissions sources about releases that could contribute to the odors describe…

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by Michael Mashburn
Armonk, NY
News
Price Gouging: NY AG Issues Alert About Dramatic Price Increases For Children's Medication Price Gouging: NY AG Issues Alert About Dramatic Price Increases For Children's Medication
Price Gouging: NY AG Issues Alert About Dramatic Price Increases For Children's Medication New York Attorney General Letitia James is cautioning consumers about price gouging of children's painkillers and fever reducers as demand increases due to the "tripledemic" of COVID-19, RSV, and the flu. James issued the alert on Monday, Dec. 26, saying her office received reports about children's medication being sold online and in stores at prices that are two or three times their retail value. Earlier report: CDC Warns Of Increase In Strep Throat Infections Among Kids Amid Rise In COVID, Flu, RSV Cases New Yorkers should stay alert for potential price gouging of medications, such …

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by Nicole Valinote
Dorchester, MA
News
Bacteria Alert: Boston-Based Hospital Restricts Water For Drinking, Bathing Bacteria Alert: Boston-Based Hospital Restricts Water For Drinking, Bathing
Bacteria Alert: Boston-Based Hospital Restricts Water For Drinking, Bathing Franciscan Children's Hospital has restricted water usage after tests revealed the presence of a specific bacteria, the hospital recently announced.  After initially detecting the presence of the bacteria in the water supply in 2019, Franciscan Children's has continued to extensively test its water, with help from the DPH and the CDC.  Tests regularly came back negative until Nov. 22, when two isolated areas on the hospital's campus tested positive for the bacteria.  The bacteria, called Burkholderia cepacia, is usually not harmful to healthy people, but poses a special…

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by Morgan Gonzales
Dorchester, MA
News
2 In Massachusetts Infected With Listeria Amid Nationwide Outbreak 2 In Massachusetts Infected With Listeria Amid Nationwide Outbreak
2 In Massachusetts Infected With Listeria Amid Nationwide Outbreak Two Massachusetts residents are among 16 across the country to become infected in the latest national Listeria outbreak, which is likely tied to deli meats and cheeses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In the US, federal health officials are evaluating and monitoring the outbreak across six states that led to 13 hospitalizations and one death, launching an active investigation. According to the CDC, the initial investigation found that deli meat and cheese purchased at deli counters in multiple states are the likely sources of this outbreak. “Deli meats …

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by Zak Failla
Armonk, NY
Lifestyle
Northern Westchester Hospital Provides Unrivaled Treatment For Cardiac Patients Northern Westchester Hospital Provides Unrivaled Treatment For Cardiac Patients
Northern Westchester Hospital Provides Unrivaled Treatment For Cardiac Patients According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds in the United States—that’s 90 people in 60 minutes. Then consider that far too many people wait up to three hours before seeking medical attention. Depending on where you live and how long it takes to reach a hospital, specifically one with a catheterization lab, time can literally be a matter of life and death. “When blockages cause a heart attack, every second can mean more permanent damage to the heart muscle,” added Dr. Carl D. Reimers, MD, FACC, and director of the Cardiac Cat…

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Content Partner: Northern Westchester Hospital
Poughkeepsie, NY
News
Warning Issued In Hudson Valley For Counterfeit Oxycodone Pills Containing Fentanyl Warning Issued In Hudson Valley For Counterfeit Oxycodone Pills Containing Fentanyl
Warning Issued In Hudson Valley For Counterfeit Oxycodone Pills Containing Fentanyl Authorities in the Hudson Valley are warning residents of the increased presence of fentanyl in the area, in particular counterfeit 30mg oxycodone pills containing the dangerous drug. Since January 2022, the Dutchess County Drug Task Force has seized several thousand counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl through investigations conducted in the Dutchess County area, Det. Sgt. Adam Harris, coordinator of the task force. In September 2022 alone, the task force seized more than 2,000 counterfeit prescription pills. These pills are typically light blue in color and imprinted “M-30” …

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by Kathy Reakes
Cambridge, MA
Schools
Norovirus Possible Catalyst Behind Closure Of Central Mass Elementary School Norovirus Possible Catalyst Behind Closure Of Central Mass Elementary School
Norovirus Possible Catalyst Behind Closure Of Central Mass Elementary School An elementary school in northern Massachusetts was closed after numerous students came down with an unknown stomach illness, officials said.  Florence Roche Elementary School in Groton was closed after 204 students contracted the illness, reports said. School officials believe the illness was caused by a virus.  Florence Roche Elementary School #Groton has 200 of its 530 students sick. Superintedent reported #norovirus like symptoms in students, staff is healthy. School dismissed early.#wcvb pic.twitter.com/k0C5tihxBk — Rhondella Richardson (@wcvbrhondella) October 14, 2022 "Given the …

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by David Cifarelli
Westminster, MD
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Here's What New Booster Vaccine's Called, What To Know About It, How To Schedule Shot COVID-19: Here's What New Booster Vaccine's Called, What To Know About It, How To Schedule Shot
Covid-19: Here's What New Booster Vaccine's Called, What To Know About It, How To Schedule Shot Health experts are recommending the use of updated COVID-19 booster vaccines to protect people from the most prevalent subvariants of the virus currently circulating. The newly-approved boosters are officially named "bivalent vaccines" that target the original strain of COVID-19 and what is now the predominant subvariant of Omicron, BA.5., according to a report from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center with Dr. David Tweardy, the head of the Department of Infectious Diseases. “The updated COVID-19 boosters are formulated to better protect against the most recently circulating C…

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by Nicole Valinote
Towson, MD
News
Baltimore Area Boil Water Advisory: What We Know So Far Baltimore Area Boil Water Advisory: What We Know So Far
Baltimore Area Boil Water Advisory: What We Know So Far Several locations will be handing out water in Baltimore County as the boil water advisory continues, officials say. Three locations that will be distributing water to residents beginning at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Sept 7 include:   1401 W. Lafayette Avenue, Harlem Park Elementary/Middle School 3301 Waterview Avenue, Middle Branch Park 500 3rd Avenue, Landsdowne Library The boil water advisory was issued after E.coli was found in the area water supply.  A map to check if your area is under the advisory can be accessed here The CDC recommends doing the following for consumab…

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by Annie DeVoe
Alexandria, VA
News
Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Small Turtle Sales Hits Virginia Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Small Turtle Sales Hits Virginia
Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Small Turtle Sales Hits Virginia At least 21 people, including one person from Virginia, have been impacted by a multi-state Salmonella outbreak linked to the purchase of small turtles, the CDC reports.  Five people reported getting sick after buying pet turtles with shells smaller than four inches long from an online store known as myturtlestore.com, the CDC said. That number has since grown to 21 with eight being hospitalized.  The first reported illness was on January 3, 2022, according to CDC data. It is unclear as to when the Virginia resident became infected and where they live.  In the Unit…

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by David Cifarelli