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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Flu Cases, Related ER Visits On Rise Nationwide Flu Cases, Related ER Visits On Rise Nationwide
Flu Cases, Related ER Visits On Rise Nationwide Flu activity remains high and is increasing across many parts of the country.  For the week ending Saturday, Jan. 18, 25 percent of tests returned positive for flu, up from 19 percent the previous week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than five percent of emergency-room visits were flu-related, with notable increases among infants, older children, and teens, nearing pre-holiday surge levels.
 "The country is still experiencing elevated influenza activity and that is expected to continue for several more weeks," the CDC said. Elev…
Stamford-Based Purdue Pharma To Pay $7.4B In Historic Opioid Settlement: How Much Will CT Get? Stamford-Based Purdue Pharma To Pay $7.4B In Historic Opioid Settlement: How Much Will CT Get?
Stamford-Based Purdue Pharma To Pay $7.4B In Historic Opioid Settlement: How Much Will CT Get? Purdue Pharma will pay more than $7 billion for the corporation's role in fueling the opioid epidemic that has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. The Sackler family and Purdue Pharma reached a $7.4 billion settlement with attorneys general from 15 states on Thursday, Jan. 23. The Sacklers have owned the company headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, for decades. The settlement includes $6.5 billion from the Sackler family, with $1.5 billion to be paid immediately, and nearly $900 million from Purdue Pharma. Funds will be distributed to states, local governments, and victims ov…
Bird Flu Found In Goose At Farm In Brewster: Here's Who Is At Risk Bird Flu Found In Goose At Farm In Brewster: Here's Who Is At Risk
Bird Flu Found In Goose At Farm In Brewster: Here's Who Is At Risk A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a wild goose found in Putnam County, health officials announced. The deceased goose was discovered at the end of December at the Farm and Wildlife Center at Green Chimneys in Brewster, which promptly ensured the animal was tested, the Putnam County Department of Health announced on Friday, Jan. 17. While the virus has been spreading globally among wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks since 2022, the risk to the general public remains low, according to the health department.&n…
Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know
Vicious Norovirus Strain Driving Surge In US Outbreaks: What To Know A highly contagious strain of norovirus, GII.17, is rapidly spreading across the United States, fueling an unusually high number of outbreaks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Key Facts Record Outbreaks: The CDC reported 91 suspected or confirmed norovirus outbreaks in the first week of December, the highest for this time of year in recent history. Dominant Strain: GII.17 accounts for nearly 70 percent of US cases and has driven a similar surge in Britain. Foodborne Threats: Contaminated oysters from a Los Angeles event sickened at least 80 people. Recall…
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know The bird flu outbreak in the United States is causing egg prices to hit new highs, affecting consumers across the nation.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported increased cases of the virus in several states, leading to concerns over food supply. As producers respond to the outbreak, many are culling infected flocks to prevent further spread. This has led to a notable drop in egg production.  According to the USDA, current egg prices are nearly double what they were last year, leaving shoppers feeling the pinch at the grocery store. Nearly 129 mi…
'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season 'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season
'Tripledemic' Threat: Covid-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season The United States is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, commonly referred to as a “tripledemic,” involving COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Friday, Jan. 3, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is high and continues to increase nationally, the agency said. COVID-19 cases are increasing nationwide, with the XEC variant—a mix of earlier Omicron strains—now accounting for about 45 percent of cases.  Symptoms include congestion, cough, fe…
COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States
Covid-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States Parts of the nation are experiencing a notable increase in COVID-19 cases, raising concerns among health officials. The increase in activity picked up just ahead of the holiday season. Experts attribute this resurgence to several factors, including the emergence of new variants. The XEC variant, an off-shoot of the highly contagious Omicron strain, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the US after first being identified in Europe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  States with "very high" current wastewater viral activity are shown in the darker sh…
COVID-19: XEC Now Leading Variant in US - Here Are Symptoms COVID-19: XEC Now Leading Variant in US - Here Are Symptoms
Covid-19: XEC Now Leading Variant in US - Here Are Symptoms The XEC COVID-19 variant, first identified in Europe, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Click here for a new, updated story - COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States As infections tick upward, public health experts are urging vigilance. The strain, a mix of earlier Omicron subvariants, exhibits symptoms similar to Omicron and its predecessors. These include: Congestion,  Runny nose,  Cough,  Shortness of breath,  Fever or chills,  Fatigue.  Not…
Nationwide Spike In Norovirus Cases: CDC Reports Surge In Outbreaks Nationwide Spike In Norovirus Cases: CDC Reports Surge In Outbreaks
Nationwide Spike In Norovirus Cases: CDC Reports Surge In Outbreaks A sharp increase in norovirus cases is sweeping the United States, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Often called the "stomach flu," norovirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis, resulting in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The CDC reports 41 outbreaks in the first week of December alone, surpassing levels recorded in prior months. This spike aligns with the virus's typical winter peak but underscores the need for heightened vigilance this season. Norovirus spreads through contaminated food, surfaces, and …
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified mutations in the the first severe bird flu case in the US that may increase its ability to infect humans.  These mutations, found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, play a key role in helping the virus attach to cells in the upper respiratory tract. This discovery stems from the first severe US case of H5N1, involving a Louisiana resident over 65 who had direct contact with infected backyard birds.  Earlier report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Notably, these mutations weren’t present in the bird sam…
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Health officials have confirmed the first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the announcement on Wednesday, Dec. 18 saying the infection was diagnosed on Friday, Dec. 13, following contact the patient made with sick and dead birds from a backyard flock. The case was reported in Louisiana and marks the first H5N1 case in the US linked to exposure to backyard poultry.  Since April 2024, there have been a total of 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States. H5 is generally less severe than…
22+ Pounds Of 'Gas Station Heroin' Seized From South Jersey Shipping Center, Feds Say 22+ Pounds Of 'Gas Station Heroin' Seized From South Jersey Shipping Center, Feds Say
22+ Pounds Of 'Gas Station Heroin' Seized From South Jersey Shipping Center, Feds Say Customs agents seized more than 22 pounds of tianeptine—a dangerous drug also called "gas station heroin"—at a South Jersey shipping facility, authorities said. Customs and Border Protection officers found the shipments at "an international express consignment facility," CBP said in a news release on Friday, Dec. 13. CBP didn't mention the specific location where the packages were found. The shipments were marked as "deep groove ball bearings" but officers found five bags of a white powdery substance in each package. The parcels were seized on Monday, Nov. 25 and Monday,…
Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak Linked To 10 Deaths Ends After 61 Illnesses: CDC Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak Linked To 10 Deaths Ends After 61 Illnesses: CDC
Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak Linked To 10 Deaths Ends After 61 Illnesses: CDC The deadly Listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats is over, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Boar's Head recalled all deli products made at its Jarratt, Virginia facility in July 2024, due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  The recall included prepackaged deli products and ready-to-eat liverwurst. The CDC announced the conclusion of its investigation, noting that the outbreak resulted in 61 confirmed illnesses across 19 states. Among those affected, 60 were hospitalized, and 10 deaths were reported, underscoring the severity of the cont…
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says A rare case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a child in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The child, who is a resident of California, experienced only mild symptoms and is now recovering. The case, detected through routine flu testing, revealed low levels of the virus in the initial sample, and follow-up tests were negative for bird flu, but positive for other common respiratory viruses.  The CDC is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to determine how the child might hav…
Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic, An Amityville Native, To Lead CDC Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic, An Amityville Native, To Lead CDC
Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic, An Amityville Native, To Lead CDC Another vaccine skeptic with New York ties could soon shape public health policy. President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Florida congressman and physician Dave Weldon to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Weldon was born on Long Island, in Amityville, and graduated from Stony Brook University in 1978 before earning his M.D. degree at the University of Buffalo in 1981. Earlier Report: Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services “In addition to being a medical doctor for 40 years, and an Ar…
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving With Thanksgiving meals just a day away, there are concerns over the nation's food supply after multiple major recalls the last few days. Federal authorities are now saying that all products linked to the outbreaks are off the shelves and products currently being sold are safe to eat. After a deadly E. coli outbreak, a California-based company pulled bagged organic carrots from such popular retailers as Whole Foods, Walmart and Trader Joe's.  For the latest info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here. In a Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry pr…
1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products 1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products
1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products A multi-state Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry products has killed an infant and sickened at least 10 others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials are investigating infections linked to recalled Yu Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. The illnesses were in New York, New Jersey, California, and Illinois between Wednesday, July 31 and Thursday, Oct. 24, the agency said. Of 11 people with information available, nine have been hospitalized. In California, one pregnant woman and her twins were sick and both infants died. But …
Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products
Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products An E. coli outbreak linked to bagged organic carrots has prompted an expanded recall as the number of cases grows. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 39 people across 18 states have been sickened.  Click here for a new, updated story - Here's What To Know Now About Food Illness Outbreaks, Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving The outbreak has resulted in 15 hospitalizations and one death. The recall initially began earlier this month when reports of illnesses linked to Grimmway Farms’ bagged carrots surfaced. The recall now covers multiple brands of orga…
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Fallston Area Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Fallston Area
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Fallston Area A fresh alert has been issued in Harford County after another raccoon tested positive for rabies. The Harford County Health Department issued an alert cautioning that on Thursday, the agency received confirmation from the Maryland Department of Health that a raccoon tested positive for the virus in Street. While the raccoon was found near the 1200 block of Boyd Road, and may have exposed other people or pets in the surrounding area., they said. "It may seem like there have been a lot of rabies exposure alerts lately, but the number of positive rabid animals that the Harford County Health D…
New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus Near Chambliss Park Park New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus Near Chambliss Park Park
New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus Near Chambliss Park Park A new alert has been issued by the Alexandria Health Department advising that a raccoon tested positive for rabies after being collected near an area park. On Friday, Nov. 15, officials say that a raccoon came into contact with several dogs in the yard of a home in Alexandria near Chambliss Park. The raccoon is dead, the dogs have been isolated, but there is an increased risk in the area, health officials are cautioning. Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals (warm-blooded animals who nurse their young) and is spread through the saliva of the infected animal, usually by a bi…
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County A new alert has been issued in Anne Arundel County after a raccoon tested positive for rabies. The county's Department of Health issued an alert on Friday, Nov. 15 advising that a raccoon that was trapped in the area of Seamore Street and Marco Drive in the Cedarwood Cove Community in Pasadena tested positive on Thursday for the virus. It is the second such alert in a week. Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals (warm-blooded animals who nurse their young) and is spread through the saliva of the infected animal, usually by a bite or scratch, officials said. Symptoms of rabi…
COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts
Covid-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts With respiratory illness season underway, the New York State Department of Health is actively urging residents aged 6 months and older to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine.  This recommendation aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent update, which emphasizes the importance of a second dose of the 2024-2025 vaccine for older adults and those at higher risk. The CDC now advises that adults aged 65 and older, along with individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, should receive a second dose six months after their initial vaccination. This u…
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County A new alert has been issued in Anne Arundel County after a raccoon tested positive for rabies. The county's Department of Health issued an alert on Friday, Nov. 8 advising that anyone who came into contact with a raccoon on or near Trailing Ivy Lane, not far from Jones Elementary School in Severna Park, should contact officials after the animal was captured on Thursday, Nov. 7. Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals (warm-blooded animals who nurse their young) and is spread through the saliva of the infected animal, usually by a bite or scratch, officials said. Symptoms of r…
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Cases of whooping cough are five times higher than at this time a year ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning. Officially known as pertussis, those infected have persistent, chronic fits of coughing followed by a “whoop” sound. "Reports of pertussis cases were lower than usual over the past few years, during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.," the CDC said in a new advisory. "However, the United States is beginning to return to pre-pandemic patterns where more than 10,000 cases are typically reported each year. It's likely mitigation measures used during the…
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Anne Arundel County A new alert has been issued in Anne Arundel County after a raccoon tested positive for rabies. The county's Department of Health issued an alert on Friday, Nov. 1 advising that anyone who may have come into contact with a raccoon this week in the 6500 block of Shadyside Road in Shadyside should contact officials after the animal tested positive for the virus. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the raccoon tested positive for rabies, though therea re concerns it may have spread to other people and pets in the surrounding area. Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals (warm-blooded ani…
Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning
Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning Cases of walking pneumonia have spiked significantly, especially among children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning in a brand-new advisory. The agency said increases in M. pneumoniae-associated pneumonia infections began late this past spring, peaked in August, and have remained high.  The CDC said it's using various surveillance tools "to better understand any differences in demographics, severity of illness, and outcomes as compared to M. pneumoniae infections prior to the COVID-19 pandemic." The agency said it's also contacting heal…
McDonald's IDs Source Of E. Coli Outbreak Tied To Quarter Pounders McDonald's IDs Source Of E. Coli Outbreak Tied To Quarter Pounders
McDonald's IDs Source Of E. Coli Outbreak Tied To Quarter Pounders Health officials have pinpointed the specific ingredient that triggered an E. coli outbreak at McDonald’s that killed one person and sickened dozens more across several states. Testing done by the Colorado Department of Agriculture eliminated Quarter Pounder beef patties as the source of the outbreak, McDonald’s confirmed on Sunday, Oct. 27. That leaves the restaurant’s slivered onions, which are primarily used on Quarter Pounder hamburgers, as the likely source of contamination, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Earlier Report: E. Coli Outbreak Tied To McDonald'…
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Fallston Area Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Fallston Area
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus In Fallston Area A fresh alert has been issued in Harford County after another raccoon tested positive for rabies. The Harford County Health Department issued an alert cautioning that on Thursday, the agency received confirmation from the Maryland Department of Health that a raccoon tested positive for the virus in Fallston. While the raccoon was found near the 2200 block of Pleasantville Road, and may have exposed other people or pets in the surrounding area., they said. "It may seem like there have been a lot of rabies exposure alerts lately, but the number of positive rabid animals that the Harford Coun…
E. Coli Outbreak Tied To McDonald's Hamburgers Yet To Be Confirmed In Northeast E. Coli Outbreak Tied To McDonald's Hamburgers Yet To Be Confirmed In Northeast
E. Coli Outbreak Tied To McDonald's Hamburgers Yet To Be Confirmed In Northeast Dozens of people across ten states have been sickened in connection with an E. coli outbreak tied to McDonald’s hamburgers. At least 49 people reported falling ill, including ten who were hospitalized and one who died, after eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in an alert issued Tuesday, Oct. 22. Authorities have not yet identified which specific ingredient is contaminated, prompting McDonald’s to halt sales of Quarter Pounders as well as fresh slivered onions in several states. The 49 people sickened by the E. coli outbre…
Third Groundhog Tests Positive For Rabies Within Same Quarter-Mile Area In Frederick County Third Groundhog Tests Positive For Rabies Within Same Quarter-Mile Area In Frederick County
Third Groundhog Tests Positive For Rabies Within Same Quarter-Mile Area In Frederick County For the third time in as many months, a groundhog has tested positive for rabies in Frederick County in the same neighborhood, this time after getting in a fight with a dog, health officials are cautioning. An alert was issued on Tuesday, Oct. 8 cautioning that the animal collected in the Willowcrest neighborhood in Frederick last week tested positive for the virus, the third to test positive for rabies in a quarter-mile area in the last three months. Google Maps satellite view "Finding this many rabid animals a short distance from each other and over a short period of time is unusua…
Panera 'Charged Lemonade' Linked To Death Of UPenn Student From Jersey City Suit Settled Panera 'Charged Lemonade' Linked To Death Of UPenn Student From Jersey City Suit Settled
Panera 'Charged Lemonade' Linked To Death Of UPenn Student From Jersey City Suit Settled More than two years after a UPenn student from New Jersey died, her family has settled their wrongful death suit against Panera. Sarah Katz, of Jersey City, died at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center on Sept. 10, 2022, according to her obituary.  The 21-year-old's death came shortly after she drank "Charged Lemonade" at the Panera located at 200 South 40th Street, in Philadelphia, according to the lawsuit filed on Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, by Kline & Specter, P.C. on behalf of Jill and Michael Katz. The lawsuit settled out of court and the case was dismissed on Monday, Oct. 7, acc…