Category Archives: foodborne outbreak

USA – CDC Outbreaks Food Illness Outbreaks 2021

USA – Hepatitis A risk at KFC in Hudson North Carolina

Food Poison Journal

The State of North Carolina notified Caldwell County this late afternoon about a confirmed case of Hepatitis A in an individual who works at KFC in Hudson.

According to state guidelines, transmission to patrons is unlikely, so vaccination for restaurant patrons is not recommended at this time.

“We are working closely with the restaurant, the State of North Carolina, and the CDC to ensure the health and safety of our community,” said Anna Martin, Caldwell County Public Health Director.

The individual diagnosed with Hepatitis A is being treated. Individuals who came in close contact with the patient have been notified.

The nation is experiencing a large Hepatitis A outbreak, and everyone is encouraged to check their Hepatitis A vaccination status. Anyone who wishes to be vaccinated for Hepatitis A can call the Caldwell County Health Department at 828-426-8400 for a vaccination appointment. The Health Department is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

USA – Clostridium Botulinum Outbreak May Be Associated With Canned Soup

Food Poisoning Bulletin

A new Clostridium botulinum outbreak on the USDA’s Core Investigation Table may be associated with canned soup. That pathogen is a risk with low acid canned foods such as canned soup or home canned vegetables.

There is no more information on the table about this outbreak. We do not know the patient case counts, if traceback or sampling is being conducted, or if any facilities are being inspected.

India – Toll in suspected food poisoning in Dahod rises to eight

India Express

The death toll in a suspected case of food poisoning in Dahod district’s Bhulwan village went up to eight on Wednesday, with one more person succumbing during treatment.

Seven of the 17 affected persons died until Tuesday after allegedly consuming a meal from the concluding ceremony of a nine-day religious event in Bhulwan village on Sunday. While four persons died late Monday, three succumbed Tuesday evening.

According to police, the villagers participated in sacrificing goats at the concluding ceremony of “Jatar” gathering, which is a nine-day religious event held every five years to pray for the well-being of the village.

USA – FSIS – Outbreak Investigations: Response to Botulism and E. coli

Food Poison Journal

FSIS reports that is is following both an E. coli and a Botulism outbreak.

USA – FDA Core Investigation Table Updates

FDA

Sweden – Salmonella outbreak over.

Food Safety News

Salmonella

An outbreak of Salmonella has ended in Sweden with officials unable to find the source of infection.

In October, 40 people became ill with monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium with the majority falling sick in the first half of the month. An earlier update identified 33 patients. Cases were linked by whole genome sequencing.

As no new illnesses have been recorded after late October, the outbreak was recently judged to be over by authorities.

Sick people were 2 to 92 years old with a median age of 44. They lived in eight different regions.

USA – Pittsburgh School Closed Monday Due To Possible Norovirus Outbreak

ibtimes

Norovirus Food Safety kswfoodworld

The illness at Pittsburgh Carmalt is “most likely” norovirus, the Pittsburgh Public Schools said on its website. The cases were reported among students, as well as staff.

Norovirus is “very contagious” and can cause the infected individuals to experience symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted. In fact, norovirus has also been called the “winter vomiting bug.”

“Anyone” is susceptible to getting infected and falling ill with norovirus, the agency explained. This can be through having direct contact with someone who is infected, eating contaminated food or simply by touching contaminated surfaces and then putting unwashed hands in the mouth.

The affected school will be closed Monday to make way for thorough cleaning and “prevent further student and staff infections.” The classes will resume Tuesday.

USA – New Ground Beef E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak on USDA Investigation Table

Food Poisoning Bulletin

A new ground beef E. coli O157:H7 outbreak on the USDA Investigation Table has been posted. Ground beef is suspected as being the source of thee pathogen. The USDA Outbreak Investigation Table has even less information that the FDA’s Table. There is no case count, and no information about whether or not traceback, sample collection, facility investigation, or lab analysis has been conducted.

Canada – Avocados are possible link in Canada Salmonella Outbreak

Food Poison Journal

Food Safety News reports that in a public health notice, officials report a Salmonella Enteritidis outbreak of unknown origin is continuing to grow, with patients spread across five Canadian provinces.

As of Dec. 9, there were 16 new confirmed patients, bringing the tally to 79, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Four people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

“Many of the individuals who became sick reported eating fresh avocados purchased from grocery stores or served at restaurants before their illness. Investigation findings to date have identified that these avocados have been distributed in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. More information is needed to confirm the source of the outbreak. The outbreak appears to be ongoing, as illnesses continue to be reported,” according to public health officials.