Key Facts
Twenty-two listeriosis cases were notified in 2018, the highest number since
the disease became notifiable in 2004
All cases had recognised risk factors for listeriosis, with largest increase
occurring among the elderly
No clusters of listeriosis were identified
No source was confirmed for any individual case
Referral of isolates for typing at NSSLRL enables detection of clusters and
monitoring of trends in the strains that cause listeriosis in Ireland
Image CDC
Recent research looking at the growth of Legionella bacteria on stainless steel sinks and taps has shown that under certain conditions, the use of this popular metal can increase the health risks associated with the potentially life-threatening Legionnaires’ disease.
Stainless steel sinks are a popular choice in kitchens throughout the UK… however, research has indicated it may not be the wisest choice when considering the associated risks presented by the potentially deadly Legionella bacteria.
The same applies to stainless steel taps – also a popular choice for many understandable reasons.
Key Facts
Reported incidence of giardiasis in Ireland in 2018 is 5.7 per 100,000, similar to the
reported incidence at EU level
Increase in recent yearsbelieved to be largely due to recent changes in laboratory
practice
The ratio to male to female cases is 1.4:1
More than two thirds of cases were reported to be acquired in Ireland, a change to our
historical understanding of giardiasis as a travel-acquired infection
It is likely there is still under-ascertainment of giardiasis cases in several HSE-areas.
Much remains to be done in Ireland and across Europe to better understand the
epidemiology and determinants of this disease
Image CDC
The New York City Health Department is testing the water at Manhattan Plaza, 400 West 43rd Street, after two building residents were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease. According Department of Health Commissioner Barbot, “The New York City Health Department is working with building management to test the water in your building because two tenants have been reported sick with Legionnaires’ disease within the past 12 months.”
People can contract Legionnaires’ disease by breathing in water vapor or aspirating water that has been contaminated with legionella bacteria.
Posted in Legionella, Uncategorized
On April 19, 2019, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) Public Health Laboratory (PHL) determined that two clinical Salmonella Braenderup isolates submitted through routine surveillance had indistinguishable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns (Minnesota designation BR134). Initial interviews with these cases revealed that both had eaten food from the Green Mill in Bloomington in the week before their illness onset. City of Bloomington Environmental Health Division (CBEH) was notified, and an investigation was initiated.
Three individuals, including one adult and two children, tested positive for the bacteria E. coli O157:H7 with all persons having reported eating at the Red Robin restaurant located at 799 W. 146th Ave in Westminster, Colorado. Tri-County Health Department inspected the restaurant on July 9, 2019, after receiving information about the outbreak from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Two of the three individuals infected were hospitalized, and the investigation is ongoing.
Posted in E.coli, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, Food Poisoning, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, Food Toxin, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Uncategorized
The E. coli outbreak at the San Diego County Fair has now sickened 10 people, according to the San Diego Health & Human Services Agency. There is one more probable case that has not yet been confirmed. Three people have been hospitalized, and one 2-year-old child has died.
Officials have still not found the source of the pathogen. All of the children who are sick visited the animal areas, petting zoo, or had other animal contact at the fair. County Environmental health re-inspected food facilities that were visited by the children and found no link to the cases.
Unfortunately, E. coli outbreaks linked to animal attractions at fairs, petting zoos, and farm tourist attractions are nothing new. Almost every year children are sickened after visiting these venues
According to press reports an employee who handles food at the Roadhouse 100 restaurant on Missouri Highway 100 in the unincorporated community of Gray Summit was diagnosed with hepatitis A, officials with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services said Tuesday. Anyone who ate at Roadhouse 100 between June 23 and July 5 is advised to receive the hepatitis A vaccination within 14 days to prevent illness.
The incident is being investigated by the Franklin County Health Department.
Several brands and types of flour were recalled because they may be contaminated with E. coli. Consumers should not use recalled products.
Consumers should not use any of the recalled flour. Throw it out.
Eating raw dough can make you sick.
Clean up thoroughly after baking.
Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have become ill from eating raw dough.
Restaurants and other retailers should not use, sell, or serve any of the recalled flour.
Restaurants and other retailers should always be safe with raw dough.
Posted in E.coli, E.coli O26, food bourne outbreak, food contamination, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Testing, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, outbreak, Uncategorized
