Outbreaks
Norovirus California
Health officials report that 62 of about 200 people attending an event at Hotel Sofitel were infected with the highly contagious norovirus. Health officials said that those who fell ill contracted the virus through either the salmon or chicken and that no one consuming the vegetarian entrée fell sick. Inspectors found evidence that the staff was re-using dirty towels to wipe down tables, food being kept too hot or too cold (not an factor in NoV RC) and a dishwasher who was touching clean dishes directly after touching dirty dishes.
Salmonella Turtles-USA
A strain of salmonella carried by small pet turtles has sickened more than 100 people and hospitalized at least 24 nationwide in 33 states reporting cases to the U.S. Centers for Disease mostly in California, Texas, Pennsylvania and Illinois. Most of the patients have been children. No one has died in the outbreak, which began in August 2007. Some patients have experienced severe symptoms, including acute kidney failure.
Gastroenteritis Water Florida
More than one in 10 people who drank Palm Beach city water contaminated with fecal bacteria said they got sick, according to a survey released by the Palm Beach County Health Department.
The more unheated tap water that residents drank the more likely they were to say they felt ill. Twelve percent of those interviewed said they had symptoms such as diarrhea, stomach pain and nausea. Of those, six said they sought medical treatment. The city’s water test results were positive for fecal coliform and E. coli bacteria.
Article by Roy E. Costa, R.S, M.S., President of Environ Health Associates