Source: http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-persp...an-jul-10-2013
Food Outbreak Scan for Jul 10, 2013
More hepatitis cases; Fighting norovius in schools
Filed Under: Hepatitis; Foodborne Disease; Norovirus
Hepatitis outbreak linked to berry mix grows to 143 cases
A multistate outbreak of hepatitis A infections linked to a frozen berry blend containing pomegranate seeds from Turkey has grown by 3 cases to 143, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said yesterday. Eight states are affected.
Patients' ages range from 1 to 84 years, with 57% between 40 and 64, the CDC said. Eight of the patients are children, none of whom were vaccinated. The most recent illness onset was Jun 24.
All case-patients reported eating Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend from Costco stores, although the product was also sold at Harris Teeter stores as well.
Townsend Farms recalled certain lots of the berry mix on Jun 4 and expanded the recall on Jun 28. Scenic Fruit Co. of Gresham, Ore., recalled a pomegranate product on Jun 26 because of possible contamination, but no cases have been linked to that product.
On Jun 29 the US Food and Drug Administration said it would detain shipments of pomegranate seeds from Goknur Foodstuffs of Turkey in connection with the outbreak.
Jul 9 CDC outbreak update
ECDC offers guidance to combat norovius in schools
A technical report released today by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) aims to help schools and childcare facilities prevent and control norovirus infections, which are among the most common forms of gastroenteritis in children.
"The Prevention and Norovirus Infection in Schools and Childcare Facilities" offers information on the efficacy of different ways to limit the spread of norovirus and reviews findings on the prevention and control of gastroenteritis outbreaks in such settings.
"Primary prevention measures include effective hand hygiene, frequent cleaning of childcare environments, especially toilet facilities, and adherence to robust food hygiene standards. The effectiveness of each measure is discussed more fully in the report," the ECDC said in announcing the report.
Much of the report has been distilled from other international guideline documents, which are based primarily on expert consensus, since there is limited primary research on the efficacy of interventions for preventing and controlling norovirus, the agency said.
Jul 10 ECDC announcement
Jul 10 ECDC report
Food Outbreak Scan for Jul 10, 2013
More hepatitis cases; Fighting norovius in schools
Filed Under: Hepatitis; Foodborne Disease; Norovirus
Hepatitis outbreak linked to berry mix grows to 143 cases
A multistate outbreak of hepatitis A infections linked to a frozen berry blend containing pomegranate seeds from Turkey has grown by 3 cases to 143, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said yesterday. Eight states are affected.
Patients' ages range from 1 to 84 years, with 57% between 40 and 64, the CDC said. Eight of the patients are children, none of whom were vaccinated. The most recent illness onset was Jun 24.
All case-patients reported eating Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend from Costco stores, although the product was also sold at Harris Teeter stores as well.
Townsend Farms recalled certain lots of the berry mix on Jun 4 and expanded the recall on Jun 28. Scenic Fruit Co. of Gresham, Ore., recalled a pomegranate product on Jun 26 because of possible contamination, but no cases have been linked to that product.
On Jun 29 the US Food and Drug Administration said it would detain shipments of pomegranate seeds from Goknur Foodstuffs of Turkey in connection with the outbreak.
Jul 9 CDC outbreak update
ECDC offers guidance to combat norovius in schools
A technical report released today by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) aims to help schools and childcare facilities prevent and control norovirus infections, which are among the most common forms of gastroenteritis in children.
"The Prevention and Norovirus Infection in Schools and Childcare Facilities" offers information on the efficacy of different ways to limit the spread of norovirus and reviews findings on the prevention and control of gastroenteritis outbreaks in such settings.
"Primary prevention measures include effective hand hygiene, frequent cleaning of childcare environments, especially toilet facilities, and adherence to robust food hygiene standards. The effectiveness of each measure is discussed more fully in the report," the ECDC said in announcing the report.
Much of the report has been distilled from other international guideline documents, which are based primarily on expert consensus, since there is limited primary research on the efficacy of interventions for preventing and controlling norovirus, the agency said.
Jul 10 ECDC announcement
Jul 10 ECDC report