Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Listeria,Outbreaks & Recalls on September 4, 2024
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently an announced a new Listeria Outbreak investigation and the closing of a Salmonella outbreak investigation that has now been linked to mangoes.
This new Listeria outbreak investigation is not the only active outbreak the FDA is working on.
Here’s what we know.
The FDA announced a new Listeria monocytogenes outbreak on August 21, 2024. So far there have been three cases associated with this outbreak. The FDA has initiated traceback activities. However, no product has been identified as the common source.
There could be more cases associated with this outbreak not yet added to the table. It can take several weeks for outbreak cases to be linked to an active outbreak investigation and be added. Additionally, many people recover on their own without the need for medical intervention, so they are never tested.
Listeria symptoms can vary from mild to life-threatening. Type of illness and severity are often determined by the location of infection and pregnancy status. Those who are pregnant often experience milder symptoms, however the greatest impact is presented to the pregnancy.
Intestinal illness is the most common form of Listeria symptoms. This type of illness is limited to the digestive system. Most people experience vomiting and diarrhea that often begins within 24 hours of consuming something contaminated with Listeria bacteria. These symptoms often resolve within three days. In most cases, people recover on their own without the need for medical treatment. Those in higher risk groups may experience more severe illness that requires antibiotic treatment and hospitalization.
In some cases, Listeria bacteria may leave the digestive system and enter other parts of the body resulting in invasive illness. This condition often develops around two weeks after consuming something contaminated with Listeria bacteria. This type of illness affects those who are pregnant differently than those who are not pregnant.
People who are not pregnant may experience headaches, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Some people may also experience fever or muscle aches. This type of illness can be severe and even life-threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 1 in 20 non-pregnant people with invasive Listeria infections will die from their illness. Most people with invasive Listeria infections need medical treatment and often require hospitalization.
Those who are pregnant often experience milder personal symptoms. These may include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches. The greater risk, however, is associated with the pregnancy itself. Listeria infections during pregnancy may lead to still birth, premature delivery, miscarriage, or life-threatening infection in the newborn.
This new Listeria outbreak investigation is ongoing. More information will be reported as it becomes available.
A Salmonella Irumu outbreak associated with 32 illnesses has recently ended. While federal agencies as well as state and local partners have conducted epidemiologic and traceback investigation activities, no recall was made.
While mangoes consistently came up during epidemiologic and traceback investigations, no common source could be identified. The FDA collected and analyzed product samples, however no Salmonella bacteria could be found.
The outbreak investigation was officially closed due to “lack of additional supporting evidence.” The agency indicated that all potentially contaminated products are likely past shelf life and is not longer available to the public.
“There is no ongoing risk to public health.”
This outbreak investigation may have closed. But there are still four other active outbreaks.
More cases have been added to the Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreak investigation initially announced on August 7, 2024. Associated cases have increased from 21 to 35. While the FDA has initiated inspection and sampling activities, no source has been identified at this time.
Another case has been added to the Salmonella Newport outbreak investigation initially announced on August 7, 2024. Associated cases have increased from three to four. The FDA has initiated inspections related to potential products. However, no source has been identified at this time.
No new cases have been added to the Cyclospora cayetanensis outbreak initially announced on July 31, 2024. The number of associated cases remains at 44. The FDA has initiated sampling activities related to potential products. However, no source has been identified at this time.
An outbreak of adverse effects investigation associated with Diamond Shruumz-brand Chocolate Bars, Cones, and Gummies initially announced on June 12, 2024 is still under active investigation. More retailers have been added to the advisory.
As of the latest update on August 16, 2024, there have been 145 illnesses, 59 hospitalizations, and two potential deaths associated with this outbreak.
A variety of symptoms have been reported following consumption of Diamond Shruumz-brand products. These include seizures, central nervous system depression (loss of consciousness, confusion, sleepiness), agitation, abnormal heart rates, hyper/hypotension, nausea, and vomiting.
If you have become sick with a foodborne illness, even if you experience mild illness, you should report your symptoms. This new Listeria outbreak investigation may need your help!
Investigators are limited to the number of cases that become serious enough to seek medical attention. However, many other illnesses may be related to a potential contamination source. Patient interview data is an important starting point for an outbreak investigation. The more information that is made available, the faster an overlapping source may be identified.
Reporting your symptoms either to your local health department or online to the FDA through their MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form could help active outbreak investigations or identify new ones the agency should be looking for.
If you have been negatively affected by a foodborne illness, The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has a foodborne illness lawyer that can help!
If you have experienced serious illness, you may have a legal case for financial compensation. Lost wages, medical bills, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness add up. (833) 330-3663or send an email for a free, no obligation consultation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)