Escherichia coli O157:H7 (often referred to simply as E. coli O157:H7) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can be particularly alarming for parents due to the severity and potential outcomes of infections associated with them. Here’s why they are considered a serious concern:
E. coli O157:H7 is a strain of the bacterium E. coli that produces
Liverwurst is a type of sausage made from liver and other meats, along with spices. It’s popular in various cuisines, particularly in German-speaking countries. Liverwurst can be spreadable or sliceable, depending on its formulation.
Liverwurst, along with other ready-to-eat deli meats and pâtés, is prone to contamination by Listeria monocytogenes, the bacterium that causes listeriosis,
Salmonella poses a heightened risk for individuals over 65 years of age due to several key factors:
As people age, their immune systems naturally weaken, making them more vulnerable to infections, including those caused by Salmonella. The body’s ability to fight off harmful bacteria diminishes, increasing the chances of severe infection.
Older adults are more
Listeria, specifically the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, poses a significant risk to pregnant women due to several factors:
During pregnancy, a woman’s immune system undergoes changes to support the fetus, making her more susceptible to infections like listeriosis. This altered immune response means that even a small amount of bacteria that might not impact others can
Shigella is a type of bacteria that causes an infectious disease called shigellosis, which is most known for causing diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms. As a parent, it’s important to be informed about shigella to protect your family, especially young children, who are more susceptible. Here’s what you need to know:
Shigella is highly contagious
Jack and the Green Sprouts, Inc. of River Falls, WI is recalling its 5 ounce packages of Alfalfa and Alfalfa Onion sprouts because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.
During a deli meat Listeria outbreak, consumers should be aware of several important points to protect themselves and reduce the risk of infection:
Understand Listeria: Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations. Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms, but in severe cases, it may lead
Shigella outbreaks caused by restaurant employees are not extremely common, but they do occur and can be significant when they happen. Shigella is a highly infectious bacterium, and even a small amount can cause illness. Outbreaks linked to food handlers can happen through the following mechanisms:
Salmonella outbreaks caused by restaurant employees are not extremely common, but they do occur and can be significant when they happen. Several factors contribute to outbreaks linked to restaurant settings:
1. Improper Food Handling: Employees who do not follow proper food handling practices can inadvertently contaminate food. This includes inadequate handwashing, cross-contamination between raw and
During an outbreak of Shigella, a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, there are several important points that consumers should be aware of to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the disease.
1. Understand the Symptoms: Shigella infection, also known as shigellosis, typically presents with symptoms including diarrhea (sometimes bloody), fever, stomach cramps, and
