Listeria Outbreak From Deli Meat Kills New Jersey Resident, Hospitalizes 28 Across Eastern US
Deli meat contaminated with listeria bacteria has hospitalized 28 people and killed two others. No specific brands of meat have been identified so far, but most infections have been tied to liverwurst, ham and sliced turkey. Listeria, which is one of the most common causes of food-borne illness, can cause flu-like symptoms including fever, body aches, headaches, vomiting, loss of balance and confusion. The CDC advises people at high risk for infection (people who 65 or older, pregnant, or immuno-compromised) to avoid eating deli meats while health officials investigate the outbreak.
Full Story: NJ.com
Avian Flu Now Jumping Between Different Mammal Species, Raising Risk of Human Pandemic
Avian Flu (bird flu) is now regularly spreading between various species of mammals, a development that brings the virus another step closer to sparking a human pandemic. Scientists have confirmed that in addition to passing between dairy cow herds across the US, it is also jumping from cows to cats and raccoons. The immediate threat of Avian Flu to people remains low. However, the ongoing outbreaks increase the risk that the virus will become more infectious to humans in the future.
Full Story: HealthDay
