News about outbreaks of listeria, an infection typically caused by eating food contaminated by the bacteria, has been circulating since the launched an official investigation in July into affected deli meats.
While the CDC reports the bacteria to have been found in 13 states with 43 confirmed cases and three deaths relating to the most recent outbreak alone, so far have been found in West Virginia.
Still, Mikaela Earl, director of epidemiology at the Cabell-Huntington Health Department, shared information with The Herald-Dispatch about what the department recommends to local businesses when a product is recalled and how residents can keep safe.
As of now, Earl said the risk for Cabell residents is very low. Even so, she said as soon as the CHHD is notified of a reportable disease, they first look into what it involves and who it could affect, and the departments works with facilities to protect the public.
For example, when a food item has been identified to have a virus in it and recalled, theyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ll first contact businesses in the area in possession of the product and ask that it be removed. TheyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ll also make recommendations to the public and restaurants, telling them exactly what to look for in terms of food type or lot numbers to remove the product from their stock.
Current and previous investigations by the CDC surrounding listeria outbreaks and recalled products may be found by visiting the CDC website on the ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œlisteria outbreaksÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ .
Earl said the virus caused by ingesting listeria bacteria can be characterized by having nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or an upset stomach. She said symptoms will likely occur anywhere between 24 hours all the way up to 70 days after exposure. Illness caused by ingesting listeria bacteria is not contagious, and more serious cases may by treated with antibiotics.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI know weÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ve had a lot of recalled products for listeria, so thatÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s definitely something to watch for if you have those symptoms,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Earl said. ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œWhen you have these (symptoms), definitely go and make sure that you speak to your doctor about it, make sure that you follow their recommendations.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥
Preventing illness going back to school
As students return to school, Earl also reminded families to ensure that sick kids are staying home, washing their hands and covering their coughs.
While the CDC COVID-19 shows the hospital admission rate linked to the virus to be low, positive cases are still up from last week, according to their COVID-19 . The CDC also shows a slight increase in norovirus cases, which are also characterized by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œKids in a classroom where theyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re inside and not outside, but theyÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™re inside, in close contact with each other, itÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s just natural for things to kind of be passed around, particularly airborne diseases like colds and flu and those kinds of things,ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥ Director of Nursing Kathleen Napier said.
Back-to-school vaccinations are still available at the Cabell-Huntington Health Department for those in need, no insurance required. For more information, call 304-523-6483.
