samedi 30 avril 2011
vendredi 29 avril 2011
Top Ten Pathogens-Food Combinations
Researchers at the University of Florida's Emerging Pathogens Institute have identified for the first time the 10 riskiest combinations of foods and illness-causing microorganisms.
The combinations are responsible for nearly 3.9 million illnesses, about 30,000 hospitalizations and 765 deaths per year in the U.S., according to a report being released publicly today.
Researchers say they hope the list will lead regulators to concentrate on potentially contaminated foods that pose the greatest threat to public health.
Read more CLIC
FOOD SAFETY NEWS SCAN: Norovirus in oysters, tainted meat indictment
Oyster norovirus outbreak led to household transmission
A 2009 norovirus outbreak linked to oysters served at a North Carolina restaurant sickened more than 200 people and had a secondary attack rate of 14%, researchers reported today in an early online edition of Epidemiology and Infection. Though the restaurant received oyster shipments from several different growing areas and used them in a variety of menu items, the multiagency investigators linked the illnesses to oysters from a specific Louisiana growing area. The authors said that although the secondary attack rate is consistent with other reports of point-source norovirus outbreaks, the outbreak shows how exposure to a contaminated food vehicle can be widely distributed. They also suggested that the minimum temperature for steaming raw oysters should be higher than the typical 145.4 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds.
Apr 28 Epidemiol Infect abstract
Federal officials indict man who sold tainted meat
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials, along with the US District Attorney's office, yesterday announced the indictment of a Puerto Rican man for violations of federal meat and poultry inspection laws. On Apr 6 a grand jury indicted Filiberto Berrios on four counts of adulteration, transport, distribution, and sale of contaminated products. He was arrested on Apr 12. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service investigators found the violations during routine review operations at cold storage facilities in Puerto Rico. According to the charges, Berrios, a salvage operator, bought 45,582 pounds of spoiled and misbranded meat and poultry on Jun 25, 2009, repackaged it, and then took it to a food warehouse for sale to restaurants, retail stores, and other outlets. After microbiological tests found that the meat was unfit for human consumption, the products were destroyed. Berrios faces jail time or fines if convicted; he is currently free on bail.
Apr 27 USDA press release
A 2009 norovirus outbreak linked to oysters served at a North Carolina restaurant sickened more than 200 people and had a secondary attack rate of 14%, researchers reported today in an early online edition of Epidemiology and Infection. Though the restaurant received oyster shipments from several different growing areas and used them in a variety of menu items, the multiagency investigators linked the illnesses to oysters from a specific Louisiana growing area. The authors said that although the secondary attack rate is consistent with other reports of point-source norovirus outbreaks, the outbreak shows how exposure to a contaminated food vehicle can be widely distributed. They also suggested that the minimum temperature for steaming raw oysters should be higher than the typical 145.4 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 seconds.
Apr 28 Epidemiol Infect abstract
Federal officials indict man who sold tainted meat
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials, along with the US District Attorney's office, yesterday announced the indictment of a Puerto Rican man for violations of federal meat and poultry inspection laws. On Apr 6 a grand jury indicted Filiberto Berrios on four counts of adulteration, transport, distribution, and sale of contaminated products. He was arrested on Apr 12. USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service investigators found the violations during routine review operations at cold storage facilities in Puerto Rico. According to the charges, Berrios, a salvage operator, bought 45,582 pounds of spoiled and misbranded meat and poultry on Jun 25, 2009, repackaged it, and then took it to a food warehouse for sale to restaurants, retail stores, and other outlets. After microbiological tests found that the meat was unfit for human consumption, the products were destroyed. Berrios faces jail time or fines if convicted; he is currently free on bail.
Apr 27 USDA press release
Molecular detection of multiple viral targets in untreated urban sewage from Greece
Urban sewage virological analysis may produce important information about the strains that cause clinical and subclinical infections in the population, thus supporting epidemiological studies.Methods In the present study, a twenty one-month survey (November 2007 to July 2009) was conducted in order to evaluate the presence of human adenoviruses (hAdV), hepatitis A viruses (HAV), hepatitis E viruses (HEV), Noroviruses (NoV), and human Polyomaviruses (hPyV) in untreated sewage samples collected from the inlet of Patras'municipal biological wastewater treatment plant, located in southwestern Greece. Nucleic acid amplification techniques were applied for viral nucleic acid detection.
Positive samples were confirmed by sequencing and comparative phylogenetic analysis was performed on the isolated viral strains.Results In total, viruses were detected in 87.5% (42/48) of sewage samples. AdVs, PyVs, HAV, and NoVs were detected in 45.8% (22/48), 68.8% (33/48), 8.3% (4/48), and 6.3% (3/48) of the samples collected from the plant's inlet, while HEV was not detected at all.
Adenovirus types 8 (Ad8), 40 (Ad40) and 41 (Ad41) were recognized, while JC and BK polyomaviruses were recorded. Noroviruses were identified as GII.4.
HAV was typed as genotype IA.
Conclusions Our study demonstrates the advantages of environmental surveillance as a tool to elucidate the molecular epidemiology of community circulating viruses. We underline the need of environmental surveillance programs in countries such as Greece with inadequate and problematic epidemiological surveillance system and no environmental surveillance system currently in action.
Author: Petros KokkinosPanos ZirosAggeliki MpalasopoulouAlex GalanisApostolos Vantarakis
Credits/Source: Virology Journal 2011, 8:195
Positive samples were confirmed by sequencing and comparative phylogenetic analysis was performed on the isolated viral strains.Results In total, viruses were detected in 87.5% (42/48) of sewage samples. AdVs, PyVs, HAV, and NoVs were detected in 45.8% (22/48), 68.8% (33/48), 8.3% (4/48), and 6.3% (3/48) of the samples collected from the plant's inlet, while HEV was not detected at all.
Adenovirus types 8 (Ad8), 40 (Ad40) and 41 (Ad41) were recognized, while JC and BK polyomaviruses were recorded. Noroviruses were identified as GII.4.
HAV was typed as genotype IA.
Conclusions Our study demonstrates the advantages of environmental surveillance as a tool to elucidate the molecular epidemiology of community circulating viruses. We underline the need of environmental surveillance programs in countries such as Greece with inadequate and problematic epidemiological surveillance system and no environmental surveillance system currently in action.
Author: Petros KokkinosPanos ZirosAggeliki MpalasopoulouAlex GalanisApostolos Vantarakis
Credits/Source: Virology Journal 2011, 8:195
mercredi 27 avril 2011
Norovirus Attacks Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals
It seems that norovirus has raised its ugly head on Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals. As per reports, following an outbreak of norovirus in the Doncaster’s main hospital, two wards with number 30 and 31 have been closed to contain the infection.
If statistics are to be believed, almost 600,000 people get affected with norovirus every year in the UK, which is caused by poor hygienic conditions.
Apparently, the infection was caught in the ward 31 in February, which snowballed into ward 31 within two days. Deciphering the safety of the health staff, the trust quarantined the two infected wards from the visits of people.
With the risk of norovirus spiraling into other people, concerned health authorities have appealed people to avert any visit to the hospital in order to contain the infection unless it’s urgent or unavoidable
With the concerned health authorities cautioning people and the health staff about the spreading infection, Maurice Madeo, Deputy Director of infection prevention and control, at the hospital, claimed, “We advise staff to wash their hands before and after every patient contact – and that’s advice we could all adopt – wash your hands frequently and regularly with a good anti-bacterial handwash or soap”.
Submitted by Kanika Mehta on Wed, 04/27/2011 - 11:52 TNM Health
If statistics are to be believed, almost 600,000 people get affected with norovirus every year in the UK, which is caused by poor hygienic conditions.
Apparently, the infection was caught in the ward 31 in February, which snowballed into ward 31 within two days. Deciphering the safety of the health staff, the trust quarantined the two infected wards from the visits of people.
With the risk of norovirus spiraling into other people, concerned health authorities have appealed people to avert any visit to the hospital in order to contain the infection unless it’s urgent or unavoidable
With the concerned health authorities cautioning people and the health staff about the spreading infection, Maurice Madeo, Deputy Director of infection prevention and control, at the hospital, claimed, “We advise staff to wash their hands before and after every patient contact – and that’s advice we could all adopt – wash your hands frequently and regularly with a good anti-bacterial handwash or soap”.
Submitted by Kanika Mehta on Wed, 04/27/2011 - 11:52 TNM Health
Hépathite E: mise en garde contre la consommation de certaines saucisses
PARIS - Les autorités sanitaires ont mis en garde mercredi contre la consommation de certaines saucisses susceptibles de présenter un risque d'hépatite E, après qu'une dizaine de cas ont été repérés récemment dans le sud de la France.
Une dizaine de cas d'hépatite E identifiée récemment en région Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur pourrait être liée à la consommation, crues ou mal cuites, de saucisses fraîches de foie, ont annoncé dans un communiqué commun la direction générale de la santé et celle de l'alimentation.
Les autorités sanitaires émettent une série de recommandations quant à la consommation de ces produits. Elles invitent les consommateurs à bien les faire cuire ou même d'éviter de les consommer pour les personnes sensibles, dont les femmes enceintes ou présentant déjà une maladie du foie.
Les autorités dressent la liste des produits concernés. Elles citent les produits à base de foie cru de porc (de type saucisses de foie fraîches ou sèches, foie sec et saucisses de foie sec).
Figurent également dans cette catégorie diverses spécialités commerciales comme les figatelli (Corse et PACA) ou bien encore les saucisses de foie (Midi-Pyrénées et Languedoc-Roussillon), précisent les autorités sanitaires.
Les recommandations des autorités sanitaires concernent également les produits à base de sanglier ou de cerf (viande et abats) notamment la fressure (coeur, rate, foie, poumons).
L'hépatite E est une maladie virale rare en France transmissible à l'homme. En l'absence de vaccin disponible, la prévention repose sur le respect des précautions alimentaires.
Chez l'homme, l'hépatite E se manifeste par une inflammation du foie souvent asymptomatique et habituellement bénigne (grande fatigue, signes digestifs, jaunisse et parfois de la fièvre).
Des formes graves peuvent être observées chez les personnes sensibles que sont les femmes enceintes, les personnes immunodéprimées et les personnes présentant déjà une maladie du foie.
(©AFP / 27 avril 2011 12h50)
Une dizaine de cas d'hépatite E identifiée récemment en région Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur pourrait être liée à la consommation, crues ou mal cuites, de saucisses fraîches de foie, ont annoncé dans un communiqué commun la direction générale de la santé et celle de l'alimentation.
Les autorités sanitaires émettent une série de recommandations quant à la consommation de ces produits. Elles invitent les consommateurs à bien les faire cuire ou même d'éviter de les consommer pour les personnes sensibles, dont les femmes enceintes ou présentant déjà une maladie du foie.
Les autorités dressent la liste des produits concernés. Elles citent les produits à base de foie cru de porc (de type saucisses de foie fraîches ou sèches, foie sec et saucisses de foie sec).
Figurent également dans cette catégorie diverses spécialités commerciales comme les figatelli (Corse et PACA) ou bien encore les saucisses de foie (Midi-Pyrénées et Languedoc-Roussillon), précisent les autorités sanitaires.
Les recommandations des autorités sanitaires concernent également les produits à base de sanglier ou de cerf (viande et abats) notamment la fressure (coeur, rate, foie, poumons).
L'hépatite E est une maladie virale rare en France transmissible à l'homme. En l'absence de vaccin disponible, la prévention repose sur le respect des précautions alimentaires.
Chez l'homme, l'hépatite E se manifeste par une inflammation du foie souvent asymptomatique et habituellement bénigne (grande fatigue, signes digestifs, jaunisse et parfois de la fièvre).
Des formes graves peuvent être observées chez les personnes sensibles que sont les femmes enceintes, les personnes immunodéprimées et les personnes présentant déjà une maladie du foie.
(©AFP / 27 avril 2011 12h50)
Une dizaine de cas d’hépatite E en PACA, le ministère met en garde les consommateurs.
Une dizaine de cas d’hépatite E identifiée récemment en région Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur pourrait être liée à la consommation, crues ou mal cuites, de saucisses fraîches de foie.
Les autorités sanitaires souhaitent rappeler les recommandations concernant la consommation de certains produits susceptibles de présenter un risque d’hépatite E.
En l’état des connaissances, il s’agit des produits suivants :
- Les produits à base de foie cru de porc (de type saucisses de foie fraîches ou sèches, foie sec et saucisses de foie sec). On trouve notamment dans cette catégorie diverses spécialités commerciales comme les figatelli (Corse et PACA) ou bien encore les saucisses de foie (Midi-Pyrénées et Languedoc- Roussillon)
- Les produits à base de sanglier ou de cerf (viande et abats) notamment la fressure (cœur, rate, foie, poumons).
En conséquence, les autorités sanitaires rappellent les recommandations suivantes :
1. à tous les consommateurs : de bien faire cuire ces produits
2. aux personnes sensibles (femmes enceintes, personnes immunodéprimées et personnes présentant déjà une maladie du foie) de ne pas consommer ces produits.
Par R.Chape ¦ Publié le 27/04/2011 à 12h15
Les autorités sanitaires souhaitent rappeler les recommandations concernant la consommation de certains produits susceptibles de présenter un risque d’hépatite E.
En l’état des connaissances, il s’agit des produits suivants :
- Les produits à base de foie cru de porc (de type saucisses de foie fraîches ou sèches, foie sec et saucisses de foie sec). On trouve notamment dans cette catégorie diverses spécialités commerciales comme les figatelli (Corse et PACA) ou bien encore les saucisses de foie (Midi-Pyrénées et Languedoc- Roussillon)
- Les produits à base de sanglier ou de cerf (viande et abats) notamment la fressure (cœur, rate, foie, poumons).
En conséquence, les autorités sanitaires rappellent les recommandations suivantes :
1. à tous les consommateurs : de bien faire cuire ces produits
2. aux personnes sensibles (femmes enceintes, personnes immunodéprimées et personnes présentant déjà une maladie du foie) de ne pas consommer ces produits.
Par R.Chape ¦ Publié le 27/04/2011 à 12h15
mardi 26 avril 2011
Hepatitis E Virus infection in HIV-infected patients with elevated serum transaminases levels
Increases in aminotransferases levels are frequently encountered in HIV-positive patients and often remain unexplained. The role in this setting and natural history of hepatitis E in HIV-infected patients are unknown.
The aim of the study was to assess HEV infection in HIV-infected patients attending a Parisian hospital, with a current or previous cryptogenic hepatitis.191 plasma samples collected from 108 HIV-infected patients with elevated aminotransferases levels were retrospectively tested for the presence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection markers: anti-HEV IgM antibodies, anti-HEV IgG antibodies, anti-HEV IgG avidity index and plasma HEV RNA.One acute infection, documented by positive tests for anti-HEV IgM antibody, low anti-HEV IgG avidity index and plasma HEV RNA (genotype 3e), and three past infections were diagnosed, without any observed case of persistent infection. The acute hepatitis was benign and resolved spontaneously within two weeks.
This infection was probably contracted locally. Acute HEV hepatitis can occur in HIV-infected patients but rarely explains cryptogenic hepatitis, at least in an urban HIV population, regardless geographic origin and CD4 counts.
Author: Pierre SellierMarie-Christine MazeronSophie TesseEsma BadsiJohn EvansJean-Dominique MagnierMarie-Jose Sanson-le-PorsJean-Francois BergmannElisabeth Nicand
Credits/Source: Virology Journal 2011, 8:171
The aim of the study was to assess HEV infection in HIV-infected patients attending a Parisian hospital, with a current or previous cryptogenic hepatitis.191 plasma samples collected from 108 HIV-infected patients with elevated aminotransferases levels were retrospectively tested for the presence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection markers: anti-HEV IgM antibodies, anti-HEV IgG antibodies, anti-HEV IgG avidity index and plasma HEV RNA.One acute infection, documented by positive tests for anti-HEV IgM antibody, low anti-HEV IgG avidity index and plasma HEV RNA (genotype 3e), and three past infections were diagnosed, without any observed case of persistent infection. The acute hepatitis was benign and resolved spontaneously within two weeks.
This infection was probably contracted locally. Acute HEV hepatitis can occur in HIV-infected patients but rarely explains cryptogenic hepatitis, at least in an urban HIV population, regardless geographic origin and CD4 counts.
Author: Pierre SellierMarie-Christine MazeronSophie TesseEsma BadsiJohn EvansJean-Dominique MagnierMarie-Jose Sanson-le-PorsJean-Francois BergmannElisabeth Nicand
Credits/Source: Virology Journal 2011, 8:171
Hepatitis E warning
People who ate an Indian restaurant in Manuka last month are being warned to be on alert for symptoms of Hepatitis E. (
AUDIO: Dr Paul Kelly talking to Louise Maher on the 666 Drive program (ABC Canberra)
Health authorities are warning patrons of an Indian restaurant in Canberra's south to be alert for symptoms of Hepatitis E.
A food handler at the Aladdin Indian restaurant in Manuka has been diagnosed with the liver disease.
Acting ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Paul Kelly says people who ate at the restaurant between March 3rd and 21st should see their doctor if they are concerned.
"The risk of transmission is estimated to be very low," Dr Kelly said.
"Most people that contract Hepatitis E have no symptoms at all and most other people have a mild illness.
"The symptoms to watch out for are; pain and tenderness in the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fever and then the classic sign of jaundice which is yellowing of the skin and eyes."
He says Hepatitis E is unusual in Australia, but it can be contracted overseas from contaminated water or food.
"Symptoms usually develop 15 to 60 days after exposure to the virus and therefore it is possible that patrons may develop symptoms from 25 March until 23 May 2011."
AUDIO: Dr Paul Kelly talking to Louise Maher on the 666 Drive program (ABC Canberra)
Health authorities are warning patrons of an Indian restaurant in Canberra's south to be alert for symptoms of Hepatitis E.
A food handler at the Aladdin Indian restaurant in Manuka has been diagnosed with the liver disease.
Acting ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Paul Kelly says people who ate at the restaurant between March 3rd and 21st should see their doctor if they are concerned.
"The risk of transmission is estimated to be very low," Dr Kelly said.
"Most people that contract Hepatitis E have no symptoms at all and most other people have a mild illness.
"The symptoms to watch out for are; pain and tenderness in the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, fever and then the classic sign of jaundice which is yellowing of the skin and eyes."
He says Hepatitis E is unusual in Australia, but it can be contracted overseas from contaminated water or food.
"Symptoms usually develop 15 to 60 days after exposure to the virus and therefore it is possible that patrons may develop symptoms from 25 March until 23 May 2011."
NBA Teams Sickened by Contagious Norovirus
EMSL Analytical, Inc. provides environmental testing services to prevent contagious viruses from causing outbreaks in arenas, schools and other public settings.
PRLog (Press Release) – Apr 18, 2011 – Last week it was reported that an outbreak of a stomach virus that impacted 13 NBA teams was caused by the norovirus. Within the 13 teams, 21 players became ill, including some well known stars.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Noroviruses (genus Norovirus, family Caliciviridae) are a group of related, single-stranded RNA, non-enveloped viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis in humans. The most common symptoms of acute gastroenteritis are diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Norovirus is the official genus name for the group of viruses previously described as “Norwalk-like viruses” (NLV). Noroviruses spread from person to person, through contaminated food or water, and by touching contaminated surfaces. Norovirus is recognized as the leading cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States. Outbreaks can happen to people of all ages and in a variety of settings.” The virus is also capable of being transmitted by air if dried vomit particles becoming airborne.
The virus has made headlines over the last several years due to highly publicized outbreaks on major cruise lines. The CDC reports, “Norovirus illness often begins suddenly and, when infected, you may feel very sick, with stomach cramping, vomiting, or diarrhea. Infections are usually not serious, and most people recover within 1 or 2 days with no long-term health effects. But, more severe illness is possible, particularly in young children, the elderly, and people with other health conditions, and can lead to hospitalization and even death.”
EMSL Analytical, one of the nation’s largest environmental testing laboratories, has PCR testing capabilities for viruses such as norovirus and enterovirus. “Noroviruses are highly contagious and as few as 10 viral particles may be sufficient to infect an individual according to some research,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL. “To prevent outbreaks it’s important to test for these viruses and when suspected outbreaks do occur testing will help identify the culprit,” he continued.
PRLog (Press Release) – Apr 18, 2011 – Last week it was reported that an outbreak of a stomach virus that impacted 13 NBA teams was caused by the norovirus. Within the 13 teams, 21 players became ill, including some well known stars.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Noroviruses (genus Norovirus, family Caliciviridae) are a group of related, single-stranded RNA, non-enveloped viruses that cause acute gastroenteritis in humans. The most common symptoms of acute gastroenteritis are diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Norovirus is the official genus name for the group of viruses previously described as “Norwalk-like viruses” (NLV). Noroviruses spread from person to person, through contaminated food or water, and by touching contaminated surfaces. Norovirus is recognized as the leading cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States. Outbreaks can happen to people of all ages and in a variety of settings.” The virus is also capable of being transmitted by air if dried vomit particles becoming airborne.
The virus has made headlines over the last several years due to highly publicized outbreaks on major cruise lines. The CDC reports, “Norovirus illness often begins suddenly and, when infected, you may feel very sick, with stomach cramping, vomiting, or diarrhea. Infections are usually not serious, and most people recover within 1 or 2 days with no long-term health effects. But, more severe illness is possible, particularly in young children, the elderly, and people with other health conditions, and can lead to hospitalization and even death.”
EMSL Analytical, one of the nation’s largest environmental testing laboratories, has PCR testing capabilities for viruses such as norovirus and enterovirus. “Noroviruses are highly contagious and as few as 10 viral particles may be sufficient to infect an individual according to some research,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL. “To prevent outbreaks it’s important to test for these viruses and when suspected outbreaks do occur testing will help identify the culprit,” he continued.
vendredi 22 avril 2011
jeudi 21 avril 2011
Gastro illnesses make a return - HEV & HAV (Hepatitis)
Gastro illnesses make a returnSince March, Dr Mogar has received at least 15 cases of gastroenteritis and about four cases of infectious hepatitis ‘E’ and ‘A’. As for the latter, the severity of the disease was not as much as other viral hepatitis strains like hepatitis ‘B’ or ‘C’ that are chronic. Contaminated water and food leads to gastroenteritis and hepatitis ‘E’ or ‘A.’
As heat rises, jaundice cases double in first four months in Ahmedabad - HEV (Hepatitis E)
As heat rises, jaundice cases double in first four months in Ahmedabad - India - DNAMost severely affected areas this year include Khadia, Thakkarnagar, Chandkheda, Ramol-Hathijan, Vasna, Kali and Danilimda. About 10,000 cases of Hepatitis E and A have been reported within the last month alone in the entire belt of Ahmedabad to Rajkot and the high infection pockets are Kalol, Surendranagar, Ahmedabad and Rajkot, say experts and surveyors.
Hepatitis E warning - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Hepatitis E warning - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)Health authorities are warning patrons of an Indian restaurant in Canberra's south to be alert for symptoms of Hepatitis E...
vendredi 15 avril 2011
Food in Canada: Eat at your own risk
Food in Canada: Eat at your own risk ...Canada’s public and private sectors are
not doing enough to prevent food-borne illnesses. Among the major failings are inadequate active surveillance systems, an inability to trace foods from “farm to fork” and a lack of incentives to keep food safe along the “farm to fork” pathway. The result? Eleven mil- lion or more episodes of food-related gastroen- teritis in Canada every year. This is a crude esti- mate at best, because at least one report suggests that fewer than 1 in 200 episodes are reported....© 2011 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors
not doing enough to prevent food-borne illnesses. Among the major failings are inadequate active surveillance systems, an inability to trace foods from “farm to fork” and a lack of incentives to keep food safe along the “farm to fork” pathway. The result? Eleven mil- lion or more episodes of food-related gastroen- teritis in Canada every year. This is a crude esti- mate at best, because at least one report suggests that fewer than 1 in 200 episodes are reported....© 2011 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors
mercredi 13 avril 2011
Interislander outbreak appears over | Stuff.co.nz
Interislander outbreak appears over | Stuff.co.nz...Gastroenteritis is caused by highly infectious viruses like norovirus and rotavirus and symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps and headaches...
mardi 12 avril 2011
Food-borne outbreaks (EFSA Report)
Food-borne outbreaks (extract from EFSA report)
A total of 5,550 outbreaks was reported in EU, which is at the same level as in 2008. Overall, 48,964 human cases, 4,356 hospitalisations and 46 deaths were recorded. The total number of verified outbreaks (977) increased and the variation between MSs in the numbers of reported verified outbreaks remained large.
The largest number of reported food-borne outbreaks was caused by Salmonella (31.0 % of all outbreaks), followed by viruses (18.8 %), bacterial toxins (10.1 %) and Campylobacter (6.0 %).
The most important food vehicles in the outbreaks with known causative agent were eggs and egg products (17.3 %), mixed or buffet meals (8.1 %), pig meat and products thereof (7.8 %). Eggs and egg products, and bakery products were mostly associated with S. Enteritidis outbreaks, whereas pig meat was linked to Trichinella and Salmonella outbreaks. The virus outbreaks were mainly associated with fruit, berries, vegetables and juices and other products thereof. The number of reported Salmonella outbreaks has decreased over the past three years, while the outbreaks caused by bacterial toxins increased in 2009.
In 2009, 15 waterborne outbreaks were reported in EU, and the main causative agents were Campylobacter, caliciviruses and E. coli. The largest outbreaks, involving a substantial number of human cases, were caused by the contamination of public water sources.
A total of 5,550 outbreaks was reported in EU, which is at the same level as in 2008. Overall, 48,964 human cases, 4,356 hospitalisations and 46 deaths were recorded. The total number of verified outbreaks (977) increased and the variation between MSs in the numbers of reported verified outbreaks remained large.
The largest number of reported food-borne outbreaks was caused by Salmonella (31.0 % of all outbreaks), followed by viruses (18.8 %), bacterial toxins (10.1 %) and Campylobacter (6.0 %).
The most important food vehicles in the outbreaks with known causative agent were eggs and egg products (17.3 %), mixed or buffet meals (8.1 %), pig meat and products thereof (7.8 %). Eggs and egg products, and bakery products were mostly associated with S. Enteritidis outbreaks, whereas pig meat was linked to Trichinella and Salmonella outbreaks. The virus outbreaks were mainly associated with fruit, berries, vegetables and juices and other products thereof. The number of reported Salmonella outbreaks has decreased over the past three years, while the outbreaks caused by bacterial toxins increased in 2009.
In 2009, 15 waterborne outbreaks were reported in EU, and the main causative agents were Campylobacter, caliciviruses and E. coli. The largest outbreaks, involving a substantial number of human cases, were caused by the contamination of public water sources.
EFSA - Scientific Report of EFSA: EU summary report on trends and sources of zoonoses and zoonotic agents and food-borne outbreaks 2009
EFSA - Scientific Report of EFSA: EU summary report on trends and sources of zoonoses and zoonotic agents and food-borne outbreaks 2009 Download the EFSA / ECDC report : The European Union Summary Report on Trends and Sources of Zoonoses, Zoonotic Agents and Food-borne Outbreaks in 2009.
Food-Borne outbreaks in Europe in 2009
Food-Borne outbreaks in Europe in 2009A total of 5,550 food-borne outbreaks were reported in the European Union, causing 48,964 human cases, 4,356 hospitalisations and 46 deaths. Most of the reported outbreaks were caused by Salmonella, viruses and bacterial toxins...
lundi 11 avril 2011
ceeramtools - RT-PCR test kit Astrovirus
ceeramtools - RT-PCR test kit AstrovirusDeveloped by CEERAM SAS, this kit allows the detection of human Astroviruses by real-time RT- PCR in in all types of food samples (shellfish, fruits, vegetables, water, processed foods...). Astroviruses are non-enveloped and single strand RNA viruses. These human enteric viruses are responsible for viral gastroenteritis outbreaks. They are pathogenic for all age groups of the population however the children, the elderly and immuno-compromised people being particularly sensitive. These viruses are very infectious: few viral particles are sufficient to get sick.
Food samples can be contaminated by a food-handler during the various stages of food production or via the environment. Thanks to their structural properties, Astroviruses can persit to different food processes. The consumption of contaminated food can lead to outbreaks in the population. Their transmission mode is the feco-oral route.
The diagnostic by cellular culture or ELISA is not adapted to the detection astrovirus in food samples. Detection by real time RT-PCR, after extraction and purification of the viral RNA, is a method of choice taking into account its speed and its sensitivity. The detection limit varied from 1 to 10 copies depending of the quality of the analyzed nucleic acid.
Food samples can be contaminated by a food-handler during the various stages of food production or via the environment. Thanks to their structural properties, Astroviruses can persit to different food processes. The consumption of contaminated food can lead to outbreaks in the population. Their transmission mode is the feco-oral route.
The diagnostic by cellular culture or ELISA is not adapted to the detection astrovirus in food samples. Detection by real time RT-PCR, after extraction and purification of the viral RNA, is a method of choice taking into account its speed and its sensitivity. The detection limit varied from 1 to 10 copies depending of the quality of the analyzed nucleic acid.
dimanche 10 avril 2011
Virus nell'acqua a Santo Stefano Quisquina Un mese di disagi tra epidemie e paure, le cause ancora tutte da chiarire
SiciliaInformazioni | Virus nell?acqua a Santo Stefano Quisquina Un mese di disagi tra epidemie e paure, le cause ancora tutte da chiarire...Recentemente, l’Asp di Agrigento ha reso noto l’esito delle analisi su campioni d’acqua provenienti dall’acquedotto comunale e i risultati parlano chiaro: la causa del contagio è il norovirus. Si tratta di uno degli agenti più diffusi di gastroenteriti acute di origine non batterica, il periodo d’incubazione va dalle 12 alle 48 ore, mentre l’infezione dura dalle 12 alle 60, senza lasciare particolari strascichi sui soggetti sani...
vendredi 8 avril 2011
ceeram on RapidMicrobiology
ceeram launches two Packs for Norovirus, Hepatitis and Mengovirus, for testing Food and Environmental Samples.
outbreak of norovirus in Cavan Hospital
Cavan hospital toiling under unfair pressure, claims Monaghan GP - News - Roundup - Articles - Anglo Celt ...It has been a tough week for Cavan General Hospital, having to cope with overcrowding and dealing with an outbreak of norovirus (the winter vomiting bug) in the hospital. ...
jeudi 7 avril 2011
Hépatite A dans les huîtres Françaises
Ceeram - Hépatite A dans les huîtres Françaises Alerte RASFF d'origine Italienne sur les huîtres Françaises.
lundi 4 avril 2011
Norovirus hits St. Joseph's Hospital
Norovirus hits St. Joseph s Hospital...This is the second Norovirus outbreak in the community this month.
The Comox Valley Seniors Village was restricting visitors for several weeks as it battled back-to-back outbreaks. ...
The Comox Valley Seniors Village was restricting visitors for several weeks as it battled back-to-back outbreaks. ...
Tour operator criticised over hotel illness - Norovirus
Tour operator criticised over hotel illness - Telegraph...Thomson is under fire over repeated cases of suspected norovirus at a Tenerife resort. ...
17 feared dead as diarrhea hits Palawan - Regions - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News
17 feared dead as diarrhea hits Palawan - Regions - GMA News Online - Latest Philippine News...Meanwhile, the Health Department issued a warning to the public to be wary of diarrhea and other diseases that may strike during the summer.Radio dzBB's Cecilia Villarosa reported that such diseases include food- and water-borne ailments like cholera, typhoid, and Hepatitis-A, as well as food poisoning. The public was also warned against sore eyes and measles, as well as mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria....
When eating or drinking...Make sure it’s clean | Trinidad Express Newspaper | Featured News
When eating or drinking...Make sure it’s clean ...Bacterial causes include escherichia coli (e-coli), salmonella, campylobacter and shigell. Common viral causes include adenoviruses, rotaviruses, caliciviruses, astroviruses, noroviruses....
Winter pressures lead to extended wait at Lagan Valley A&E - Norovirus Outbreak
Winter pressures lead to extended wait at Lagan Valley A&E - Local - Ulster Star ... The spokesperson stated: “February was a very busy month in the Lagan Valley Accident & Emergency Department, due to above average patient numbers, an outbreak of Norovirus, and a high number of patients waiting for complex discharge packages. This has continued into the early part of March but pressures are now easing.”...
Ceeram - Norovirus dans les mûres surgelées de Serbie
Ceeram - Norovirus dans les mûres surgelées de Serbie RASFF - Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed : Alerte finlandaise et rejet à la frontière d'un lot de mûres congelées contaminées par norovirus. Norovirus (auparavant appelé Virus de Norwalk) est responsable de toxi-infections alimentaires (gastro-entérites).
Très infectieux (10 à 100 virus suffisent à provoquer une infection), les norovirus se transmettent par voie orale, par contact avec la peau ou des objets (mains sales, objets contaminés par des norovirus), par inhalation (fines gouttelettes en suspension dans l'air après vomissement) ou par ingestion (aliments ou boissons contaminés). Les norovirus sont très résistants à l'environnement et peuvent rester contagieux très longtemps sur les surfaces contaminées.
Très infectieux (10 à 100 virus suffisent à provoquer une infection), les norovirus se transmettent par voie orale, par contact avec la peau ou des objets (mains sales, objets contaminés par des norovirus), par inhalation (fines gouttelettes en suspension dans l'air après vomissement) ou par ingestion (aliments ou boissons contaminés). Les norovirus sont très résistants à l'environnement et peuvent rester contagieux très longtemps sur les surfaces contaminées.
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