What Consumers Need to Know During Power Outages and Floods

The link below is to the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations website and provides basic information to consumers about precautions to take before, During and After Power Outages and Floods. For additional information please contact Environmental Health at (360) 249-4413.


http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/fsdisas.html#s2


Remember to call 911 for access to FIRE, POLICE, AID, RESCUE AND POISON CONTROL for help during an emergency. Call when life and/or property are in immediate danger; when you see smoke or fire; when a crime is being committed; when rescue or emergency assistance is needed.

DO NOT CALL 911 for information, such as road or weather conditions, area power outages, or directions. Use the link below to access the Grays Harbor County Division of Emergency Management for information on road closures, weather and other information.

http://www.co.grays-harbor.wa.us/info/DEM/News.htm

Food Safety During Power Outages

A Guide For Food Establishments

The following link will direct you to a Washington State Department of Health Guide which provides information for Food Service Establishments about what to do before, during and after a power outage. If you have any questions please contact Environmental Halth at (360) 249-4413

http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/food/establishmentpoweroutage.pdf

Utah Firm Recalls Frozen Chicken Meals That May Contain Foreign Materials

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2008 - Nestlé Prepared Foods Company, a Springville, Utah, establishment, is recalling approximately 879,565 pounds of frozen chicken meals that may contain foreign materials, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

9.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE PESTO CHICKEN WITH BOW TIE PASTA” brand frozen meals. Printed on each side of each package is a production code of “8280595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best Before MAY 2010.”

10.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE CHICKEN MEDITERRANEAN” brand frozen meals. Printed on the side of each package is a production code of “8231595912” or “8241595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before SEP 2010”; a production code of “8263595912,” “8269595911” or “8274595912,” as well as a use-by date of “Best before OCT 2010”; or, a production code of “8291595912” or “8301595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before NOV 2010.”

12.5-ounce packages of “LEAN CUISINE CHICKEN TUSCAN” brand frozen meals. Printed on the side of each package is a production code of “8234595911” and a use-by date of “Best before SEP 2009”; a production code of “8253595911” or “8269595912” as well as a use-by date of “Best before OCT 2009”; or, a production code of “8292595911” or “8296595911” as well as a use-by date of “Best before NOV 2009.”

Each package also bears the USDA mark of inspection as well as the establishment number “EST P-9018.” The frozen chicken meals were produced on Aug. 18, Aug. 21, Aug. 28, Sept. 9, Sept. 19, Sept. 25, Sept. 30, Oct. 6, Oct. 17-18, Oct. 22 and Oct. 27 and were distributed to retail establishments nationwide.

The problem was discovered after the company received consumer complaints and a report of one injury. The company identified the objects as small pieces of hard plastic. FSIS has not received other reports of injury. Anyone concerned about an injury from consumption of the products should consult a medical professional.

Media with questions about the recall should contact Company Marketing Communications Manager Roz O’Hearn at (440) 264-5170. Consumers with questions about the recall should contact Nestlé Consumer Services Center at (800) 227-6188.

Consumers with food safety questions can "Ask Karen," the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

SEATTLE'S FAVORITE GOURMET COOKIES & DESSERT CO ISSUES NATIONWIDE ALLERGY ALERT ON UNDECLARED MILK IN MUFFIN TOPS

SEATTLE’S FAVORITE GOURMET COOKIES & DESSERT CO. OF TUKWILA, WA IS RECALLING ORANGE CRANBERRY AND BANANA NUT MUFFIN TOPS BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN UNDECLARED MILK. PEOPLE WHO HAVE AN ALLERGY OR SEVERE SENSITIVITY TO MILK RUN THE RISK OF SERIOUS OR LIFE THREATENING ALLERGIC REACTION IF THEY CONSUME THESE PRODUCTS.

ORANGE CRANBERRY AND BANANA NUT MUFFIN TOPS WERE DISTRIBUTED NATIONWIDE TO COFFEE SHOPS, ESPRESSO STANDS, AND RETAIL OUTLETS.

THESE PRODUCTS ARE INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED IN CLEAR PLASTIC WITH A BLACK PRODUCT CARD FEATURING THE SEATTLE’S FAVORITE LOGO IN UPPER LEFT HAND SIDE AND CONTAINS THE PRODUCT NAME AND INGREDIENT STATEMENT. PRODUCT MAY OR MAY NOT CONTAIN AN EXPIRATION DATE OR BEST BY DATE. THE DATE IS PLACED ON THE PRODUCT AT THE RETAIL LOCATION. THESE PRODUCTS, REGARDLESS OF ANY CODES, ARE SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL.

THERE HAVE BEEN NO ILLNESSES REPORTED TO DATE.

DURING A ROUTINE FDA INSPECTION IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE INGREDIENT STATEMENT DID NOT DECLARE MILK.

CONSUMERS ARE URGED TO RETURN THESE PRODUCTS TO POINT OF PURCHASE FOR A REFUND. FOR ANY FURTHER CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT SEATTLE’S FAVORITE AT SEATTLESFAVORITECOOKIES.COM OR 1-866-203-5588.

BOB PETERSON / ROBIN PETERSONSEATTLE'S FAVORITE GOURMET COOKIES & DESSERT CO.WORK 206-574-0577

Amy’s Kitchen Inc. Issues Allergy Alert and Voluntary National Recall due to Possible Undeclared Milk in Tofu Scramble in a Pocket Sandwich; Lot Code

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Santa Rosa, California, November 7, 2008. Amy's Kitchen Inc. of Santa Rosa, California is voluntarily recalling Tofu Scramble in a Pocket Sandwich Lot 10 H148, because of the presence of milk in a product that is labeled non-dairy. The 4.0 oz net wt frozen product, sold in U.S. grocery stores, comes in a retail package labeled as Amy's Tofu Scramble in a Pocket Sandwich. The code date printed in white on the easy open zipper end is

10 H148 A,B,C or D

The products could cause an allergic reaction if consumed by any individuals allergic to milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to dairy products run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the product. Consumers without milk allergies can safely consume the product.

The recall was initiated after one report of an allergic reaction due to this product, which was not labeled as containing dairy ingredients. Testing has shown the presence of milk.

No other products or code dates of Amy's Kitchen products are affected by this recall.

Consumers allergic to milk should contact Amy's Kitchen for a replacement or refund. The product is distributed to retailers only. Retailers are instructed to destroy the affected product.

Amy's Kitchen is cooperating with FDA and will also issue an alert via the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.

For instructions or questions, consumers may call the company collect: 707-568-4500 and ask for the consumer services department at ext 4571. Consumers who are not allergic to milk ingredients can consume the product or call for a full refund.

http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/amykitchen11_08.html

Grays Harbor County closed to all species of Shellfish

Closure Advisory October 2, 2008-
Due to elevated levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), more commonly known as “red tide”, the Washington State Department of Health Office of Shellfish and Water Protection has issued a closure notice for the sport harvesting of all species of shellfish in Grays Harbor. Although a Seasonal Closure is in effect for all of Grays Harbor from April through October of each year we are posting this advisory due to the elevated PSP levels.

The harvesting of Razor Clams may be allowed during the seasonal closure on designated beaches only provided that marine biotoxin monitoring indicates it is safe to do so. Please contact the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife to check on harvest dates and open beaches for razor clam digs http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/. For information on PSP or “Red Tide” closures, contact the Washington State Red Tide Hotline at (800) 562-5632. Maps of closure areas can be viewed at the Washington State Department of Health Recreational Shellfish Beach Closures page.

Toxic shellfish do not look or taste any different. The Paralytic Shellfish Poison is not destroyed by any method of preparation or cooking.

The symptoms of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning usually occur within one hour after eating toxic shellfish. Symptoms may include tingling and numbness of the lips and tongue, nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and difficulty in breathing. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms after eating shellfish.

West Nile virus found in western Washington for the first time this year

OLYMPIA -- Two dead birds — one from King County and one from Thurston County — have tested positive for West Nile virus. These are the first animals to test positive on the west side of the Cascades this year.

The virus has already been active in eastern and central Washington. A human case of West Nile infection was confirmed in August. Two other people are considered “probable” cases. Health officials believe all three were exposed while traveling in eastern Washington or eastern Oregon.

The virus has also been detected in more than two dozen horses, nine birds, and more than 40 mosquito pools. Nearly all of those positive samples have been in eastern Washington.

“These latest positive birds confirm that West Nile virus has spread to both sides of our state,” said Jude Van Buren, assistant secretary for the agency’s division of Epidemiology, Health Statistics, and Public Health Laboratories. “While the fall weather is getting cooler, mosquitoes are still out there and people should take precautions to avoid getting bitten.”

Although mosquito season is coming to a close, mosquitoes are still active until the first freeze of the year. People should avoid mosquito bites by staying indoors around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, ensure door and window screens are working, and use a mosquito repellent when necessary. Always follow label directions when using repellents.

It’s also important to reduce mosquito habitat around the home. Emptying water from old tires; turning over old buckets or cans; and frequently changing water in pet dishes, birdbaths, and water troughs helps eliminate the small puddles of water in which many mosquito larvae grow.

West Nile virus can cause meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord and brain) or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). People over age 50 have the highest risk for serious illness. There’s no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection.

West Nile virus is mainly a bird disease. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses, or other hosts. This season nearly 100 dead birds have been tested statewide. People are encouraged to report dead birds, especially crows, jays, magpies, and ravens, to local health agencies for possible collection and testing.

The two recent birds that tested positive were collected earlier this month. They were submitted for testing by the local health agencies in Thurston and King Counties as part of the state’s West Nile virus monitoring program. Along with these two birds, one dead crow tested positive for the virus in Benton County.

More information on West Nile virus (www.doh.wa.gov/WNV) is on the Department of Health Web site. Contact your local health department (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm) with questions about West Nile virus monitoring in your community.

To report a dead bird in Grays Harbor County call the Public Health and Social Services message line at (360) 532-8631 and use extension 410. You may report a complaint about mosquitoes by calling Environmental Health at (360) 249-4413.

West Nile virus expands in Washington; possible human infections reported

OLYMPIA - Two state residents are being considered “probable” West Nile virus infection cases. The state Department of Health announced the lab results today. State health officials believe both people were infected in Washington.

A Yakima County woman in her 50s and a King County man in his 30s are considered probable West Nile infection cases after testing at the state’s Public Health Laboratories in Shoreline. After the initial test results, samples have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmation.

The Yakima County resident developed a fever, headache, and muscle aches. She did not travel outside the county during her exposure period. The King County resident developed meningitis, a more serious symptom of this disease. He’s believed to have been infected while traveling in Yakima and Benton Counties. Both people were exposed in mid-August. This is an excellent reminder of the importance of preventing mosquito bites to avoid West Nile virus infection and other mosquito-borne illnesses.

“West Nile virus can be a very serious disease for a small number of people, especially those older than 50,” said Dr. Marcia Goldoft, acting state epidemiologist for communicable disease. “Some people who are infected may never have severe symptoms, but it’s wise to try to avoid mosquito bites to prevent infection. West Nile virus activity is increasing in our state, so it’s vital to take the simple precautions that can help protect you from West Nile infection.”

So far this year, environmental monitoring has detected West Nile virus in 41 mosquito samples, 25 horses, and six birds — all in eastern Washington.

People can avoid mosquito bites at home or on the road by following a few precautions: be sure that door and window screens are working; stay indoors around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active; and if you do go outside, use a mosquito repellent when mosquitoes are active. Those involved in extended outdoor activities such as farming, hiking, attending sports events, or fishing, and hunting should be careful to avoid insect bites. Always follow label instructions when using mosquito repellents.

It’s also important to reduce mosquito habitat around the home. Turning over old buckets or cans; emptying water from old tires; and frequently changing water in birdbaths, pet dishes, and water troughs helps eliminate the small puddles of water in which many mosquito larvae grow.

West Nile infection can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord and brain). People over age 50 have the highest risk for serious illness. Younger people can also develop serious complications from the disease.

Mosquitoes become infected with West Nile virus by feeding on infected birds, and then pass the virus to uninfected birds, people, horses, or other hosts. Crows, ravens, magpies, and jays are especially susceptible to dying from the virus. State and local public health monitor for West Nile virus by tracking mosquito samples, horses, and dead birds.

The Department of Health West Nile virus information line 1-866-78-VIRUS (1-866-788-4787) and the agency’s West Nile virus Web site (www.doh.wa.gov/WNV) are excellent resources for anyone who wants to learn more.

The Department of Health is working with local health partners as well as other state agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Ecology, and Fish and Wildlife on West Nile virus monitoring, planning, control, and prevention.

FDA Issues Health Information Advisory on Infant Formula

In response to reports of contaminated milk-based infant formula manufactured in China, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today is issuing a Health Information Advisory. This is to assure the American public that there is no known threat of contamination in infant formula manufactured by companies that have met the requirements to sell infant formula in the United States. Although no Chinese manufacturers of infant formula have fulfilled the requirements to sell infant formula in the United States, FDA officials are investigating whether or not infant formula manufactured in China is being sold in specialty markets which serve the Asian community.

The FDA is advising caregivers not to feed infant formula manufactured in China to infants. This should be replaced with an appropriate infant formula manufactured in the United States as mentioned below. Individuals should contact their health care professional if they have questions regarding their infant’s health or if they note changes in their infant’s health status.

The FDA began investigating the reports of contamination immediately and received information from the companies who manufacture infant formula for the American market that they are not importing infant formula or source materials from China. The following manufacturers have met the necessary FDA requirements for marketing milk-based infant formulas in the United States: Abbott Nutritionals, Mead Johnson Nutritionals, Nestle USA, PBM Nutritionals, and Solus Products LLC. Also, one manufacturer, SHS/Nutricia, Liverpool, England, markets an amino acid based exempt infant formula that does not contain any milk-derived ingredients.

We are asking state officials to work with the Agency to assist with the removal of any Chinese infant formula found on store shelves, and to warn members of the Asian community to avoid using Chinese manufactured infant formula.

It has been reported that a number of infants in China who have consumed Chinese manufactured infant formula are suffering from kidney stones, a condition which is rare in infants. The Chinese manufactured infant formula may be contaminated with melamine. Melamine artificially increases the protein profile of milk and can causes kidney diseases such as those seen in these Chinese infants.

FDA requires that all infant formula manufacturers register with the Agency and adhere to specific labeling and nutritional requirements. All properly registered infant formula manufacturers marketing infant formula in the United States undergo an annual inspection of their production facilities.

Food Recall

Lucky Country Inc. is recalling all of its natural black licorice products due to elevated levels of lead.

According to company representatives, the product was sold through Costco, Whole Foods, Wal-Mart, and Bartell Drug stores in Washington State in addition to many independent retailers. Lucky Country has notified all its customers of the recall.

Please see the FDA press release for the specific details: http://www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/luckycountry08_08.html

Alfalfa sprouts sicken 13 in Washington and Oregon

OLYMPIA
State health officials believe alfalfa sprouts are connected to an outbreak of Salmonella that’s sickened nine people in our state and four in Oregon.

The outbreak has been tied to alfalfa sprouts from Sprouters Northwest, Inc. in Kent. The company has agreed to voluntarily recall the product and has stopped distributing it. The sprouts are sold in a variety of package sizes
(http://www.doh.wa.gov/NewsRoom/ProductRecall.htm) labeled “Alfalfa Sprouts,” or as mixed varieties that contain alfalfa sprouts as an ingredient.

People should not eat any products from Sprouters Northwest that contain alfalfa sprouts. Discard them immediately or return them to the store.

The first cases of Salmonella Typhimurium were reported in early August. People have been sickened in Clark, Island, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom counties. At least two have required hospitalization.

Salmonellosis is a common infection; there are usually about 600 to 800 cases reported each year in our state. It can cause diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Symptoms usually develop within one to five days after eating contaminated food. Most people usually get better on their own.
The recalled sprouts were distributed to grocery stores, and possibly other retail outlets in Washington and Oregon.

The Department of Health urges restaurants and delicatessens to check their stock immediately and pull any of the recalled products. Retailers and wholesalers that have any of the recalled sprouts should separate them from other produce and contact their supplier.

People who have eaten sprouts and developed symptoms should contact their health care provider. Salmonellosis can cause serious illness that can lead to hospitalization and even death. The risk is particularly high for the elderly, people with low immune systems, and the very young.

More information on Salmonella (http://www.doh.wa.gov/EHSPHL/factsheet/salmonel.htm) is on the Department of Health Web site.

Four birds test positive for West Nile virus in Washington

OLYMPIA
Four dead birds — three from Yakima County and one from Benton County — have tested positive for West Nile virus. These are the first birds to test positive in our state this year.

The two crows and two magpies were collected last month and sent to Washington State University for testing. Along with these birds the virus has been detected in 12 horses and 22 mosquito pools in Yakima, Benton, and Grant counties this year.

“This is just more evidence that West Nile virus is here in our state,” said Gregg Grunenfelder, assistant secretary for the agency’s environmental health division. “Now more than ever, people should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites and limit mosquito habitats around their homes.”

West Nile virus is primarily a bird disease. Mosquitoes become infected by feeding on an infected bird and can pass the virus to humans, horses, or other hosts. The crows and magpies were collected and submitted by Yakima and Benton-Franklin Health Districts as part of the state’s West Nile virus monitoring program. This season nearly 60 dead birds have been tested statewide. People are encouraged to continue reporting dead birds, especially crows, jays, magpies, and ravens, to local health agencies for possible collection and testing.

“Testing for West Nile virus in dead birds, mosquitoes, and horses shows where the disease is active,” said Liz Dykstra, public health entomologist for the state health department. “With the results we’re seeing this year, it’s clear that West Nile virus is very active in the middle of our state.”

People should avoid mosquito bites by staying indoors around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, ensure door and window screens are working, and use a mosquito repellent when necessary. Always follow label directions when using repellents.

It’s also important to reduce mosquito habitat around the home. Emptying water from old tires; turning over old buckets or cans; and frequently changing water in pet dishes, birdbaths, and water troughs helps eliminate the small puddles of water in which many mosquito larvae grow.

West Nile virus can cause encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord and brain). People over age 50 have the highest risk for serious illness. There’s no specific treatment for West Nile virus infection.

More information on West Nile virus (www.doh.wa.gov/WNV) is on the Department of Health Web site. Contact your local health department (www.doh.wa.gov/LHJMap/LHJMap.htm) with questions about West Nile virus monitoring in your community.

To report a dead bird in Grays Harbor County call the Public Health and Social Services message line at (360) 532-8631 and use extension 410. You may report a complaint about mosquitoes by calling Environmental Health at (360) 249-4413.

West Nile Virus Positive Mosquitoes Breach the Gap in Greater Yakima Area

August 14, 2008 (Yakima, WA)— The Yakima Health District (YHD) received word late Wednesday afternoon
that mosquitoes trapped within the greater Yakima area have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The pool of
Culex pipiens mosquitoes was collected north of the gap (Ahtanum Ridge) on August 6, 2008 by the Yakima
Health District, in partnership with Mosquito Control District No.1. Three new mosquito pools trapped by the
Benton County Mosquito Control District have also tested positive. This brings the year-to-date total for Yakima
County to 8 positive mosquito pools and 3 positive horses.
“We’re seeing a greater number of environmental positives earlier in the mosquito season this year,” says Laura
Charters, Environmental Health Specialist with the Yakima Health District. “We’re also seeing an increase in the
number of complaints regarding mosquitoes from many parts of the county.”
The first line of defense against West Nile virus is to eliminate standing water that mosquitoes breed in.
Anything that can hold water can become a mosquito breeding ground in less than a week, so people should
check their property regularly, as well as change water in pet bowls, animal troughs and bird baths at least once
weekly. The second step is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Screen windows and doors that remain open
for ventilation. When possible, avoid being outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
People should also cover their skin by wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks, and shoes. Mosquito
repellants containing DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 are safe and effective against
mosquitoes when used according to label instructions.
“We haven’t had any human cases yet, but 11 positive mosquito pools and horses in the span of one month
definitely emphasizes the importance of continued prevention efforts across the Yakima Valley and region,”
Charters adds.
Symptoms of mild West Nile Virus illness include fever, headache, body aches, rash, and swollen lymph
glands. A more serious form of WNV disease produces symptoms such as neck stiffness, disorientation,
coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms
should consult their medical provider, especially if there is a recent history of mosquito bites. The very young
and the elderly are most susceptible to the more serious form of WNV illness.
As a reminder, owners are urged to vaccinate their horses against WNV. Previously-vaccinated animals also
need yearly boosters. Even horses a few months old can be vaccinated against WNV. Please talk to your
veterinarian about available equine WNV vaccines.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2008

CONTACT: Erik Khambatta, EHS (360) 249-4413

Harmful Algae Bloom – Cohassett Lake a.k.a. Woods Lake

The Grays Harbor County Division of Environmental Health and the Washington State Department of Ecology is advising the public of a harmful algae bloom in Cohassett Lake, also known as Woods Lake or sometimes referred to as Fake Lake.

After recently being alerted to the bloom, a water sample was collected and submitted to the King County Environmental Laboratories. The water was found to have elevated levels of microcystin, a cyanobacterial toxin which poses a health concern to humans, pets, livestock and wildlife. Officials will continue to monitor the status of the bloom and collect additional samples until the bloom has dissipated.

Until the collected samples have indicated that the water is safe, officials are advising that the public avoid contact with water containing the algae and to keep pets away from the water.

Disposal of Unwanted Prescritpion Drugs

The Office of National Drug Control Policy has issued new guidelines for the proper disposal of prescription drugs. These guidelines, as outlined below, move us away from advice to flush these products down the toilet or sink and instead focus on disposal through the solid waste system. The new guidelines are as follows:

1) Take unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs out of their original containers.

2) Mix the prescription drugs with an undesirable substance, like used coffee grounds or kitty litter, and put them in impermeable, non-descript containers, such as empty cans or sealable bags, further ensuring that the drugs are not diverted or accidentally ingested by children or pets.

3) Throw these containers in the trash.

4) Flush prescription drugs down the toilet only if the accompanying patient information specifically instructs it is safe to do so.

5) Return unused, unneeded, or expired prescription drugs to pharmaceutical take-back locations that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for safe disposal.

Pharmaceutical take-back programs are currently very limited and there are barriers that exist to expand these programs in very broad ways. We will continue to work both within the state and nationally to explore ways to overcome existing barriers and expand these take-back programs, which ultimately seem to be provide a more responsible way to dispose of unwanted pharmaceuticals.

Note: Patients should always refer to printed material accompanying their medication for specific instructions.

http://www.medicinereturn.com/

West Nile virus found in Moses Lake and Prosser area horses—first cases in 2008

OLYMPIA – West Nile virus (WNV), a potentially fatal disease in equines, has been confirmed in two horses, one in Moses Lake and the other in the Prosser area, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) announced today.

These are the first confirmed cases this year of horses contracting West Nile virus in Washington. Last year, eight horses were confirmed for the disease, all in Yakima County.

Washington State University’s Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory in Pullman reported the positive test results to WSDA today.

The 24-year-old gelding quarter horse in Moses Lake appears to be recovering. The Prosser horse, a five-year-old quarter horse mare, has been euthanized. Neither horse was vaccinated for WNV.“The best way to protect a horse from West Nile infection is vaccination,” said Dr. Leonard Eldridge, state veterinarian. “Horse owners with concerns should contact their veterinarian for information on vaccines and annual booster shots.”Eldridge also recommended that horse owners take measures to reduce mosquito populations by removing standing water from yards and barns and changing water in troughs or bird baths that could be a source of mosquito breeding.West Nile virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito and can infect people, horses, many types of birds, and other animals.

Humans cannot contract WNV through contact with an infected horse. Infected horses do not spread the disease to other horses or animals.

Mosquitoes become carriers when they feed on an infected bird. Horses that contract WNV may show signs such as loss of coordination, loss of appetite, confusion, fever, stiffness and muscle weakness, particularly in the hindquarters. Many horses and other animals contracting WNV do not become ill and show no symptoms at all.

About one-third of horses that become ill die.Veterinarians and horse owners should report potential cases of West Nile virus in horses by calling the State Veterinarian’s Office at (360) 902-1878.

More WNV information is available on the following Web sites:
• Department of Health: www.doh.wa.gov/WNV
• Washington State University: www.wnv.wsu.edu
• Department of Agriculture: www.agr.wa.gov Go to the Animal Health section after clicking on “Food and Animals.”

TOXIC BLUE-GREEN ALGAE BLOOMS

In 2005, the Washington State Legislature established funding for an algae control program and asked the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) to develop the program. Reducing nutrient input to lakes is the only long-term solution to prevent algae blooms. However the amount of money available for this program (about $250,000 per year) is not enough to fund comprehensive lake-wide and watershed-wide nutrient reduction projects. Instead the program focuses on providing local governments with the tools they need to manage algae problems. The program targets blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) because these algae pose a health risk to humans, pets, and livestock.

The Grays Harbor County Division of Environmental Health is asking area residents to contact our office if potential harmful algae blooms are found in local freshwater bodies; please call (360) 249-4413. Upon discovery of potential harmful blooms field staff will collect samples and send them to Ecology for toxicity testing.

What is an Algae Bloom?
Many Washington lakes and even some rivers have problems with excessive growth of algae. Algae can be smelly and unsightly as well as being toxic to humans, pets, and livestock. Algae grow rapidly when sunlight, temperature, and nutrients are adequate. Within only a few days, a clear lake can become cloudy with algae. When an algal species reproduces rapidly and reaches high concentrations, it is called an algae bloom. The nutrients phosphorus and nitrogen are found in animal and human waste (sewage), in fertilizers, and even in rainwater. Too much phosphorus and nitrogen lead to nutrient rich water bodies. Nutrient-enrichment leads to algae blooms.

There are many types of algae. Most are harmless, some are considered nuisances, and others are important to lake productivity. Blue-green algae are actually bacteria called cyanobacteria. They can create problems when they form blooms. The blooms happen mostly in the summer or fall, but can occur anytime. Blue-green blooms may float to the surface and can be several inches thick near the shoreline. A blue-green algae bloom often looks like green paint floating on the water and is hard to pick up or hold.

Why is Ecology particularly concerned about blue-green algae?
Blue-green algae blooms pose a human health concern and have killed pets and livestock. Although most blue-green blooms are not toxic, some blue-green algae produce nervous system or liver toxins. Toxicity is hard to predict. A single species of algae can have toxic and non-toxic strains. A bloom that tests non-toxic one day can become toxic the next day.
People may become ill after swimming or water skiing in lakes with toxic blue-green algae. Human health effects may include stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes, and nerve and liver damage. Pets and wildlife have died after exposure to toxic blue-green algae in Washington lakes. Blue-green blooms affect lake recreation creating economic losses.

Second Mosquito Pool Confirmed Positive for West Nile Virus

The Washington State Department of Health Zoonotic Disease Program has just received word from the Benton Mosquito Control District that they have a second PCR-confirmed, WNV positive mosquito pool. PCR testing was done at Oregon State Univ. It was from a pool of 50 Culex pipiens mosquitoes (the first positive this year came from a pool of Culex tarsalis mosquitoes). The mosquitoes were collected from the same area as this year's first positive pool - south of Grandview along the Benton-Yakima County border.


For additional West Nile Virus (WNV) Information use the link below.
http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/Zoo/WNV/WNV.html

FDA Extends Consumer Warning on Serrano Peppers from Mexico

Laboratory testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has confirmed that both a sample of serrano pepper and a sample of irrigation water collected by agency investigators on a farm in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico (business address is in Nuevo Leon, Mexico) contain Salmonella Saintpaul with the same genetic fingerprint as the strain of bacteria that is causing the current outbreak in the United States.

As a result, until further notice, the FDA is advising consumers to avoid raw serrano peppers from Mexico, in addition to raw jalapeño peppers from Mexico, and any foods that contain them.
The test results announced today are part of the FDA's continuing intensive investigation into the outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul. The investigation has involved tracing back, through complex distribution channels, the origins of products associated with clusters of illness in the United States, as well as inspections and evaluation of farms and facilities in this country and in Mexico, and the collection and testing of environmental and product samples. One of these tracebacks led to a packing facility in Mexico, and to a particular farm, where the agency obtained the samples.

Previously, FDA inspectors collected a positive sample of jalapeño pepper from a produce-distribution center owned by Agricola Zaragosa in McAllen, Texas. The FDA continues to work on pinpointing where and how in the supply chain this first positive jalapeño pepper sample became contaminated. It originated from a different farm in Mexico than the positive samples of serrano pepper and irrigation water.

The FDA is still analyzing many of the samples taken at various farms in Mexico. If laboratory results warrant, the FDA will provide consumers with additional cautions or warnings necessary to protect their health.

On July 17, the FDA announced it had determined that fresh tomatoes now available in the domestic market are not associated with the current outbreak. As a result, the agency removed its June 7 warning against eating certain types of red raw tomatoes.

For more information consult http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html.