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.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, September 12, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
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
Friday, September 5, 2008
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
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.
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.
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