Recently, oysters may have been linked to Norovirus foodborne illness outbreaks. Two separate recalls of oysters harvested from Yaquina Bay in Oregon have been issued. OregonLive.com reported on February 26, 2010 that Oregon Oyster Farms, Inc. recalled oysters harvested in Yaquina Bay due to possible Norovirus food poisoning. On March 2, 2010, OregonLive.com also reported a second oyster recall due... [more]

Shigella was in the news this week following an outbreak of Shigellosis linked to a Subway restaurant in Lombard, Illinois. With eight confirmed cases of Shigella food poisoning and other possibly related illnesses reported, the Subway restaurant was closed. In addition, South Carolina’s St. James High School in Horry County had to be disinfected following an outbreak of stomach related ailments.... [more]

Mentally, I have been planning a camping trip for several years now. Sleeping under the starry skies and hiking through some of the most pristine forests this country has to offer. I have looked at backpacks with lightweight frames, moleskin to prevent blisters, outdoor cooking equipment, and, of course, a coffee pot. One interesting thing that I have looked at are water treatment tablets. After researching... [more]

A recent cruise ship Norovirus infection has caught a great deal of media attention. According to a recent USAToday.com article by Gene Sloan entitled “Celebrity Postpones Cruise out of Charleston after Major Outbreak of Illness,” the departure of the Celebrity Mercury ship has been postponed. The ship docked in South Carolina with over 400 people suffering from Norovirus. Norovirus can be found... [more]

When an individual thinks they have the stomach flu or a stomach virus, they may really have Norovirus.  Norovirus goes by many names. It has been called Calcivirus as well as Norwalk virus. Norovirus is contracted when a person ingests food which is contaminated with the virus. Shellfish can harbor Norovirus. In addition, Norovirus can be passed from an infected person to a well person. People transfer... [more]

Gastroenteritis means inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that results in vomiting or diarrhea. It is often called the “stomach flu,” although it is not caused by the influenza viruses. Many different viruses can cause gastroenteritis, including rotaviruses, noroviruses, adenoviruses, sapoviruses,... [more]

A cafeteria worker from a high school in North Dakota severed up more than just lunch to the children. In May 2005, after suffering severe flu like symptoms for the better part of the weekend, the worker felt good enough to chop lettuce for the school’s lunch. By the next day, 52 students along with eight faculty members had fallen violently ill with similar symptoms as the cafeteria worker. State... [more]

The most commonly recognized foodborne infections are those caused by the bacteria Campylobacter, Salmonella, and E. coli O157:H7, and by a group of viruses called calicivirus, also known as the Norwalk and Norwalk-like viruses.  Campylobacter is a bacterial pathogen that causes fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.  It is the most commonly identified bacterial cause of diarrheal illness in the... [more]

Consumers advised to avoid oysters harvested from San Antonio Bay The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers to avoid eating oysters harvested from the San Antonio Bay on or after Nov. 16 due to reports of norovirus-associated illnesses in some people who had consumed oysters harvested from this area, which is located on the Gulf of Texas. The FDA, along with the Centers for Disease... [more]

Here is the continuation of yesterday’s post about the worst foodborne illness complications. Today we cover the top five nastiest complications. 5. Organ Damage Most “simple” food poisonings are anything but simple. While most food pathogens are not considered a serious threat to a normal healthy person, foodborne pathogens can infect and threaten the life of anyone unfortunate enough to... [more]