Latest news with #gondii
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Here are the 10 riskiest foods to eat in the US right now
Foodborne illness affects tens of millions of Americans every year, leading to costly trips to the emergency room and massive product recalls - now a group has identified the riskiest foods on the market. Some 48 million are sickened, 128,000 go to the hospital and approximately 3,000 people die each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Foodborne illness cost Americans an estimated $75 billion in medical care, lost productivity and premature deaths, according to the Department of Agriculture. The top five foodborne germs causing deaths are salmonella, toxoplasma gondii, listeria, novorvirus and campylobacte - with salmonella as the worst on the list. After a particularly fraught year, with related cases rising by a reported quarter, a new report from Consumer Reports has identified 10 foods you may want to avoid because of the risk of food poisoning. Here's what's on the list: Last year, a Listeria outbreak linked to meats sliced at delis resulted in more than 60 cases and 10 deaths across 19 states. Some groups, including pregnant women and seniors, are more vulnerable to Listeria. It can cause a more mild intestinal illness, resulting in diarrhea and vomiting. Alternatively, it may lead to invasive illness, meaning the bacteria have spread beyond the gut. Related symptoms include fever, flu and even seizures. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics, depending on the severity of the patient's condition. 'Even when there are no ongoing Listeria outbreaks, women who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system should avoid deli meat or reheat it to an internal temperature of 165 degrees or until steaming hot to kill any germs,' the CDC says. Cucumbers have been recalled this month after people in 15 states were infected with salmonella. No deaths have been reported, but there have been nine hospitalizations and 26 cases. Most people recover from exposure without treatment in about a week. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Outbreaks tied to raw milk products have been associated with salmonella, E. coli and campylobacter. 'Drinking or eating products made from raw milk can expose people to germs such as campylobacter, cryptosporidium, E. coli, listeria, brucella and salmonella,' according to the CDC. Children under the age of five, adults over the age of 65, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of serious illness. Amid continuous spread, the H5N1 bird flu is also a concern in raw milk products. An outbreak of listeria in February of 2024 was tied to queso fresco and cotija cheese. That outbreak resulted in two deaths and 26 cases. In September, there were 93 cases of a salmonella outbreak tied to eggs. That was before the egg shortage tied to the spread of bird flu. A major E. coli outbreak last year was tied to slivered onions served in McDonald's hamburgers. One person died and there were more than 100 cases reported across 14 states. Symptoms usually start as many as four days after swallowing the bacteria, resulting in stomach cramps, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Most people recover without treatment after a week. There have previously been E. coli outbreaks associated with leafy greens. Dozens of people were infected in late 2020, and 20 people were hospitalized. A late 2024 E. coli outbreak tied to organic carrots also resulted in one death. That outbreak infected 39 people from 18 states. Of those, 15 were hospitalized. Last spring, a salmonella outbreak linked to fresh basil resulted in 36 cases across 14 states. There were four hospitalizations. Ready-to-eat meat and poultry products were also recalled in a listeria outbreak that resulted in three deaths and 24 cases. The outbreak included patients from nine states.
Korea Herald
09-02-2025
- Health
- Korea Herald
Over half of pet-owners unaware of infection risks from their pets: survey
More than half of pet owners in Korea are unaware that humans can contract parasites directly from pets, a recent survey led by a government agency showed Sunday. Some 51.5 percent of the 604 respondents answered that they did not know a parasite inside a pet could transfer to a human, according to an October survey conducted by research firm Embrain Consulting and commissioned by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Toxoplasma gondii and toxocara canis, parasites that commonly infect dogs, can also affect humans. The symptoms and severity of these animal-to-human diseases vary, but could potentially lead to serious illnesses including paralysis and liver abscess. The survey showed that despite the apparent lack of awareness concerning anthropozoonosis -- a disease transmissible from animals to humans and vice versa -- 85.8 percent of the respondents said preventing parasites in pets is important for people's health. About 82 percent said their pets spend most of their time indoors, minimizing the risk of infection. While pet owners were aware of parasite infection risks, less than half opted to use medication prevention infection. When asked how they prevent pet parasitic infection, 62.6 percent of all respondents said they bathe and clean their pets, 49.3 percent said they regularly give anthelmintics and 38.9 percent said they have used other medications to prevent infection. Only 45.7 percent said they checked their pets to see if they were infected. The researchers noted that the authorities must raise awareness that medication is a far more effective measure to fight parasitic infection in pets, urging the need for a guideline for pet owners about the importance of antiparasitics and the frequency of tests and relevant medication. The KDCA said that the recent survey shows the lack of public awareness of anthropozoonosis; it plans to inform the public of the prevalence of and prevention methods for such infections.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This diet trend could be 'catastrophic' for your health, GP warns
A doctor has slammed a TikTok influencer for his controversial diet – saying it could post significant health risks for others. Influencers like Cheshire-based fitness coach Coach Cam are advocating raw milk as a natural alternative to supermarket-bought pasteurised milk, claiming it can alleviate conditions such as eczema, hay fever and allergies. But experts warn raw milk can carry several harmful pathogens, meaning the trend could seriously harm your health. READ MORE: MoJ responds after reports Southport killer Axel Rudakubana was beaten up in Strangeways prison READ MORE: Major disruption to Manchester trains due to 'emergency' incident Coach Cam, who boasts over 300,000 followers on the popular platform, frequently posts videos of himself consuming raw, unpasteurised milk bought from a local farm. Despite his endorsements, medics say his content fails to mention the serious dangers associated with raw milk, including exposure to harmful bacteria, parasites and viruses. Dr. Masarat Jilani, a GP working with bladder care company Jude, has since issued a stern warning about the potential consequences of consuming raw milk. Dr. Jilani cautions against being misled by influencers promoting raw milk as a healthier alternative. "I cannot stress enough the potential dangers associated with consuming raw milk. Unpasteurised milk can harbour harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, which may cause life-threatening illnesses, including complications like acute kidney failure," she said. She also highlighted how certain groups could be particularly vulnerable to the trend. "These risks are significantly heightened for pregnant women, the elderly, children and those with compromised immune systems,' she added. 'The belief that raw milk is inherently healthier lacks scientific support and can lead to serious health consequences." According to health experts, raw milk can carry several harmful pathogens including bacteria's such as salmonella, e. coli and listeria, which can lead to severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain. In extreme cases, it can also lead to miscarriage or kidney failure. It can also carry parasites including cryptosporidium and toxoplasma gondii, which can cause severe gastrointestinal issues and damage to vital organs. Raw milk can also include a range of viruses including hepatitis A, linked to poor hygiene during milk handling, which can cause liver and gastrointestinal illnesses. "The reality is that raw milk poses a risk of illnesses, long-term health complications, and, in rare cases, death,' Dr. Jilani continued. 'Pasteurisation of milk is a critical step in protecting your health and the health of your family. Don't let misleading TikTok trends put your loved ones at risk of preventable harm."
