This paper studies this week’s issue of CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, discussing the case of Vibrio anguillarum infection and the health risks associated with it. It analyzes the symptoms of the disease and presents the risk groups. The paper also discusses the recent outbreaks of Salmonella caused by Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereals and kosher chicken contamination. It presents the symptoms of contamination and the precautionary measures that can prevent the illness.
Vibrio Anguillarum Case
This week’s issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report concerns the Vibrio anguillarum infection and discusses the risks associated with it. Sinatra and Colby (2018) report that a 65-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department for a 10 cm area of necrosis on her leg along with pain in the area. She was treated with intravenous antibiotics but developed septic shock and died less than 48 hours after admission (Sinatra & Colby, 2018).
The laboratory tests identified the Vibrio anguillarum infection in blood cultures. The patient’s husband confirmed she had had diarrhea and vomiting nine days before being admitted to the hospital, and had eaten fish ten days before leg pain first occurred. Both dishes were properly cooked, seafood investigations did not reveal any informative data. However, the patient had been treated with immunosuppressive medications for myeloma and amyloidosis.
Sinatra and Colby (2018) note that Vibrio bacteria can cause mild to severe diarrhea, bacteremia, and extraintestinal infections. They are commonly transmitted through the consumption of undercooked or raw shellfish or contact with seawater. In this case, severe infection occurred because the patient had received immunosuppressive therapy before. This condition, along with liver disease, cancer, human immunodeficiency virus, and diabetes, increases health risks for individuals infected with bacteria.
The report points out that vibriosis causes 500 hospitalizations and 100 deaths every year (Sinatra & Colby, 2018). This report is unique as it is the first documented case of human illness associated with Vibrio anguillarum bacterium (Sinatra & Colby, 2018). This CDC’s report is significant for individuals who often consume shellfish or have contacts with seawater.
Outbreaks of Salmonella
Another serious health issue that national agencies are concerned about this week is a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2018) reports that cereals manufactured by the Kellogg Company could be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. The recent update states that the infection has affected 130 individuals in 34 states (The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2018). Currently, the company continues to recall its products; the consumers are advised not to eat Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereals.
National agencies are also concerned about other recent cases of Salmonella outbreaks. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018) reports that the outbreak associated with kosher chicken consumption has affected 17 individuals in four states. The consumers are advised to cook fresh chicken thoroughly to prevent contamination and food poisoning, as raw chicken products can have germs. It is also necessary to wash hands before and after cooking, and use separate cutting boards for chicken if it is possible.
The symptoms of Salmonella include fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, which appear 12 to 72 hours after infection (The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2018). Most people can recover without hospitalization or treatment within seven days. However, Salmonella can cause death if the infection spreads to the bloodstream. Children younger than five years old are at the highest risk of contamination. Other risk groups include the elderly and individuals who have a weakened immune system.
Conclusion
This week, national epidemiology agencies are concerned about several significant issues. CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report discusses the risks associated with Vibrio anguillarum bacteria. The agency is also alarmed about the recent outbreak of Salmonella caused by kosher chicken consumption. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also reports the cases of Salmonella infection. The organizations advise individuals to be cautious while cooking.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018). Outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to chicken. Web.
Sinatra, J. A, & Colby, K. (2018). Notes from the field: Fatal Vibrio anguillarum infection in an immunocompromised patient — Maine, 2017. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 67(34), 962-963.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2018). FDA investigating multistate outbreak of Salmonella Mbandaka infections linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal. Web.