In the news

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is working with local health jurisdictions to respond to a multi-county outbreak of E. coli that might be linked to fresh produce. There are currently six confirmed cases across Benton, King, Snohomish, and Walla Walla counties. Three cases have been hospitalized, and one has developed HUS. DOH is only reporting confirmed cases infected with bacteria that have been genetically linked. However, local health officials may report higher numbers for their counties that include cases still under investigation. Other similar cases are being investigated in Washington State. @ https://www.kxly.com/public-health-officials-investigating-multi-county-e-coli-outbreak/

An article published in Nature (Wibowo, M.C., Yang, Z., Borry, M. et al. Reconstruction of ancient microbial genomes from the human gut. Nature (2021) scientists working with ancient feces describe previously unknown bacteria that might help fight against chronic diseases. The scientists studied microbial genomes from ancient human feces (palaeofaeces) to determine microbiome composition. The feces were very well preserved thanks to the extreme aridity of the desert areas where they were found. Researchers reconstructed a total of 498 microbial genomes and concluded that 181 were from ancient humans. Of those, 61 had not previously been found in other samples. Functional profiling of the palaeofaeces samples reveals a strikingly lower abundance of antibiotic resistance. The study discovered and characterization of previously undescribed gut microorganisms from ancient microbiomes. @ https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03532-0

The CDC announced that as of March 11, 2021, this outbreak is over. A total of 22 people were infected with the outbreak strain in 7 states (Arkansas, Oklahoma, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Washington). Illnesses started on December 18, 2020, to January 12, 2021. Of 20 people with information available, 11 were hospitalized. Of 18 people with information, 3 developed HUS. One death was reported from Washington. No source of the outbreak was identified. WGS showed that this outbreak strain was previously linked to various sources, including romaine lettuce and recreational water. @ https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/2021/o157h7-02-21/map.html

According to a notice posted on the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets website, Robinson Fresh Turnip Greens were recalled in New York State after Listeria monocytogenes were found in the product. No illnesses have been reported to the company to date in connection with the consumption of this product. The recalled product is Robinson Fresh Turnip Greens that is packaged in a 6 ounce plastic bag. The Best by Date on the product is April 26, 2021. The prepackaged turnip greens were sold at ShopRite in Commack, NY, and possibly other retail locations. After routine sampling, this recall was started by the New York State Department of Agriculture, and Markets food inspectors were conducted. Analysis of the product by the New York State Food Laboratory found the bacteria in the greens. @ https://foodpoisoningbulletin.com/2021/robinson-fresh-turnip-greens-recalled-for-possible-listeria/