"CDC & MMWR Report: Eight Year Old California Girl SURVIVES Rabies Infection" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

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LINK: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43377860/ns/health-infectious_diseases/t/girl-survives-rabies-without-vaccination/#.TzAGz_lZdxE
Dear Ones:

     In a world of 'bad news', here is a remarkable medical story about Precious Reynolds of Willow Creek, CA who is but the third patient EVER to recover from clinical rabies in the United States without having received rabies inoculations immediately after being 'infected'.

     Read Precious's story here: 

LINK:  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43377860/ns/health-infectious_diseases/t/girl-survives-rabies-without-vaccination/#.TzAGz_lZdxE

     From a medical standpoint according to the CDC, 

"In May 2011, a girl aged 8 years from a rural county in California was brought to a local emergency department (ED) with a 1-week history of progressive sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and weakness. After she developed flaccid paralysis and encephalitis, rabies was diagnosed based on 1) detection of rabies virus–specific antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), 2) a compatible clinical syndrome in the patient, and 3) absence of a likely alternative diagnosis."

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6104a1.htm?s_cid=mm6104a1_w

     Health care providers launched an all-out effort to determine exactly what the problem was.

     Initially, the patient was treated for dehydration due to a 'presumed viral illness', after which point all avenues were opened for exploration as the patient deteriorated neurologically and immunologically with attendant pulmonary and cardiac problems.

     Due to developing 'signs and symptoms', a differential diagnosis was made to rule out both EV (enterovirus) and West Nile Virus (WNV) and ultimately testing results suggested that it would be prudent to test for the rabies virus:

'On May 4, 2011, the California Encephalitis Project at the California Department of Public Health Viral and Rickettsial Disease Laboratory (VRDL) was asked to urgently test for enterovirus (EV) and West Nile virus (WNV). Enterovirus testing was requested because of the well-described cross-reactivity of EV and rhinovirus in molecular testing. PCR assays for EV and rhinovirus performed on respiratory samples showed no RNA for EV, but rhinovirus was detected. Serologic testing for WNV was negative. VRDL suggested testing for rabies, given the compatible clinical syndrome, and subsequently detected immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) rabies virus–specific antibodies in serum by indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) testing."

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6104a1.htm?s_cid=mm6104a1_w

     Finally, with a presumptive diagnosis of rabies, the patient was 'treated' with the understanding that there is, essentially, 'no known cure for a clinical case of rabies infection'.  The patient was placed in a 'therapeutic coma' and treated for the various physiological irregularities that manifested themselves in short order, including hypertension and supraventricular tachycardia.

"With a presumptive diagnosis of rabies, the patient was sedated with ketamine and midazolam and started on amantadine and nimodipine to prevent cerebral artery vasospasm, and fludrocortisone and hypertonic saline to maintain her sodium at a level >140 mmol/L. Neither human rabies immunoglobulin nor rabies vaccine was administered."

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6104a1.htm?s_cid=mm6104a1_w 

     Thanks to a strong immune system and excellent supportive care, Precious began spontaneous movements as her body started to 'recover' from the viral insult:

"On May 8, the patient moved her head spontaneously. Over the next few days, she moved her head more, then began moving her arms and then her legs. With progressive improvement in her strength, she tolerated extubation on May 16 and was transferred to the pediatric wards 1 week later. On May 31, she was transferred to the rehabilitation service with residual left foot drop. At discharge on June 22, she showed no signs of cognitive impairment and was able to walk and perform activities of daily living."

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6104a1.htm?s_cid=mm6104a1_w 

     Precious reports that she believes she got the rabies 'from a cat scratch'.  However, to date, this has not yet been scientifically verified, although it bears repeating that all must be careful when around feral animals and wildlife:

"The patient resided in a rural community in Humboldt County, had never traveled outside of California, and had no travel outside the county within 6 months preceding illness onset. She had no history of having received rabies vaccine. The patient confirmed having contact with free-roaming, unvaccinated cats at her school on several occasions. She was scratched by two different cats approximately 9 weeks and 4 weeks before illness onset but reported no bites. Local public health officials implemented a program to collect and identify cats at the school. The first cat was observed to be healthy, but a reliable description of the second cat was not available. All other cats collected at the school remained healthy under observation."

     All in all, this remarkable young lady beat all odds in triumphing over the onerous virus which causes 'rabies'.  Fortified by modern technology, she conquered what is considered to be a virtually 100% fatal condition, and we can only imagine what Precious and her family and health care providers have been through.

     The road ahead will not be an easy one, as Precious continues to heal and rehab after this monumental episode in her life.

     Surely, one never wants to be 'written up' in the 'Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report' (MMWR, a branch of the CDC), as this girl has...but if one 'must' be written up, this is the best of all possible outcomes!

     Precious Reynolds should know that there are many of us who are 'rooting' for her and for her family and their caregivers.

     We will continue to pray that this 'brave fighter', that she make an astonishing, swift and complete recovery!

Thank You Lord For This Wonderful Gift of Healing

With Love in Christ,

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com 

 courtesy www.wittnessed.wordpress.com

"A Biochemist Explains 'Zuccotti Lung' Blamed On Norovirus" By Rev. Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

courtesy: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/133669113.html

Dear Ones:
     The 'seriousness' of various illnesses and diseases for the human body resides on a scale of relativity.
     Lice...while a nuisance, in general...is not that big a deal when it is properly dealt with. (OCCUPY PORTLAND)
LINK: http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2011/11/biochemists-natural-traditional.html
     Then we have a couple of cases of what is known as 'drug resistant tuberculosis (TB), and all of a sudden things take a serious turn for the worse. (OCCUPY ATLANTA)
     Much worse, in fact.
LINK:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001141/  
     Indeed, the two known cases of drug-resistant TB are now being treated so that they will: 1) not die and 2) not potentially spread this difficult-to-eradicate form of TB to others in the population.
LINK: http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2011/11/10/tuberculosis-breaks-out-at-occupy-atlantas-base/
     Are you with me so far?  When those with SERIOUS illnesses and diseases DO NOT SEEK AND/OR RECEIVE TREATMENT, they pose a risk not only to THEMSELVES...but to OTHERS, as well.  This is a FACT.
     Whatever one might think about the "OCCUPY" protests, society must be protected from disease outbreak, even when the patient his or herself refuses same.
     Here is a link to an article I wrote on ALL the possible 'outbreaks'/illnesses/diseases OCCUPY protesters may have to contend with:
LINK:  http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2011/10/occupy-protesters-face-many-disease.html
     Not so surprisingly,  we are now receiving reports of recent outbreaks of what has been dubbed 'Zuccotti Lung'.
     Here's a 'local report' on this:
LINK: http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/11/11/report-health-concerns-grow-at-zuccotti-park/
     The interesting thing is that, according to medical authorities, COUGHING is not necessarily a sign or symptom of the Norovirus which is claimed by some to be the infectious agent responsible for 'Zuccotti Lung'.
     For those who are interested, Norovirus was previously known as the Norwalk agent (Norwalk, Ohio, that is).
LINK: http://www.ictvonline.org/index.asp?bhcp=1
     It's also known as the 'Winter vomiting sickness'.
LINK: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus/Pages/Introduction.aspx
     OTHER symptoms not routinely listed by the CDC which can accompany Norovirus infection include: "general lethargy, weakness, muscle aches, headache, coughs, and low-grade fever".
LINK: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norovirus
LINK: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/norovirus/Pages/symptoms.aspx
     And here:
LINK: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/norovirus/Pages/Introduction.aspx

     Since a virus--any virus--'commandeers' the body, every single cell and organ system are affected one way or another and to one degree or another.  It all depends upon the particular viral agent involved.
     We must take a person's immune status into account as well.
     Thus, it is quite possible that 'Zuccotti Lung' is due to Norovirus alone, although I would like to see more epidemiological data before I draw that specific conclusion.
     It is possible that this 'food-borne' disease, which is spread by humans and their secretions and primarily affects the GI tract, happens to have a strong 'respiratory' ('coughing') component in Zuccotti Park for some reason.
     These are the factors at Zuccotti which could well contribute to lung involvement in the norovirus outbreak: moisture and MOLD GROWTH, close quarters, sharing of saliva via food, drink and smoke and contamination of food with feces transferred by unwashed hands.
     Those who smoke, by definition, have compromised lung immunity, so Zuccotti Lung may well turn out to be a 'rogue' gastroenteritis gone wild, causing coughing and breathing difficulties along with the vomiting and diarrhea...but only time will tell if this is the case. 
     It may well be that authorities will be forced to close the place down as more and more cases of 'Zuccotti Lung' appear over the next days and weeks.

     But my concern goes way beyond this obvious fact.
     I would like to say here and now the exact same thing I would tell any of my loved ones who presently are 'camping' in NYC and anywhere else where DISEASE AND ILLNESS have OBVIOUSLY broken out...and that is to LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!

     Yes, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY if you are in an OCCUPY camp area where either TB or Norovirus or both and/or something else have emerged.

     And GET YOURSELF CHECKED OUT AND TREATED IF NECESSARY BY A COMPETENT HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL.

     I'm not just saying this as 'Rev. Barb', but as a mother and grandmother, as a biochemist, but also as an epidemiologist who has been 'studying these things' since way before many of the "OCCUPIERS" were even born.

     Please use your common sense and good intentions to care about others as you care about yourself!

     Under ideal conditions with good medical care and an intact immune system, most individuals can 'weather' the Norovirus just fine with good 'supportive care'.

     However, when the body is 'stressed' by cold, noise, agitation, anxiety, etc. and when there is a lack of ability to provide for regular bathing, clean clothes, good hygiene and sufficient containment and disposal of vomit and feces...plus there is 'sharing' of food, drink and 'smokeables'....NOROVIRUS BECOMES A PROBLEM, INDEED!

     Read this from the Gastroenteritis and Respiratory Virus Laboratory Branch of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), which is under the auspices of the  Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

    
"Norovirus—the stomach bug

• Norovirus is a highly contagious illness caused by infection with a virus called norovirus. It is often called by other names, such as viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, and food poisoning.
• Norovirus infection causes acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines); the most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
• Anyone can get norovirus, and they can have the illness multiple times during their lifetime.
• Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States.

Norovirus illness can be serious

• Norovirus can make people feel extremely ill and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day.
• Most people get better within 1 to 2 days.
• Dehydration can be a problem among some people with norovirus infection, especially the very young, the elderly, and people with other illnesses.

 

 Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads rapidly

• Noroviruses are highly contagious, and outbreaks are common due to the ease of transmission.
• People with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days and perhaps for as long as 2 weeks after recovery, making control of this disease even more difficult.
• Norovirus can spread rapidly in closed environments like daycare centers and nursing homes

Many sources for norovirus infection

Noroviruses are found in the stool and vomit of infected people. People can become infected by

• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
• Touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth.
• Having direct contact with an infected person; for example, by exposure to the virus when caring for or when sharing food, drinks, or eating utensils with an infected person.

Tips to prevent the spread of norovirus

Practice proper hand hygiene: Wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers and always before eating or preparing food. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (containing at least 62% ethanol) may be a helpful addition to hand washing, but they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water. See “Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives.”

Take care in the kitchen: Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly before eating them.
Do not prepare food while infected: People who are infected with norovirus should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness.
Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces: After an episode of illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label or a solution made by adding 5–25 tablespoons of household bleach to 1 gallon of water.
Wash laundry thoroughly: Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or fecal matter. Handle soiled items carefully—without agitating them—to avoid spreading virus. They should be laundered with detergent at the maximum available cycle length and then machine dried.

No specific treatment or vaccine for norovirus infection

• There is no vaccine to prevent norovirus infection, although this is an area of active research.
• There is no specific drug to treat people with norovirus illness.
• Rehydration is important for infected people—they must drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, fluid may need to be given intravenously."

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus-keyfacts.htm

     No specific 'cure' for Norovirus exists and the possibility of 'complications evolving' for affected Zuccotti Park OCCUPY protesters increases every day.

     So please, I beg you, take care of your health and with the health of those around you, if you occupy or visit any of the OCCUPY campsites!

God Bless You

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"A Biochemist's Natural & Traditional Recommendations For 'OCCUPY' Lice Outbreak Sufferers" By Rev. Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

 

Pubic lice infesting the eyelash

 courtesy: http://www.lindane.com/scabiesandlice/perspective/

WATCH THIS ON YOUTUBE: http://youtu.be/C5ypeLuKnLg
Dear Ones:
     Okay.  So as I predicted in a previous article, LINK: http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2011/10/occupy-protesters-face-many-disease.html   "Occupy Portland" protesters have discovered 'x' number of head and body lice 'cases'.
LINK: http://outbreaknews.com/2011/11/07/occupy-portland-reports-lice-outbreak/
     THIS IS NO BIG DEAL...but it must be dealt with SWIFTLY if these pesky critters are to be eradicated!
     Lice and their eggs, known as 'nits', are NOT the end of the world, but they are unpleasant and require vigilance.
     Not surprisingly, any and all persons IN CLOSE QUARTERS can easily become infested, especially when items are shared.
     Any parent knows, for instance, that head lice can become a major problem in grade-school classrooms as children 'rough and tumble' and share hats, etc. during playtime.
     And all homeless shelter facilities...and military encampment areas, for that matter...also run the risk of becoming 'overrun' with lice if things aren't dealt with quickly.
     So here's what you must know and do NOW if you are an OCCUPY Protester anywhere:

1)  Understand that head/body/public lice can live ANYWHERE on the body.  In other words, body lice can be found on the head, etc.  These little guys just want to live, eat and reproduce and they don't care if it's on your eyebrows, under your armpits or behind your ears or anywhere else for that matter.  Particularly 'hairy' people can harbor an infestation EVERYWHERE, in fact, and certainly not just on their heads.  But if there is a doubt as to exactly what type of lice you may have, a health care provider can identify them for you and prescribe the exact remedy that you need.  Please note: most over-the-counter preparations are quite effective when used as directed.  Also note that shaving/cutting the hair ALONE will NOT rid one of a lice infestation.

2)  Lice infestation is not necessarily a reflection of poor hygiene, believe it or not.  All it takes is 'person-to-person' contact and/or sharing of clothes and other items for transmission to occur.  On the other hand, I have personally seen homeless individuals so loaded with lice that their very BEARDS--at first appearing to be 'gray and grizzled'--were actually TEEMING with what are known as 'cooties' aka lice aka 'crabs'.  Not a pleasant sight at all.  I've also seen 'eyebrows wiggle', which upon closer inspection proved to be also crawling with lice--such is the reality of life with homeless and other disenfranchised persons.

3)  There is only one way to eliminate a lice infestation in a camp, classroom, shelter or barracks: All persons must be treated with a commercial lice preparation.  'Nix', which is 1% permethrin is a good one.  Malathion 0.5% in IPA (isopropyl alcohol) is also approved by the FDA for tough head lice cases, but it can cause significant side effects.  After treatment, make sure that any remaining 'nits' sticking to their hair shafts ANYWHERE ON THEIR BODIES are removed manually with a 'nit-picking' comb.  Liquid detergents and certain 'waxy' substances and hair-care products can help dissolve the 'cement' that holds the nits in place on the hair shaft.  Finally, any and all clothing/bedding/etc must be decontaminated by dry-cleaning, or by sealing it all in a plastic bag for a period of at least two weeks (to effectively let the lice die off) or via some heat and/or chemical treatment.  LINK: http://www.oakgov.com/health/assets/Documents/fs_headlice.pdf  A last resort is 'burning', which would be very dangerous and illegal if done without proper facilities and authorization.
LINK: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001843/ 

Abscess From Head Lice 

courtesy: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/slideshow_head_lice/article_em.htm

     Probably the only other caveat I would add here is that should an individual prove to be sensitive to lice attachment to the skin, it is possible for a type of 'dermatitis' (skin irritation, redness and itching) to occur.  Usually this can be relieved (after the person is relieved of his or her lice infestation) with a simple anti-itch preparation...again, something your personal health care provider can recommend.  Over-the-counter products would include things like calamine and/or caladryl (benadryl) lotion.  Consult with your pharmacist for these.
     On rare occasions, skin that is degraded by lice infestation can become infected by any offending pathogens that it might be exposed to.
     In the event of a secondary infection due to lice infestation and eradication, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of getting prompt medical help!
     It is rare, but there is always the possibility that some type of regular Staphylococcus (which is found everywhere all over our skins) or a more dangerous strain of Staph, such as MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) LINK: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004520/ or  Streptococcus species ('flesh-eating disease' aka 'necrotizing fasciitis' (pronounced: NECK-crow-TYE-zing FASH-EE-EYE-TUS)  LINK: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002415/ could take hold.
     You don't want these.
     So, once again, if you have any SKIN INFECTION...'skip' the 'medic tent' and head to a professional health care provider pronto!
     From a 'natural standpoint', a dilute solution of essential oils of cedarwood/lavender/eucalyptus in water (two dropperfuls each in a pint of water in a spray bottle) makes a good anti-insect spray for non-skin surfaces.  (DO NOT SPRAY THIS DIRECTLY ON THE BODY OR IN THE EYES, ESPECIALLY)
     Finally, Kiehl's ORIGINAL MUSK Blend No. 1 Eau De Toilette, when worn with no other scents, is pretty good at keeping biting and flying insects and spiders off the body.
     During  warm weather I routinely spray my arms and lower legs with this Kiehl's and it does the trick for me.  So you might want to try it if you find yourself threatened by lice re-infestation when you're 'trying to keep your distance' and exercising all other common sense precautions like not sharing hats, etc.
     As with all 'natural, essential oils' and perfume products, be sure to discontinue use if signs of allergic reaction appear after application of what I have suggested here.
     So, go with God, oh 'relentless OCCUPIERS'.
     I'm still trying to understand a number of things that 'OCCUPY' supposedly represents.  I still don't have a clear view of who and what you are.
     Nevertheless, I present this in 'good faith' as I pray that 'lice' is the worst of it for you.
     I pray that no major medical outbreaks or other serious events in your 'camps' ever manifest...
     And I pray for peace in this world.
In Christ,
Rev. Barbara Sexton 
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

Image of head lice infestation showing hair strands covered in “nits” or eggs. Severe itching and scratching can lead to bacterial infection and clumping of hair from fluid that weeps from the infected area.                

courtesy:  http://www.lindane.com/scabiesandlice/incidence/

"The Source Of Listeria Contamination Of Cantaloupe-A Biochemist UPDATES It All" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

courtesy   www.foodpoisoning.pritzkerlaw.com/archives/cat-listeria.html

Dear Ones:

     By now, you've probably had it 'up to HERE' with reports of tainted/contaminated foodstuffs.

     And I don't blame you if your eyes 'glaze over' with ennui as the 'lot of us' involved in gathering, analyzing and disseminating information drone on and on about the minutiae of various FDA Recalls...and what's being done to 'preserve the public's health'.

     But once in a while, the epidemiology 'shakes out' just beautifully and a coherent explanation exists for the situation under discussion.

     Such is the case with the Listeria monocytogenes contamination of cut and whole cantaloupe in the United States which has killed and which has sickened so many more.

     You will remember, from my previous article, that this is the very first time that Listeria-contaminated cantaloupe has been linked to food-borne illness in humans.

LINK: www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2011/10/cantaloupe-listeria-contamination.html 
     Also you will recall that cantaloupe from Jensen Farms was distributed to the following states (and to no foreign countries that anyone is aware of):  

"FDA has verified that the following states received recalled cantaloupes directly from Jensen Farms: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming. There is no indication of foreign distribution."

LINK: www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm272372.htm#records

     Thus, what follows is a rare case of expert scientific study culminating in concrete evidence and conclusions which the public--meaning ALL of us--can use in a very real way to protect and preserve the lives and health status of ourselves and our loved ones.

     So here goes...

     On October 21, 2011, the FDA published a detailed report entitled, 

"Environmental Assessment: Factors Potentially Contributing to the Contamination of Fresh Whole Cantaloupe Implicated in a Multi-State Outbreak of Listeriosis" which you can read at your leisure, for I will encapsulate the pertinent findings in it here, for you:

 LINK:  www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/FoodborneIllness/ucm276247.htm

     Here are the basic findings of this FDA report:

1)  The positive 'swab cultures' collected at Jensen Farms DID match the types of Listeria found in the patients who were affected by this pathogen:

"Of the 39 environmental swabs collected from within the facility, 13 were confirmed positive for Listeria monocytogenes with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern combinations that were indistinguishable from three of the four outbreak strains collected from affected patients. "

LINK: www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm272372.htm

2)  Swab cultures positive for the Listeria in question was found all over the Jensen Farms operation: 

FDA Environmental Swabs Positive Results:

Processing Line	9 positive samples from the grading belt Swabs 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 29, 30 & 33
	2 positive samples from the conveyor Swabs 20 & 28
	1 positive sample from the felt rollers Swab 13
Packing Area	1 positive sample from the conveyor belt Swab 34

FDA Product Sample Results
1 Cantaloupe Sample collected from cold storage
5 subs tested positive
(10 whole cantaloupes or “Subs”)
LINK:  www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm272372.htm#records
3)  The FDA has deduced how this Listeria outbreak at/from Jensen Farms originated:
"FDA identified the following factors as those that most likely contributed to the introduction, spread, and growth of Listeria monocytogenes in the cantaloupes:Introduction:

• There could have been low level sporadic Listeria monocytogenes in the field where the cantaloupe were grown, which could have been introduced into the packing facility
• A truck used to haul culled cantaloupe to a cattle operation was parked adjacent to the packing facility and could have introduced contamination into the facility

Spread:

• The packing facility’s design allowed water to pool on the floor near equipment and employee walkways
• The packing facility floor was constructed in a manner that made it difficult to clean
• The packing equipment was not easily cleaned and sanitized; washing and drying equipment used for cantaloupe packing was previously used for postharvest handling of another raw agricultural commodity

Growth:

• There was no pre-cooling step to remove field heat from the cantaloupes before cold storage. As the cantaloupes cooled there may have been condensation that promoted the growth of Listeria monocytogenes" 

LINK:  www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm272372.htm#records

4)  The FDA once again emphasizes:

"FDA’s findings regarding this particular outbreak highlight the importance for firms to employ good agricultural and management practices in their packing facilities as well as in growing fields. FDA recommends that firms employ good agricultural and management practices recommended for the growing, harvesting, washing, sorting, packing, storage and transporting of fruits and vegetables sold to consumers in an unprocessed or minimally processed raw form."

LINK: www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm272372.htm#records 

5)  Considering the two-week shelf-life of cantaloupe, the FDA believes that ALL of the affected cantaloupe has been removed from the marketplace by Jensen Farm's voluntary recall of Sept. 14, 2011

LINK: www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm272372.htm#records

6)  The final FDA consumer information is as follows:

"Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures, about 40^◦ Fahrenheit (4^◦ Celsius). The longer ready-to-eat refrigerated foods are stored in the refrigerator, the more opportunity Listeria has to grow.
It is very important that consumers clean their refrigerators and other food preparation surfaces. Consumers should follow these simple steps:

• Wash hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
• Wash the inside walls and shelves of the refrigerator, cutting boards and countertops; then sanitize them with a solution of one tablespoon of chlorine bleach to one gallon of hot water; dry with a clean cloth or paper towel that has not been previously used.
• Wipe up spills in the refrigerator immediately and clean the refrigerator regularly.

Always wash hands with warm water and soap following the cleaning and sanitization process 
LINK: www.fda.gov/Food/FoodSafety/CORENetwork/ucm272372.htm#records
     So there you have it with this cantaloupe recall which, hopefully, will be ending shortly, although the FDA still considers this to be an open investigation.
     A warning letter has been sent to Jensen Farms 
LINK:  www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/ucm276249.htm
and we have every expectation that things will be 'cleaned up'--literally--poste haste.
     But consider that this outbreak has been acknowledged to be the deadliest foodborne outbreak in the United States in more than 25 years.  There have been 123 cases and 26 deaths (which includes one miscarriage) reported to the CDC from 26 states.
LINK: www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/cantaloupes-jensen-farms/index.html
     And there are yet others who are pregnant and got ill and who are still being monitored.
     Therefore, we must not 'just hope'...but follow-up diligently and remain vigilante, so that no further food-borne illnesses occur due to Listeria contamination in cantaloupe or any other food.
LINK: www.fda.gov/downloads/NewsEvents/Newsroom/MediaTranscripts/UCM277070.pdf 
God Bless You 
Rev. Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

"OCCUPY WALL STREET' Protesters Face Many Disease & Sanitation Challenges: A Biochemist Explains Them All" By Rev. Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

courtesy: http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/mrsa_initiative/skin_infection/mrsa_photo_007.html

Dear Ones:

     There are a number of health concerns that the "OCCUPY" protesters, their supporters/visitors/sight-seers, law enforcement, public health and all who have contact with their 'camps' and 'campers' should be aware of.
     You may want to read my article series on the risks of TSA 'pat-downs' at airports as a 'primer' of sorts, to get yourself acquainted with what one needs to be on the 'look-out' for in tight quarters, especially when there is person-to-person contact.
LINK: http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/p/tsa-pat-down-page-by-reverend-barbara.html
     As bad as the unsanitary conditions of TSA 'pat-down' areas are, the conditions "OCCUPY" campsights are infinitely worse.
    Essentially, what we have with these protesters is minimal and ineffective sanitation coupled with poor or non-existent medical care.
     "OCCUPY" areas are, in many cases, merely 'outdoor homeless shelters' run (for the most part) by those who may or may not have the professional training to do so...And who, even if they do have such training are, according to most news reports, woefully lacking in adequate supplies and back-up.
     "OCCUPY" encampments all over lack adequate sheltering materials, not to mention toilet facilities, heat and refrigeration.
     Most important of all, many of these "OCCUPY" camps lack the capability to address what even the BEST legitimate 'non-profit homeless shelters' have difficulty adequately handling, which is: mental illness, substance abuse and what is known as 'dual-diagnosis' (mental illness combined with substance abuse of some sort.)
     I offer here no remediation other than the obvious, but rather an impartial, apolitical list of 'things to consider' for my fellow human beings at this time in history.
     As a 'homeless advocate' for three decades, and as a health care professional well-versed in 'disaster and emergency preparedness' and 'epidemiology', I have a great understanding about what is necessary for the safe and sanitary administration of emergency housing for men, women and pregnant women and women and children.

 courtesy www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/body/

     Let me state simply that "OCCUPY" protesters and others involved with persons involved in this movement, have a great number of sanitation, health, wellness and environmental concerns to contend with.
     There are 'human factors' (i.e. acts of violence/man-made disasters) and natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and the like), as well.
     Who does "OCCUPY" call in the event of crimes of assault and rape?  Who will they 'turn to' if a storm strikes or a diarrheal disease breaks out in the camp?

courtesy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mrsa_cyst_exploded.jpg

     Many of the 'illnesses and diseases' listed below are reasonably easy to avoid and eradicate nowadays using simple methods of 'good hygiene', camp cleanliness...and impeccable professional medical care at the first sign of trouble.
     I'm not sure that "OCCUPY" camps can make the grade, even if and when everyone involved are brought into the mix for the 'betterment of all'.  Human nature just does not work that way and we will always have those who, for one reason or other, are 'marginalized'.
     What I see is that the "OCCUPY" 'tent cities' will likely go the way of most 'tent cities'.
      The cold-hard fact is that an 'urban OCCUPY protester' eating his or her 'designer poached salmon donation' with a working 'grey water' project at their feet will fare no better than a natural disaster victim across the world eating a WHO rations reconstituted with donated clean water.

     In fact, camp refugees overseas may well get superior medical and other care if relief workers can get to them and they accepts their offers.

     Oh, human pathogens are 'great equalizers' indeed.

 courtesy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smallpox

     Diseases we used to 'be protected from' are quite mobile, thanks to jet travel.  Diseases, such as smallpox, once believed to be have been 'wiped out' due to worldwide immunization, may not have been...And "OCCUPY" campers must consider whether their close-quarters' 'neighbors' have or have not been immunized against certain pathogens.

     My best advice is this: don't rule anything in the following lists IN or OUT if you are feeling ill after having attended an "OCCUPY" event, and visit your health care professional IMMEDIATELY if something doesn't feel right.

     Parents: if you 'visit' an "OCCUPY" campsite or live in one, I beg you to consider the health and well-being of your children.

     Children, like the elderly and those who are immuno-compromised, are at greater risk when it comes to illness, disease and exposure to extremes of temperature, both heat and cold.

     For "OCCUPIERS" and others of all ages, here's your 'list' of things to watch out for.

     It's not necessarily 'fully inclusive' and will be updated as necessary.

1)  Used/exchanged clothing, bedding, sleeping bags, towels, wash-clothes, anything of cloth (especially when 'damp' or wet) can transmit:

• bed bugs
• lice ('crabs')-head/armpit/body/pubic areas
• fleas
• scabies (mites)
• ringworm (a fungus, not a 'worm'!)
• MRSA 'Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus' (a bad 'staph' skin infection)
• Molluscum contagiosum (a virus)
• molds of all types
• mildew
• roaches (potential hitch-hikers in anything made of cloth or paper)

2)  Used/Exchanged personal items, razors, utensils, plates, cups, shared childrens' toys, toothbrushes, 'surfaces', used and improperly disposed of bandages, dressings, tampons, sanitary pads, condoms, toilet paper, cigarette butts and all items contaminated with blood, semen, saliva, sputum, feces or any other bodily secretions have the potential to transmit:

• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C
• viral hemorrhagic fevers
• Salmonella
• E. coli
• HIV/AIDS
• influenza
• SARS
• bacterial infections

3)  Improperly cooked/handled/heated/stored/prepared food can transmit:

• Campylobacter
• Salmonella
• E. coli O157:H7
• Calicivirus or Norwalk-like virus
• Listeria
• Shigella
• Hepatitis
• Giardia lamblia
• Cryptosporidia
• Clostridium botulinum 
• link: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/foodborneinfections_g.htm#mostcommon
• Rat bite fever link: http://www.cdc.gov/rat-bite-fever/
• Yersiniosis
• diarrhea
• nausea
• skin rashes

4) Poor hygiene can encourage:

• vaginitis ('yeast infection')
• bacterial vaginitis ('vaginosis')
• toxic shock syndrome
• bladder infection
• jock itch
• athlete's foot
• folliculitis (infection of the hair follicles)
• furuncles (boils)
• Necrotizing Fasciitis ('Flesh eating disease) due to Streptococcus pyogenes
• blepharitis (eyelid inflammation) complicated by bacterial infection
• warts
• flea infestation complications
• lice (head/body/pubic) complications
• scabies (mites)

5) Person-to-Person contact, especially when combined with poor hygiene, can transmit:

• gonorrhea
• syphilis
• vaginitis
• jock itch
• anal abscess
• scabies
• fleas
• lice
• furuncle (boil)
• carbuncle (group of furuncles)
• impetigo
• genital warts
• herpes
• viruses
• influenza
• bacteria
• tuberculosis (via a TB patient coughing, sneezing, speaking or singing) link: http://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm

6)  Wounds, punctures, lacerations, abrasions improperly or not treated can cause:

• tetanus
• bacterial, viral, protozoan infections
• many diseases included here
• sepsis
• amputation

7a)  Mice in camp can transmit:

• Salmonella
• Ratbite fever
• dermatitis
• Favus
• tapeworm
• Lyme disease
• Tularemia
• Leptospirosis
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis
• Hantavirus
• Rickettsialpox

7b)  Rats in camp can transmit:

• rabies
• plague
• Salmonella
• Tularemia 
• rat bite fever (Streptobacillus moniliformis North America, Spirillum minus Asia)
• other infections (due to bites, droppings)

8)   Insects in camp can transmit:

• West Nile virus (mosquitoes)
• Eastern Equine virus (mosquitoes)
• Lyme's disease (ticks)
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever (ticks)
• malaria (mosquitoes)
• Tick-Borne Relapsing fever (ticks)
• MRSA (Brown recluse spider bites)
• dermatitis-like skin conditions-intense itching with and without secondary infections

9)  Contaminated water for drinking, bathing, recycling (when some gets into eyes/nose/body orifices/is accidentally swallowed, etc) can transmit:

• Amebiasis   
  
• Buruli Ulcer
• Campylobacter
• Cholera
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Cyclosporiasis
• Dracunculiasis (guinea-worm disease)
  
• Escherichia coli
• Fascioliasis
• Giardiasis
• Hepatitis
• Leptospirosis
• Norovirus
• Rotavirus
• Salmonella
• Schistosomiasis
• Shigellosis
• Typhoid Fever
• viruses, bacteria, protozoans and parasites ('worms') of all sorts
• Botulism
• Dysentery (Shigella and/or Salmonella)
• Legionnaire's Disease (caused by Legionella)
• 'Swimmers Ear' (Otitis externa)
• Vibrio illness 
• Adenovirus
• Ascariasis (roundworms)
• Echinococcosis (caused by tapeworm larvae)
• Enterobiasis (pin worms)
• Fasciolopsis 
• Gastroenteritis
• Hymenolepiasis (dwarf tapeworm)
• Microsporidiosis (Protozoan)
• SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)
• Hepatitis A
• Polio (rare overall, but found in US, esp in CA, TX & PA http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/stats-surv/vasp/default.htm
• Polyomavirus infection ( JC and BK variants)
• Taeniasis
• Brain-eating Amoeba (Naegleria fowleri-rare-enters through the nose, to the brain)  link: http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/naegleria/faqs.html 
• Rat bit fever link:  http://www.cdc.gov/rat-bite-fever/ 

10)  Dogs, cats, other pets improperly vaccinated and cared for medically can transmit the following to humans, especially those living in close, unsanitary quarters:

• Bartonella ('Cat Scratch Disease')
• Dog and Cat Flea Tapeworm (Dipylidium Infection)
• Giardia
• Leptospirosis (from dogs)
• Mange (rarely, from dogs)
• MRSA (dogs, cats)
• Plague (cats, dogs bitten by infected fleas)
• Rabies (dogs, cats)
• Ringworm (dogs, cats)
• Sporotrichosis (dogs, cats--a fungus)
• Toxocara infection (roundworms from dogs, cats)
• Toxoplasmosis (protozoan in cats)
• Yersiniosis (usually from pigs, but from dogs and cats, too)
• other infections (due to bites, scratches)

11)  Environmental factors can elicit"

• hypothermia/frostbite (cold)
• hyperthermia/heat stroke (heat)
• sunburn/burns/skin cancer (sun exposure)
• dehydration (heat, usually)
• electrolyte imbalance (heat and dehydration)
• trench foot (immersion in water, lack of sock change/foot hygiene)
• asthma/lung/'breathing' issues (dust, 'mites' in bedding & clothes, perfumes/oils, cleaning solutions, roach dropping inhalation, second hand smoke, candle smoke, incense)
• skin rashes/dermatitis (scabies ('mites'), molds, mildews due to rotted food, reused clothing/bedding, allergies to plastics used as 'tarps', etc, DEET allergies, scented baby wipes, perfume allergies, smoke allergies (facial rash usually, swelling), incense allergy (exposed skin 'itches'), second hand smoke, etc
• vaginitis (women be careful with different brands of sanitary products)
• hives (full body) ( something ingested or grossly exposed to-check for food allergies and be careful with 'donated' skin care products such as lotions, powders, sprays, make-up)
• anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction to something exposed to and/or ingested)

     It is very difficult to live with minimal creature comforts, especially when the weather (and other factors) are against you.

     Winter is coming and the flu season is here.  Cold is a 'stressor' which taxes the immune system, thereby weakening it.

     Having the 'flu' in an urban 'tent city' will be no picnic.

     Influenza readily turns into pneumonia when conditions are poor and a person is not receiving adequate food, rest and relief from the elements.

     Also, please note that 'strep throat' (due to Streptococcus bacteria) is extremely common and spreads like 'wildfire' in contained areas when food and water are shared...presenting as yet another thing for "OCCUPY" campers to be on the look-out for.

     A 'strep throat' can turn into life-threatening 'Scarlet Fever' very quickly, so if you have a sore throat and notice a head/neck/chest red rash, get medical help IMMEDIATELY.

     Remember that the 'fecal-oral' route is responsible for many bad 'infections' such as those caused by E. coli.

     So, as much as possible....wash, wash and wash again with soap and water after using the bathroom and whenever you can, all "OCCUPY" participants!

     Don't depend on 'hand gels' or 'baby wipes', alone, in lieu of showering.

     Also, when you use hand gels or (even better in my opinion70% isopropyl alcohol), do not wipe/shake-off the 'excess'.

     Let things 'air dry' for maximum effectiveness of these sanitizers.

     Any comments/questions can be directed here (below) or to BarbaraKSexton@aol.com

God Bless & Keep You

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

courtesy www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5524a3.htm

"Cantaloupe Listeria Contamination Problem Expands: A Biochemist Explains It All" By Rev. Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

courtesy www.Marlerblog.com

Dear Ones:
     Per the CDC, we are two and a half months into the latest Listeria outbreak in our food supply.
     This situation is significant because IT IS THE FIRST TIME CANTALOUPE HAS EVER BEEN IMPLICATED in a Listeria outbreak.
     All illnesses related to this event started 'on or after July 31, 2011'.
LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/index.html
     But this 'time frame' is somewhat amorphous, considering the 'lag period' between ingestion of contaminated melon and the development of...and reporting of...cases of listeriosis.  It may well be that the offending organisms have been at work infecting our cantaloupe supply for OVER FOUR and a half months, instead.
     Because it can take up to 2 MONTHS for listeriosis to develop after food contaminated with Listeria is consumed, you must understand that this FDA Recall is ONGOING.

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/treatment.html
     The initial recall was for 'Jensen Farms' cantaloupes:
     "On September 14, 2011, FDA issued a press release to announce that Jensen Farms issued a voluntary recall of its Rocky Ford-brand cantaloupes after being linked to a multistate outbreak of listeriosis.
LINK: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm271899.htm
     However, the FDA and CDC pointed out that not all of the 'Jensen Farms' cantaloupe was readily 'identifiable' as it was distributed throughout the nation's food supply chain.
     And sure enough, on October 6. 2011, Fruit Fresh Up, Inc. brand cantaloupe and cut mixed fruit was added to the list of 'brands of cantaloupe' for consumers to AVOID:
"October 6, 2011 - Fruit Fresh Up, Inc. of Depew, New York is recalling approximately 4,800 individual packages of FRESH CUT CANTALOUPE AND CUT MIXED FRUIT CONTAINING CANTALOUPE because they have the potential to be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Fruit Fresh Up, Inc. was not advised of the possible contamination of the cantaloupe it acquired from an independent wholesale vendor until last Thursday, September 27th."
LINK: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm274835.htm
     New Yorkers, especially, will want to AVOID all of the following products by Fruit Fresh Up, Inc:

"The fresh cut fruit subject to this recall was sold between August 31, 2011 and September 11, 2011, and consisted of the following products: Cantaloupe Chunks, Cantaloupe Slices, Gourmet Fruit Salad, Small Fruit Salad, Small and Large Fruit Salad with Pineapple, Fruit Salad with Kiwi, and Fruit Trays."

LINK: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm274835.htm

     And REMEMBER (again) that the 'lag period' between ingestion of Listeria-contaminated produce and the development of signs and symptoms of listeriosis CAN BE AS LONG AS TWO MONTHS (8 weeks).

     So if you ATE any of these Fresh Fruit Up, Inc. products, be sure to see your health care provider IMMEDIATELY if you think you are developing what you believe to be any 'food-related' illness.  Check out the CDC's Listeriosis infection page for detailed information:

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/

     It is plain to see that we are far from 'identifying' all the Listeria-contaminated cantaloupe that has been distributed to date.
     Indeed, the expert advice-which I cannot EMPHASIZE ENOUGH-is to exercise ALL CAUTION with eating ALL cantaloupe for the time being!:
"CDC recommends that consumers not eat whole or pre-cut Rocky Ford-brand cantaloupe from Jensen Farms. This is especially important for older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women...Even if some of the cantaloupe has been eaten without becoming ill, dispose of the rest of the cantaloupe immediately. Listeria bacteria can grow in the cantaloupe at room and refrigerator temperatures. Cantaloupes that are known to NOT have come from Jensen Farms are safe to eat. If consumers are uncertain about the source of a cantaloupe for purchase, they should ask the grocery store. A cantaloupe purchased from an unknown source should be discarded: "when in doubt, throw it out." 
LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/cantaloupes-jensen-farms/101211/index.html
     Did you get that, my dear Readers?  "WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT".  And Rev. Barb advises that unless you are absolutely certain of a cantaloupe's 'origin', AVOID EATING IT AT ALL FOR THE TIME BEING!

     To date, 25 states are affected by this Listeria-contaminated cantaloupe:
" As of 9am EDT on October 11, 2011, a total of 116 persons infected with any of the four outbreak-associated strains of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported to CDC from 25 states.  The number of infected persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), California (1), Colorado (34), Idaho (1), Illinois (1), Indiana (3), Iowa (1), Kansas (7), Louisiana (2), Maryland (1), Missouri (4), Montana (1), Nebraska (6), New Mexico (13), New York (1), North Dakota (1), Oklahoma (11), Oregon (1), South Dakota (1), Texas (17), Virginia (1), West Virginia (1), Wisconsin (2), and Wyoming (3). "
LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/cantaloupes-jensen-farms/101211/index.html 
     As of October 12, 2011, 23 DEATHS and 1 miscarriage (not included in the deaths stat) have been reported to the CDC:

"Twenty-three deaths have been reported: 5 in Colorado, 1 in Indiana, 2 in Kansas, 2 in Louisiana, 1 in Maryland, 1 in Missouri, 1 in Nebraska, 5 in New Mexico, 1 in New York, 1 in Oklahoma, 2 in Texas, and 1 in Wyoming. In addition, one woman pregnant at the time of illness had a miscarriage." 

LINK:  http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/cantaloupes-jensen-farms/101211/index.html

     For those interested in the more technical aspects of the Listeria contaminated FDA Recall, note the following:

"Listeriosis is caused by Listeria monocytogenes, a gram-positive bacillus common in the environment and acquired by humans primarily through consumption of contaminated food. Infection causes a spectrum of illness, ranging from febrile gastroenteritis to invasive disease, including sepsis and meningoencephalitis. Invasive listeriosis occurs predominantly in older adults and persons with impaired immune systems. Listeriosis in pregnant women is typically a mild "flu-like" illness, but can result in fetal loss, premature labor, or neonatal infection. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics."

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6039a5.htm?s_cid=mm6039a5_w

     'Febrile gastroenteritis' means fever and tummy ache and intestinal woes.  'Meningoencephalitis' refers to the brain and the membranes around the brain and the spinal cord (the 'meninges' pron men-IN-geez) being infected by the Listeria bacteria.

      It is a common practice and an essential 'tool' to 'subtype' pathogenic bacteria.  This is necessary to determine what bacteria are involved in an outbreak and can be critical to determining the transmission of--and eventually the original SOURCE of--the offending microbe.

     Most importantly, sub-typing allows health care providers to develop and administer an ideal antibiotic regimen for those who become infected.

     We all know by now that pathogens are those microbiological agents which cause disease, the most common of which known to the public are bacteria and viruses.

     In this case, "four widely differing PFGE pattern combinations and two serotypes (1/2a and 1/2b) have been associated with the outbreak strains of Listeria monocytogenes" (pron: list-TEAR-ee-ah mah-no-sye-TAHGE-en-eeze) were isolated from cut and whole cantaloupe samples collected from patients' homes, from grocery stores where Jensen Farms melons were sold and from the Jensen Farm, itself.

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6039a5.htm?s_cid=mm6039a5_w

     The above report is from the 'Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report' aka the 'MMWR', which is an 'arm' of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

     PFGE is 'Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis' is a technology which allows a biochemist to apply a given sample to a 'gel matrix' wherein the specific components of the sample are 'separated' when a pulsed electric field (from several directions sequentially) is applied to it.

     PFGE is the technology that allows for 'DNA typing', for genetic 'fingerprinting' and for 'genotyping' any number of biological and natural ' moieties and has helped very effectively to distinguish between different Listeria sub-species.

     What happened with this Listeria-contaminated cantaloupe situation is that doctors and local and state health agencies reported cases of listeriosis to the FDA, which started studies of the situation.

     As in the case of infectious diseases, the CDC then became involved, for this Listeria contamination of cantaloupe has not 'gone away'.  Thus began the 'sample collection and analysis' as a collaborative effort between the FDA and the CDC...each doing what they do best.

     And, now, as you see MMWR is 'onboard' reporting on deaths and other 'outcomes' for consumers who have been infected with Listeria.

     So my advice for all of us is to be on guard here.  We are dealing with a yet-evolving and ongoing food-borne illness cluster, which is UNUSUAL and unprecedented in many ways:

"This outbreak has several unusual features. First, this is the first listeriosis outbreak associated with melon. Second, four widely differing PFGE pattern combinations and two serotypes (1/2a and 1/2b) have been associated with the outbreak. Third, this outbreak is unusually large; only two U.S. listeriosis outbreaks, one associated with frankfurters (108 cases) and one with Mexican-style cheese (142), have had more cases (1,2). Additional cases likely will be reported because of the long incubation period (usually 1--3 weeks, range: 3--70 days) and the time needed for diagnosis and confirmation. Fourth, this outbreak has the highest number of deaths of any U.S. foodborne outbreak since a listeriosis outbreak in 1998 (1). "

LINK: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6039a5.htm?s_cid=mm6039a5_w

     I had not written on this outbreak Listeria in cantaloupe previously, thinking (and praying) that the media would have covered it adequately, you'd be informed and it would just run a 'limited course'.

     But Listeria-contamination of cantaloupe is NOT going away and we must be mindful of 'lag periods' in both disease manifestation and in reporting times.

     We also do not know, yet, if food processors are inadvertently contaminating OTHER foodstuffs with Listeria, and if so, what they may be.

     In an ideal situation, manufacturers 'cooperate' in FDA and CDC investigations, but this is not always the case, as I have written about before.

     So my best advice is to be aware of what you eat, AVOID what you should, be aware of your BODY and seek competent professional health care advice from a trusted health care provider at the first indication that something may be wrong.

     Anyone interested in the contamination of chopped Romaine lettuce with Listeria can read about that here:

LINK: http://dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/2011/10/listeriosis-lettuce-recall-biochemist.html

May God Bless You & keep you healthy!

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

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E-mail: BarbaraKSexton@aol.com

  courtesy www.FoodPoisoningJournal.com