Category: Food Borne Illness


Biological Hazard – Egypt, Governorate of l Qahirah, Cairo [Al-Azhar University] : Nearly 500 students from Cairo’s Al-Azhar university have been admitted to hospital with food poisoning.

Filed under: Biological Hazard, Food Borne Illness, Poisons in Our Foods — Leave a comment
April 3, 2013

 Biological Hazards  -  Food Poisoning

Egypt food poisoning Al-Azhar university

Al-Azhar University students angered by a mass outbreak of food poisoning protest as an ambulance carries an ill student to hospital in Cairo. Their signs read: “Down with the administration of negligence” and “the corrupt university”. Picture: AP

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02.04.2013 Biological Hazard Egypt Governorate of l Qahirah, Cairo [Al-Azhar University] Damage level
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Biological Hazard in Egypt on Tuesday, 02 April, 2013 at 11:02 (11:02 AM) UTC.

Description
A senior Egyptian health ministry official says nearly 500 students from Cairo’s Al-Azhar university have been admitted to hospital with food poisoning. The official, Khaled el-Khateib, said Tuesday that all 479 food poisoning cases came from the university’s dormitories in the capital’s Nasr City district. The poisonings occurred after a meal served at the dormitories on Monday. Al-Azhar students plan a protest outside the university’s offices later on Tuesday. On Monday, hundreds of students angered by the incident demonstrated outside the residence halls, blocking roads and chanting slogans against the university’s management. The university belongs to Al-Azhar mosque, the world’s foremost seat of Sunni Muslim learning. Beside religious studies, the university awards degrees in sciences and humanities. Egypt’s top prosecutor on Tuesday ordered an investigation into the case.
Biohazard name: Mass. Food Poisoning
Biohazard level: 2/4 Medium
Biohazard desc.: Bacteria and viruses that cause only mild disease to humans, or are difficult to contract via aerosol in a lab setting, such as hepatitis A, B, and C, influenza A, Lyme disease, salmonella, mumps, measles, scrapie, dengue fever, and HIV. “Routine diagnostic work with clinical specimens can be done safely at Biosafety Level 2, using Biosafety Level 2 practices and procedures. Research work (including co-cultivation, virus replication studies, or manipulations involving concentrated virus) can be done in a BSL-2 (P2) facility, using BSL-3 practices and procedures. Virus production activities, including virus concentrations, require a BSL-3 (P3) facility and use of BSL-3 practices and procedures”, see Recommended Biosafety Levels for Infectious Agents.
Symptoms:
Status: confirmed

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Nearly 500 students at Egypt’s Al-Azhar University in hospital with food poisoning

  • From: AP
  • April 02, 2013 11:23PM
EGYPT food poisoningn al-Azhar University

An Egyptian student from al-Azhar University receives treatment at an ambulance in Cairo, after nearly 500 uni students were taking to hospital with food poisoning. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

NEARLY 500 students from Cairo’s Al-Azhar University have been admitted to hospital with food poisoning, a senior health official said.

The official, Khaled el-Khateib, said that all 479 food poisoning cases came from the university’s dormitories in the capital’s Nasr City district.

The victims were taken to several hospitals in Cairo. Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi visited students being treated in one hospital overnight.

The poisonings occurred after a meal served at the dormitories on Monday.

Food poisoning is not uncommon in Egyptian university dormitories, where basic hygiene standards are often not observed, but the latest outbreak is the biggest in years.

 

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Biological Hazard – Malaysia, State of Perak, Bukit Kapar : A total of 70 pupils of Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Kapar were down with food poisoning

Filed under: Food Safety, Food Borne Illness, Biological Hazard — Leave a comment
February 21, 2013

Biological Hazards -  Mass Food Poisoning

 

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20.02.2013 Biological Hazard Malaysia State of Perak, Bukit Kapar Damage level Details

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Biological Hazard in Malaysia on Wednesday, 20 February, 2013 at 12:55 (12:55 PM) UTC.

Description
A total of 70 pupils of Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Kapar were down with food poisoning, with two of them treated at Meru Health Clinic. Selangor Education Department director Mahmud Karim said the pupils complained of stomach pains after a meal at the school canteen during recess at 10.20am on Wednesday. “Officers from the health office came for the pupils and sent two of them to Meru Health Clinic for treatment. “The canteen was ordered closed until March 5 to allow investigation,” he said. Mahmud advised the parents to prepare food for their children during the closure of the school canteen. A check found that the pupils down with food poisoning and those in the morning session (Year 4,5,6) had gone home. Efforts to get a statement from the school headmistress failed after she refused to talk to the press. Zamri Saadon, 36, father of Nornadiah Farhana, 12, said her daughter complained of stomach pains after eating fried rice at the school canteen. “When I fetched her after school at 1.30pm, she was weak and unhappy. “Nornadiah was given an injection at school,” he said He added it was the first food poisoning case in the school.
Biohazard name: Mass. Food poisoning
Biohazard level: 0/4 —
Biohazard desc.: This does not included biological hazard category.
Symptoms:
Status: confirmed

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Biological Hazard – India, State of Assam, [North Dimoria block of Kamrup (Metro) district] : Mass Poisoning – At least 400 people, including children, were taken ill in North Dimoria block of Kamrup (Metro) district

Filed under: Biological Hazard, Disaster Management, Food Borne Illness, Food Safety — 1 Comment
February 17, 2013

Biological Hazards -  Mass Food Poisoning

 

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Today Biological Hazard India State of Assam, [North Dimoria block of Kamrup (Metro) district] Damage level
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Biological Hazard in India on Sunday, 17 February, 2013 at 04:56 (04:56 AM) UTC.

Description
At least 400 people, including children, were taken ill after food poisoning in North Dimoria block of Kamrup (Metro) district on Friday. Children of Durung ME School, Koraiguri LP School and Koikari LP School went to their respective institutions for Saraswati Puja on Friday. They fell ill after they consumed grams and khichri. On Saturday morning, the patients were admitted to the 30-bed Khetri Hospital and Sonapur Primary Healthcare Centre from where the critical ones were referred to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital(GMCH).

Principal of GMCH Kabul Saikia, said: “More than 400 people fell ill after consuming grams and khichri. The figure may increase. In our hospital, about 23 patients were admitted till 7.30 pm and more patients are on their way. Among the 23 patients, 15 are adults. It is difficult to tell the exact figure now.” “We have opened one relief camp at Khetri and five doctors have been sent to the site. The critical patients are being brought here for treatment. The patients complained of vomiting, fever, dizziness, diarrhoea and abdominal pain,” he added. He said: “We are making all arrangements to provide best possible treatment.”

Bhojan Das, the father of Vikram who has been admitted to GMCH, said: “My son who studies in Durong ME School went to his institution on Friday and ate grams and khichri. From early morning, he complained of vomiting and abdominal pain and his body turned pale. Noticing this, we took him to the nearby clinic from where he was referred to GMCH.” According to the report made available by the GMCH superintendent, Ramen Talukdar around 8.30 pm: “More than 100 patients have been admitted to the hospital and 300 are on their way. As there is limited capacity of beds in our hospital, around 50 patients have been sent to Mohendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital . Ambulance have been called in from Morigaon, Guwahati and Jagiroad. Moreover, five buses have been engaged to bring patients to the hospital.”
Biohazard name: Mass. Food poisoning
Biohazard level: 0/4 —
Biohazard desc.: This does not included biological hazard category.
Symptoms:
Status: confirmed

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Biological Hazard – Rwanda, Capital City, Kigali [Bethany Hotel in Karongi district] :Twenty-One people were on Wednesday rushed to King Faisal Hospital in Kigali after suspected food poisoning

Filed under: Biological Hazard, Food Borne Illness, Food Safety — Leave a comment
January 21, 2013

Biological Hazards  -  Food Poisoning

 

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Today Biological Hazard Rwanda Capital City, Kigali [Bethany Hotel in Karongi district] Damage level Details

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Biological Hazard in Rwanda on Monday, 21 January, 2013 at 04:25 (04:25 AM) UTC.

Description
Twenty-One people were on Wednesday rushed to King Faisal Hospital in Kigali after suspected food poisoning at Bethany Hotel in Karongi district. The incident occurred on Tuesday night. Customers who complained of stomach upset were rushed to Kibuye Hospital for first aid. The victims, among them hotel staff, are said to have showed signs of diarrhea, a symptom of food poisoning. Efforts to get a comment from the hotel manager were fruitless as his known mobile phone was switched off and he was reportedly in Nairobi, Kenya. Howeve, hotel staff, who talked to The New Times, said there could have been a mix-up in preparation of vegetable salads. “It became necessary to transfer the affected people to Kigali for further treatment since new cases were continuously coming up,” said a worker who preferred anonymity.The source said security and authorities were immediately alerted and they provided swift intervention. However, authorities ordered the hotel to temporarily shut down on Wednesday. This newspaper has established that some of the victims are still undergoing treatment at King Faisal Hospital. According to Dr Emmanuel Musabeyezu, who is currently attending to the patients at the hospital, four of the victims were discharged yesterday after treatment. “Seventeen people are still admitted, but they are recovering so we are confident that they will also be discharged soon. Tests are still being done to ascertain the nature of the food poisoning, but the signs the patients have shown point at contamination,” he said. Dr Alex Butera, the acting chief executive officer of King Faisal Hospital, said food poisoning is a common occurrence, especially in mass gatherings such as schools, parties and hotels.
Biohazard name: Mass. Food poisoning
Biohazard level: 0/4 —
Biohazard desc.: This does not included biological hazard category.
Symptoms:
Status: confirmed

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Biological Hazard – Oman , Governorate of Al Wusta, [Qarn Alam Drill site] : Mass. Food poisoning

Filed under: Biological Hazard, Disaster Management, Diseases, Earth Watch Report, Food Borne Illness, Food Safety, Global Disaster Watch — 1 Comment
January 10, 2013

Earth Watch Report  -  Biological Hazards

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09.01.2013 Biological Hazard Oman Governorate of Al Wusta, [Qarn Alam Drill site] Damage level Details

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Biological Hazard in Oman on Wednesday, 09 January, 2013 at 21:09 (09:09 PM) UTC.

Description
An Omani oil company says it has the situation under control after 300 of its contractors at a drill site were sickened by food poisoning. Most of the workers were treated and released at a camp clinic, Petroleum Development Oman said in a statement, but some required hospitalization, Gulf News reported Wednesday. Some 62 workers were admitted and 19 were later discharged, “All those sent to the hospitals are stable and no one is in any danger,” the company said. All of the workers were employed at oil installations in Qarn Alam in central Oman, about 250 miles from Muscat. Petroleum Development Oman is owned by the state of Oman. A team from the Ministry of Health has been sent to camp to investigate the incident, officials said.
Biohazard name: Mass. Food poisoning
Biohazard level: 1/4 Low
Biohazard desc.: Bacteria and viruses including Bacillus subtilis, canine hepatitis, Escherichia coli, varicella (chicken pox), as well as some cell cultures and non-infectious bacteria. At this level precautions against the biohazardous materials in question are minimal, most likely involving gloves and some sort of facial protection. Usually, contaminated materials are left in open (but separately indicated) waste receptacles. Decontamination procedures for this level are similar in most respects to modern precautions against everyday viruses (i.e.: washing one’s hands with anti-bacterial soap, washing all exposed surfaces of the lab with disinfectants, etc). In a lab environment, all materials used for cell and/or bacteria cultures are decontaminated via autoclave.
Symptoms:
Status: confirmed

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Biological Hazard – India , State of Andhra Pradesh, [East Godavari district] : Mass. Food poisoning

Filed under: Biological Hazard, Food Borne Illness, Food Safety, Food Safety Report — 2 Comments
December 22, 2012

 Biological Hazards  – Food Safety

100 college students hospitalized in AP

100 college students hospitalized in AP

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21.12.2012 Biological Hazard India State of Andhra Pradesh, [East Godavari district] Damage level
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Biological Hazard in India on Friday, 21 December, 2012 at 03:57 (03:57 AM) UTC.

Description
Around 100 hostel students of a private college in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh were hospitalised for suspected food poisoning, police said on Thursday. “The incident occurred at Sri Chaitanya junior college at Godavari Gunta in the district on Wednesday night,” they said. Police said altogether 300 students, who complained of uneasiness and vomiting after consuming the food at the college canteen, were rushed to three private hospitals on Wednesday night. “The hostel authorities served them the food cooked in the morning during the dinner,” police said. While 200 out of 300 students were discharged after receiving medical aid, around 100 girl students are undergoing treatment in three hospitals, police said, adding their condition is stable. College authorities refused to speak to media.
Biohazard name: Mass. Food poisoning
Biohazard level: 1/4 Low
Biohazard desc.: Bacteria and viruses including Bacillus subtilis, canine hepatitis, Escherichia coli, varicella (chicken pox), as well as some cell cultures and non-infectious bacteria. At this level precautions against the biohazardous materials in question are minimal, most likely involving gloves and some sort of facial protection. Usually, contaminated materials are left in open (but separately indicated) waste receptacles. Decontamination procedures for this level are similar in most respects to modern precautions against everyday viruses (i.e.: washing one’s hands with anti-bacterial soap, washing all exposed surfaces of the lab with disinfectants, etc). In a lab environment, all materials used for cell and/or bacteria cultures are decontaminated via autoclave.
Symptoms:
Status: confirmed

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Biological Hazard – China , Province of Zhejiang, Cixi [Yucai Middle School ] Mass. Food poisoning

Filed under: Biological Hazard, Food Borne Illness, Food Safety — 2 Comments
December 22, 2012

Biological Hazards  -  Food Safety

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Today Biological Hazard China Province of Zhejiang, Cixi [Yucai Middle School ] Damage level
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Biological Hazard in China on Saturday, 22 December, 2012 at 04:47 (04:47 AM) UTC.

Description
Fifty-eight middle school students were hospitalized over possible food poisoning in east China’s Zhejiang Province on Tuesday, local authorities confirmed Friday. All 58 victims from Yucai Middle School in the city of Cixi have been discharged from hospital and returned to school, according to the Cixi municipal government. After eating chicken provided by the school cafeteria, many students showed symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea and were sent to a local hospital, according to microblog posts. Local authorities are still investigating the incident. The city has launched a special inspection of school cafeterias to guarantee food safety.
Biohazard name: Mass. Food poisoning
Biohazard level: 2/4 Medium
Biohazard desc.: Bacteria and viruses that cause only mild disease to humans, or are difficult to contract via aerosol in a lab setting, such as hepatitis A, B, and C, influenza A, Lyme disease, salmonella, mumps, measles, scrapie, dengue fever, and HIV. “Routine diagnostic work with clinical specimens can be done safely at Biosafety Level 2, using Biosafety Level 2 practices and procedures. Research work (including co-cultivation, virus replication studies, or manipulations involving concentrated virus) can be done in a BSL-2 (P2) facility, using BSL-3 practices and procedures. Virus production activities, including virus concentrations, require a BSL-3 (P3) facility and use of BSL-3 practices and procedures”, see Recommended Biosafety Levels for Infectious Agents.
Symptoms:
Status: confirmed

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Biological Hazard – Sweden , Norrbotten, Lulea – Food Poisoning

Filed under: Biological Hazard, Food Borne Illness, Food Safety, Food Safety Report — 1 Comment
December 20, 2012

Food Safety Report  -  Biological Hazards

English: The biological hazard risk symbol on ...

English: The biological hazard risk symbol on yellow background (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Today Biological Hazard Sweden Norrbotten, Lulea Damage level Details

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Biological Hazard in Sweden on Thursday, 20 December, 2012 at 13:33 (01:33 PM) UTC.

Description
Christmas dinner was spoiled at a restaurant in Sweden’s far north after suspected food poisoning left over 70 diners doubled over with illness. The Christmas buffet on the BBB ferry in Lulea made 75 people from five different companies sick in the past week, according to the local Norrbottens Kuriren newspaper. This equates to one in three diners since last Tuesday. “This is clearly food poisoning, I can say this much without even seeing the results from our tests,” said Anders Osterlund, an infectious disease doctor in Norbotten, to the paper. Diners complained of stomach illness and fever. “This is the worst thing that can happen at a restaurant, that guests get food poisoning. What’s happened is strange because we are very careful, all leftovers are thrown away,” said Johan Isaksson who works at the restaurant. “And we have rigorous rules when it comes to personal hygiene.” According to the paper, the same food was served at another restaurant but no one reported falling ill. After an investigation by authorities, the restaurant has stopped serving their Christmas buffet.
Biohazard name: Mass. Food poisoning
Biohazard level: 1/4 Low
Biohazard desc.: Bacteria and viruses including Bacillus subtilis, canine hepatitis, Escherichia coli, varicella (chicken pox), as well as some cell cultures and non-infectious bacteria. At this level precautions against the biohazardous materials in question are minimal, most likely involving gloves and some sort of facial protection. Usually, contaminated materials are left in open (but separately indicated) waste receptacles. Decontamination procedures for this level are similar in most respects to modern precautions against everyday viruses (i.e.: washing one’s hands with anti-bacterial soap, washing all exposed surfaces of the lab with disinfectants, etc). In a lab environment, all materials used for cell and/or bacteria cultures are decontaminated via autoclave.
Symptoms:
Status: confirmed

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Biological Hazard – Australia, State of Queensland, [Longreach, Winton and Aramac] : Botulism

Filed under: Biological Hazard, Disaster Management, Diseases, Earth Watch Report, Food Borne Illness — Leave a comment
December 20, 2012

Earth Watch Report  -   Biological Hazards

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Today Biological Hazard Australia State of Queensland, [Longreach, Winton and Aramac] Damage level
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Biological Hazard in Australia on Thursday, 20 December, 2012 at 11:33 (11:33 AM) UTC.

Description
Livestock producers are urged to check their cattle for signs of botulism following confirmed cases near Longreach, Winton and Aramac. Biosecurity Queensland Animal Biosecurity and Welfare Inspector Nicole Restelli said climatic conditions were contributing to the recent cases. “Recent confirmed cases of botulism have been found in areas where it doesn’t usually occur. All producers should monitor their herds for symptoms and take appropriate preventative measures. “Prompt diagnosis and control measures can help bring the situation under control,” Ms Restelli said. “If livestock owners suspect botulism is the cause of disease in stock, it is important they seek immediate assistance from a veterinarian as the disease can result in significant losses over a short period of time. Ms Restelli said producers were urged to take preventative measures to reduce the likelihood of outbreaks in their herds. “Botulism is caused by livestock ingesting a toxin that is produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria which can be found in decaying animal and vegetable matter,” Ms Restelli said. “Animals are likely to eat decaying matter when there is a deficiency of phosphorus and protein in the feed that is available and when feed quality and quantity declines. “Producers can deter botulism outbreaks in their herds by preventing stock having access to animal carcasses, controlling vermin and pest animals, and providing nutritional supplements of protein and phosphorus to reduce bone chewing. “Taking care with harvest and storage of feeds to reduce the possibility of small animals contaminating feeds and checking water sources regularly are also recommended. “Vaccination programs are essential in endemic areas and are the best form of protection for livestock,” she said.
Biohazard name: Botulism
Biohazard level: 4/4 Hazardous
Biohazard desc.: Viruses and bacteria that cause severe to fatal disease in humans, and for which vaccines or other treatments are not available, such as Bolivian and Argentine hemorrhagic fevers, H5N1(bird flu), Dengue hemorrhagic fever, Marburg virus, Ebola virus, hantaviruses, Lassa fever, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, and other hemorrhagic or unidentified diseases. When dealing with biological hazards at this level the use of a Hazmat suit and a self-contained oxygen supply is mandatory. The entrance and exit of a Level Four biolab will contain multiple showers, a vacuum room, an ultraviolet light room, autonomous detection system, and other safety precautions designed to destroy all traces of the biohazard. Multiple airlocks are employed and are electronically secured to prevent both doors opening at the same time. All air and water service going to and coming from a Biosafety Level 4 (P4) lab will undergo similar decontamination procedures to eliminate the possibility of an accidental release.
Symptoms:
Status: confirmed

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Biological Hazard – Peru, Province of Cordillera, San Jose de Maipo : Mass. Food poisoning

Filed under: Food Borne Illness, Food Safety, Food Safety Report — 1 Comment
December 16, 2012

Food Safety Report -  Biological Hazards – Mass Food Poisoning

English: The biological hazard risk symbol on ...

English: The biological hazard risk symbol on yellow background (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Today Biological Hazard Peru Province of Cordillera, San Jose de Maipo Damage level
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Biological Hazard in Peru on Sunday, 16 December, 2012 at 04:36 (04:36 AM) UTC.

Description
More than 200 people are being treated for food poisoning in Chile after eating hot dogs during an outing at a park. Local media in the South American nation say the adults and children ate spoiled sausages or bad mayonnaise during the affair organized by a family benefit fund. It was held at a park in San Jose de Maipo. That’s a town about 30 miles (48 kilometers) south-east of the capital of Santiago. The sick are being treated at local hospitals. Some children have been released but others are being held for observation.
Biohazard name: Mass. Food poisoning
Biohazard level: 1/4 Low
Biohazard desc.: Bacteria and viruses including Bacillus subtilis, canine hepatitis, Escherichia coli, varicella (chicken pox), as well as some cell cultures and non-infectious bacteria. At this level precautions against the biohazardous materials in question are minimal, most likely involving gloves and some sort of facial protection. Usually, contaminated materials are left in open (but separately indicated) waste receptacles. Decontamination procedures for this level are similar in most respects to modern precautions against everyday viruses (i.e.: washing one’s hands with anti-bacterial soap, washing all exposed surfaces of the lab with disinfectants, etc). In a lab environment, all materials used for cell and/or bacteria cultures are decontaminated via autoclave.
Symptoms:
Status: confirmed

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