The article advocates for establishing an independent national foodborne outbreak investigation board in the U.S. to improve coordination, transparency, and effectiveness in handling food safety outbreaks, citing recent failures like the Listeria outbreak linked to pasta as reasons for reform. It emphasizes that a unified, technology-enabled approach could better protect public health, rebuild trust, and reduce the economic burden of foodborne illnesses.
A deadly outbreak of poisonings linked to morel mushrooms at a Montana sushi restaurant has highlighted the gaps in knowledge about fungi. The outbreak sickened 51 people, hospitalized three, and resulted in two deaths. Health officials conducted a detailed investigation, finding that the consumption of morels was strongly associated with illness, with uncooked mushrooms posing a higher risk. Despite extensive testing, no toxins or pathogens were found in the mushrooms, which were imported from China. The incident underscores the need for better understanding and regulation of fungi in food.
An elementary school in Alabama closed after 773 students and 50 staff members were absent due to a mystery gastrointestinal illness outbreak. Symptoms included nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. The Alabama Department of Public Health is investigating the outbreak, and the school is undergoing deep cleaning. Officials are treating the illness as they would respond to norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness.
Researchers found that the fungus Fusarium solani aggressively attacked the brainstem of patients who developed fungal meningitis after undergoing cosmetic procedures in Mexico. The contaminated epidural anesthesia introduced the fungus into the patients’ cerebrospinal fluid, leading to strokes, brain hemorrhages, and increased brain pressure. Early treatment is crucial, but many patients were not evaluated promptly. The outbreak was likely caused by contaminated morphine in the epidural solution, and experts warn of potential future fungal outbreaks. Patients considering medical tourism should consult healthcare providers, research facilities, and purchase travel insurance.
Raw or lightly cooked morel mushrooms served at a sushi restaurant in Montana have been identified as the likely cause of a deadly outbreak that sickened over 50 people and resulted in two deaths. The outbreak investigation conducted by public health officials found a strong association between consuming morel mushrooms at the restaurant and developing gastrointestinal illness. DNA sequencing confirmed the presence of Morchella sextelata, a type of "true morel," in the mushrooms. The investigation could not determine the specific characteristic or toxin responsible for the outbreak, highlighting the need for further research on the health effects of morel mushrooms. Public health officials advise caution when handling and preparing morel mushrooms, including proper cooking to reduce toxin levels.
A contracted employee at the Billerud paper mill in Escanaba has died from blastomycosis, a rare fungal infection that has affected nearly 100 employees at the mill. The mill will temporarily close for up to three weeks for deep cleaning and inspection of incoming materials. Blastomycosis is caused by breathing in microscopic fungal spores from soil and decaying wood. Most people who breathe in the spores don't get sick, but some develop symptoms that mimic a cold or the flu. The United Steelworkers union has called for testing and cleaning in paper mills across the industry.
