Notices by Dr. Lucky Tran (luckytran@mastodon.social)

Let’s be clear here, when scientists say mistakes were made at the start of the pandemic, we DO NOT mean that we did too much. We mean not socially distancing quickly enough, not making tests widely available, and not acknowledging COVID is airborne and distributing N95 masks to everyone.

The only thing that the Fauci hearing reinforced is that if another pandemic happens under the current leadership, we’re cooked.

Record outbreak of a diarrhea-causing parasite

20 million eggs recalled due to salmonella

Worst air quality in the world from wildfire smoke

UN says world risks HIV resurgence due to funding cuts

Most measles cases in 35 years, and it’s only July

They’re going after Dr. Fauci again to distract you from current public health failures

The US will try anything but gun control

TLDR on state of diarrhea outbreak:

- still awaiting confirmation of source
- we still need to be vigilant on what we eat
- majority evidence still points to Taylor Farms lettuce
- FDA communications has been confusing, but investigation is ongoing

👋 Scientist here.

Here are some science-backed tips that will help protect your health against wildfire smoke:

The transition from “Knicks in Five, World Cup Summer Vibes” to “Diarrhea Parasite, Hazardous Air, Stay Inside and Don’t Eat Greens” hits hard

Wildfire smoke is enveloping NYC, and AQI is over 200, meaning hazardous air quality. Please protect your health and mask up!

Today in NYC we have to watch out for:

Wildfire smoke
Extreme heat
Diarrhea causing parasites in food
Legionella bacteria in pipes

Instead of needing to be hyperaware of every new infectious disease outbreak, would be nice if there was some national agency that worked to prevent diseases… oh wait

AQI is now hazardous in Lower Manhattan, New York

Investigators have identified shredded iceberg lettuce supplied to Taco Bell restaurants by Taylor Farms as a potential source of contamination in diarrhea outbreak, according to two individuals familiar with the investigation.

https://wapo.st/4hnnAoy

Woah. It’s raining ashes and the AQI is over 1,000 due to wildfire smoke in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Source: https://www.threads.com/@michiganunsaltedgirl/post/Da2m1X-lnMb?xmt=AQG0ED0HVT3KFGlpZM1Ji21WcjWrEUAGQueuq7Ei11v4vhGO4mEynO1vgFwZkFUBzGJj5I7O&slof=1

RE: https://mastodon.social/@luckytran/116915990093370195

Tuesday update from Michigan: Cyclosporiasis cases are up to 3,309.

This puts it in the range that all of the US sees in an entire year.

Public health agencies are still working to understand the full extent of the Cyclospora outbreak.

The true number of cases is likely far higher as it takes time to confirm state reports at the federal level, and many people recover without being tested.

Cyclospora spreads when people eat food or drink water that was contaminated with feces containing the parasite.

Previous outbreaks have been tied to pre-washed salad mixes, basil, cilantro, raspberries, and snow peas.

Because the Cyclospora parasite is not considered infectious until one to two weeks after being passed in a bowel movement, direct human-to-human spread is considered very unlikely.

Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include frequent bouts of watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss, and can persist for weeks.

If you experience symptoms, please see your healthcare provider, who can test you and treat you with antibiotics.

The specific source for the current Cyclospora outbreak hasn’t been identified yet.

One of the main reasons is the week plus lag between when people consume the parasite and when symptoms appear, which makes it hard for people to remember what they ate.

You can reduce your risk of Cyclospora infection by:

Avoiding pre-washed bagged salads

Thoroughly washing produce

Cutting away damaged areas

Heating food to 158°F, which kills the parasite

Washing hands and surfaces

The Cyclospora outbreak demonstrates why we need to advocate for science: Last year 20% of FDA staff was cut, and FoodNet, the main foodborne illness surveillance arm of the CDC, made tracking Cyclospora optional. 

Yesterday the CDC finally updated its data on the outbreak of diarrhea caused by the Cyclospora parasite, which has affected thousands of people.

So far, cases have been confirmed in 31 states.