Alfalfa Sprouts Harbor E. coli
LOS ANGELES-The California Department of Health Services has found that there were more food poisoning cases in the state from 1996-1998 from alfalfa sprouts than any other food.
Their report was recently published in The Annals of Internal Medicine. Researchers found that sprouts contaminated with salmonella or E. coli were to blame for two deaths and more than 22,000 people becoming ill.
The strain of E. coli, 0157, is one of the most deadly forms of food poisoning. The bacteria can causes bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and kidney failure in those with compromised immune systems.
The sprouts can become infected in a variety of ways including tainted seeds and contaminated irrigation water. Runoff from nearby pastures and uncomposted manure were also sources of the infection.
Washing does not remove all of the bacteria, and the risk of infection is particularly high because sprouts are typically eaten raw. Researchers suggested sprouts not be served to children, the elderly, or anyone else with a weakened immune system.
Information from www.nytimes.com
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
Targeting Uncertainty: Why Pregnancy May Be the Best Time to Build Vaccine Confidence
July 15th 2025New national survey data reveal high uncertainty among pregnant individuals—especially first-time parents—about vaccinating their future children, underscoring the value of proactive engagement to strengthen infection prevention.
CDC Urges Vigilance: New Recommendations for Monitoring and Testing H5N1 Exposures
July 11th 2025With avian influenza A(H5N1) infections surfacing in both animals and humans, the CDC has issued updated guidance calling for aggressive monitoring and targeted testing to contain the virus and protect public health.
IP LifeLine: Layoffs and the Evolving Job Market Landscape for Infection Preventionists
July 11th 2025Infection preventionists, once hailed as indispensable during the pandemic, now face a sobering reality: budget pressures, hiring freezes, and layoffs are reshaping the field, leaving many IPs worried about their future and questioning their value within health care organizations.
