Health Highlights: July 8, 2019

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Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Pig Ear Dog Treats: CDC

A salmonella outbreak linked to contact with pig ear dog treats has sickened 45 people in 13 states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

Twelve people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported in the outbreak. Illnesses began between Nov. 18, 2018 and June 13, 2019.

A common supplier of pig ear dog treats linked to the outbreak has not been identified, and the investigation is ongoing, the CDC said.

It reminded dog owners to always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water right after handling pet food or treats, including pig ears.

Store pet food and treats away from where human food is stored or prepared and away from the reach of young children. Always follow any storage instructions on pet food bags or containers.

Use a clean, dedicated scoop, spoon, or cup to scoop pet food. Don’t use your pet’s feeding bowl.

Children younger than 5 years old should not touch or eat pet food or treats, the CDC said.

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Cavi Brand Whole, Fresh Papayas Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

Cavi brand whole, fresh papayas are a likely source of a salmonella outbreak that’s sickened 71 people in eight states, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

The illnesses occurred in Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Texas.

No deaths have been reported, but 27 people have been hospitalized. The hospitalization rate in the outbreak is 60%, compared with about 20% in most salmonella outbreaks, the CDC said.

The illnesses in this outbreak began between Jan. 14, 2019 and June 16, 2019. Most of the patients are older than 60.

Consumers should not eat or serve any Cavi brand whole, fresh papayas. Throw them away and wash and sanitize places where Cavi brand papayas were stored, the CDC said.

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Eye Drops, Ointments Sold At Walgreens Recalled

A number of over-the-counter eye products sold at Walgreens have been recalled by manufacturer Altaire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. because the products may not be sterile.

The use of non-sterile products could result in serious and potentially life threatening infections or death. No problems associated with the recalled eye products have been reported, according to Altaire.

The recalled products include: Lubricant Eye Drops Moisturizing Twin Pack Walgreens item #: 801477 NDC #: 0363-0185-49 Package Size: 2 x 15 mL; Sodium Chloride Ophthalmic Ointment, 5% Hypertonicity Eye Ointment Walgreens item #: 801482 NDC #: 0363-7500-50 Package Size: 3.5 gram; Sodium Chloride Ophthalmic Solution, 5% Hypertonicity Eye Drops Walgreens item #: 801402 NDC #: 0363-0193-13 Package Size: 15 mL; Lubricant Eye Ointment PF Soothing Walgreens item #: 801486 NDC #: 0363-0191-50 Package Size: 3.5 gram.

Altaire said it notified Walgreens about the recalls on July 3, 2019 and asked Walgreens to notify its customers.

For more information, consumers can call Altaire at 1-800-258-2471.

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Former NFL Star Tedy Bruschi Recovering From Stroke

Former NFL star Tedy Bruschi is recovering after suffering what’s commonly known as a mini stroke.

The 46-year-old three-time Superbowl champion suffered the “transient ischemic attack” — considered a warning sign for a major stroke — on Thursday, according to a statement from his charity, Tedy’s Team, CBS News reported.

“He recognized his warning signs immediately: arm weakness, face drooping and speech difficulties. Tedy is recovering well, and would like to thank the nurses, doctors and staff at Sturdy Memorial Hospital for all they have done,” the statement said.

Bruschi first suffered a stroke in February 2005 at the age of 31, just weeks after winning his third Super Bowl with the New England Patriots. He recovered from that stroke and played four more seasons for the Patriots, CBS News reported.

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All Mississippi Coastal Beaches Closed Due to Algae Bloom

All 21 beaches along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast are closed for swimming due to a widespread warning about a blue-green algae bloom.

The bloom is caused by by the opening of the Bonnet Carre spillway in Louisiana, which has brought an “excessive amount of freshwater to the coastline,” according to the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, CBS News reported.

The spillway is expected to close in mid-July and experts believe the algae bloom will then quickly dissipate.

Blue-green algae can cause rashes, stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. People and their pets should avoid contact with the water, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality said in a statement, CBS News reported.

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