September 2006

12.sep.06
Journal of Food Protection (Volume 69, Number 9)
pp. 2217-2223(7)
Hewitt, Joanne1; Greening, Gail E.1
Abstract:
Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and cell culture (50% tissue culture infectious dose [TCID50]) were used to determine the effect of heat treatments on norovirus and hepatitis A virus (HAV) in the New Zealand Greenshell mussel (Perna canaliculus). Since it is common practice to cook mussels until the shells open, internal temperatures and opening times of mussels on boiling and steaming were determined at regular time intervals. Fifty mussels in batches of six were exposed to boiling and steaming. A mean internal temperature of 90°C (recommended for virus inactivation when maintained for 90 s) was reached after boiling for 170 s, with all 50 mussels open at 210 s. For steaming, the mean internal temperature achieved was only 83°C after 300 s, and all 50 mussels were open. When mussels were steamed for 180 s (mean internal temperature of 63°C), a significant 1.5-log decrease in the HAV titer (log TCID50) was observed. Following the immersion of mussels in boiling water for 180 s (mean internal temperature of 92°C), no viable HAV was detected.Continue Reading Effect of heat treatment on Hepatitis A virus and norovirus in New Zealand greenshell mussels (perna canaliculus) by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR and cell culture

by By Jordan Schrader, JSCHRADE@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM
September 15, 2006 

SAMS GAP- The one-story house at the center of a hepatitis A investigation spanning six states sits on U.S. 23 North, just before North Carolina gives way to Tennessee at Sams Gap.

Statement from a Madison County property owner. At least four cases of hepatitis A were found among guests who visited the property this summer. (26 KB)

A greenhouse, no taller and only slightly longer than the motor home parked nearby, indicates a modest garden rather than a farm. Continue Reading Hep A source threat is limited

by Jordan Schrader, STAFF WRITER
September 14, 2006

MARSHALL – Officials have destroyed the crops grown at a Madison County farm where contaminated water led to hepatitis A cases throughout the country.

Public health officials have refused to identify the farm in northeastern Madison County. But they issued a statement from its owner late Wednesday apologizing to any county farmers who might lose customers afraid of eating their produce.

The farm grows vegetables only for its residents’ consumption, the unidentified man said in his handwritten note. None of this year’s crop was sold publicly. Continue Reading Crops destroyed after contamination at Madison farm

There’s too much bacteria – experts
By Sven Herselman
East London, South Africa
CONCENTRATIONS of hepatitis A-causing bacteria and faecal matter in the Buffalo River are at an unacceptable and dangerous level. This is according to the head of the Border Occupational Health and Environmental Services, Di Nicolay.

She warns that with the start of summer, and in particular the school rowing season, residents must be sure that they are inoculated against the diseases caused by such bacteria.

Nicolay was speaking after viewing a report compiled by a private company on the status of the Buffalo River. She said she was not authorised to reveal the company’s name, but urged people to be aware of the situation. Continue Reading Danger in the disease-laden Buffalo River

10 more suspected; health officials refuse to identify property in investigation
by Dale Neal, DNEAL@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM
September 14, 2006

MARSHALL — Health officials suspect contaminated drinking water might have caused 14 cases of hepatitis A among guests visiting a Madison County property this summer.

Four Madison County residents were confirmed to have the liver disease, while 10 more cases are under investigation in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, New Jersey, Washington and Oregon.

People who work on the property or were guests there are suspected to have contracted hepatitis from contaminated drinking water, the Madison County Health Department said Wednesday. Continue Reading Madison finds 4 hepatitis A cases

by STAFF REPORTS
September 13, 2006
The Madison County Health Department has reported that four confirmed cases of hepatitis A have broken out in Madison County, with 10 more cases under investigation.

The 14 cases, possibly linked, are believed to have originated from a private farm in the county that sells and shares produce to the public, said Jan Lounsburry, Acting Director of the Madison County Health Department.

“I cannot give specifics about which farm, or where it is located until further into the investigation,” she said. “We don’t want people to panic… just be aware of the signs and symptoms and report them to their local health department or health care provider.” Continue Reading 14 cases linked to hepatitis at Madison farm

September 13, 2006
Citizen Times

MARSHALL (NC) – Health officials have linked cases of hepatitis A around the country to a Madison County farm.

Fourteen people who work on the farm or were guests there are suspected to have contracted the disease, the Madison County Health Department announced at a news conference today.

Officials would not identify the farm.

Hepatitis A has been confirmed in four Madison County residents, while 10 more cases are under investigation in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, New Jersey, Washington and Oregon. Continue Reading Hepatitis A spreads through country from Madison farm

From www.about-hepatitis.com

Hepatitis A is one of five human hepatitis viruses that primarily infect the human liver and cause human illness. (There are many other viruses that can inflame the liver which infect us more generally.) The other known human hepatitis viruses are hepatitis B, C, D, and E. Hepatitis A is relatively unusual in nations with…