Spartanburg, SC Mexican Restaurant E. Coli Outbreak - Food Safety News Consumer Alert

Public health officials in South Carolina are investigating an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to a Spartanburg-area Mexican restaurant. At least 11 people have confirmed or suspected infections.

Out of three victims interviewed thus far, two infections have progressed into hemolytic uremic syndrome -- or HUS -- a kidney disease associated with severe E. coli infections.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has declined to name the restaurant involved in the outbreak, though readers of the local news site GoUpstate.com have said it is El Mexicano in the Hillcrest neighborhood. Food Safety News cannot confirm this information.

Illnesses occurred between the last week of April and the first week of May. As the state health department continues its investigation, an official told GoUpstate.com that the restaurant no longer poses a public health threat.

Health officials recommend anyone with symptoms of E. coli infection such as diarrhea or abdominal cramps contact a health care provider. Those with potential E. coli infections should not be given antibiotics, as they can worsen symptoms.

View the original article here

March 2nd Tornado Outbreak Raw Footage/News Roundup

Sympathy, Love and Hope go out to all of those whose lives were affected by these storms.

Meow ?_? );

A friendly suggestion if you live in those tornado-prone areas... come to Arizona! Tucson, for example, has a really great housing market right now for buyers. I mean really good!! Nice houses going for hundreds of thousands less than they normally would anywhere else. And they are in nice locations, in the pretty desert foothills and all.. just look into it... cheap cost of living and no scary storms or anything to stress you out and eat your home... suggested with love and concern for your safety and happiness. ?

HOW TO HELP by ABC57 News:
There are several volunteer groups that will be leaving Michiana this weekend to assist those in Clark County, hit the hardest by the tornadoes Friday. There are several emergency teams on standby including area firefighters at the Mishawaka and South Bend Fire Departments and our own American Red Cross chapter. At this point local team from both agencies have not been deployed.

One way you can help right now is through a monetary donations made to the American Red Cross. To donate online click here:
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.1a019a978f421296e81ec89e43181aa0/?vgnextoid=3a476666053d5310VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD

You can also text 90999 to your cell phone. By texting 90999 it will add a one time $10.00 donation to your cell phone bill. You can text the number more than once to donate a larger amount.

You can also donate to the Salvation Army by clicking here:
https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/page.aspx?pid=207#location

If you hear of any volunteer groups leaving for southern Indiana or see any local businesses raising money for relief efforts please let us know by sending an email to news57@abc57.com
http://www.abc57.com/home/top-stories/How-to--141276043.html

http://sheilaaliens.net/?p=359

View the original article here