September 2007 Food Poisoning

Welcome Back Everyone

Remember when food poisoning was primarily a summer concern? Last fall's nationwide Escherichia coli 0157:H7 contamination of a commercially sold spinach changed that perception, proving food –borne illness Is a year –round public health concern.

Every year 76 million Americans sustain a food-borne illness, and about 5,000 of these people die, according to the Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reports most cases are caused by parasites, viruses, and bacteria rather than by poisoning from toxins and chemicals. The most widely seen food-borne infections according to the CDC, are Salmonella, Campylobacter, E.coli 0157: H7 (all bacterial), and norovirus which occurs when an infected person contaminates food.

Diagnosing food-caused illness can be tricky because symptoms are similar to those associated with stomach viruses: diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and fever. In addition, food poisoning symptoms may not emerge until days or weeks (in Listeria infection) after a person consumes tainted food. Food-borne illness experts admit is difficult to distinguish food poisoning from the more common viral gastroenteritis. It is important to recognize food-borne infections because treatment may differ.

People who are susceptible to severe illness or death from eating contaminated food are those who have impaired immune systems, elderly individuals, young children and babies, and pregnant women according to the National Institutes of Health. The recommendations of individuals in any of these at-risk groups are to seek early treatment rather than relying on self-care.

The following signs that should be reported are:

•  Persistent vomiting or diarrhea lasting longer than 3 days

•  Blood in the stool

•  Temperature over 101.5 degree Fahrenheit

•  Signs of dehydration: dry mouth and throat, decreased urination and dizziness when standing. Dehydration should be treated with fluid replacement regardless of cause.

Anyone with vomiting or diarrhea should avoid dairy products and caffeine drinks and initially start with a clear liquid diet.

The CDC reports poor personal hygiene contributes to more than one-third of food-borne disease outbreaks; so proper hand washing is a must when handling food.

Recommendations:

•  Wash fresh produce.

•  Don't cross-contaminate; use a different cutting board for fruits/vegetables and raw meat.

•  Promptly refrigerate perishable foods.

Reminder: All physicals and complete immunization series, are now due. Submit these forms ONLY to Mrs. Sullivan, school nurse.

Lost a form: you can download the form on this site.

Pre-K required immunizations:

Completed series of 3 Hepatitis B

4 Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DPT/DTaP)

4 Pneumococcal Conjugate

3 Polio

4 Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB)

1 Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Physical Examination if new to Pre-K

K requires the following immunizations and current physical:

Completed series of 3 Hepatitis B

5 Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP/DTaP)

4 Polio

4 HIB

2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Vision screening

Lead screening

Physical Examination

Students entering grades 1-6: Same requirements for K except lead and vision screening.

Students entering grade 6 and who are interested in playing sports are required to submit a current physical examination.

7 th Grade requires the following:

Completed series of 3 Hepatitis B

5 DTP/DTaP

4 Polio

2 Measles, Mumps, Rubella

Tetanus Booster

Scoliosis screening

Physical Examination

8 th grade students who are new to Jamestown School must follow the 7 th grade requirements.

The appropriate form must be mailed to the School Nurse-Teacher before the first day of school.