Jefferson County, Missouri CDC Week 41: October 9-15, 2022 Respiratory Update

This report includes data on both influenza and COVID for Week 41. Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) monitors influenza and other respiratory pathogens, including COVID-19, throughout Jefferson County, Missouri. JCHD conducts influenza surveillance using passive surveillance and syndromic surveillance. Although influenza illness can occur year-round, the seasonal influenza reporting begins on the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) Week 40 of a given year and continues through MMWR Week 20 of the following calendar year. All data and information are conditional and may change as more reports are received.

COVID19 Data Dashboard: COVID-19 Data — Jefferson County Health Department (jeffcohealth.org)

Week 41 Respiratory Report: 2022_Week41_JCHDRespiratoryReport.pdf (squarespace.com)

Influenza Summary: In the second week of this respiratory season, we are reporting 6 additional flu cases for a season total of 12 cases. So far, we have seen an even number of both type A and type B cases. There are no flu deaths reported this season.  Flu vaccination is the best way to prevent the spread of flu. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine especially those at a higher risk of serious complications.

COVID-19 Summary: In the second week of respiratory season, we are reporting 214 new COVID cases for a season total of 418. We are no longer calculating a running total from the start of COVID. It is important to note that Covid home tests may affect the weekly case count. We are also reporting 3 COVID deaths in week 41.

Currently, Jefferson County, MO is in the MEDIUM COMMUNITY LEVEL (yellow). Recommended actions based on current level: Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Get tested if you have symptoms. Wear a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19. Wear a mask on public transportation. You may choose to wear a mask at any time as an additional precaution to protect yourself and others. If you are at high risk for severe illness, consider wearing a mask indoors in public and taking additional precautions.

Cuisine Innovations Unlimited, LLC Issues Voluntary Recall of Two Varieties of Earth Grown Frozen Falafel Due to Possible Health Risk

When a company announces a recall, market withdrawal, or safety alert, the FDA posts the company's announcement as a public service. FDA does not endorse either the product or the company.

Company Announcement

Cuisine Innovations Unlimited, LLC of 180 Lehigh Avenue, Lakewood, NJ, is voluntarily recalling its Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel Distributed & Sold Exclusively by Aldi, Batavia, IL due to the possible presence of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.

Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli is an organism that can cause foodborne illness in a person who eats a food item contaminated with it. Symptoms of infection may include stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. The illness primarily impacts elderly individuals, children, and people with weakened immune systems. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill.

The voluntarily recalled Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel And Garlic & Herb Falafel Distributed & Sold Exclusively by Aldi, Batavia, IL were distributed in ALDI retail stores in the following states:  Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut,  Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The product comes in a bag in a box marked with any of the following Lot numbers: 1472, 1481, 1531, 1532, 1541, 1552, 1561, 1581, 1601, 1611, 1612, 1661, 1682, 1732, 1752, 1762, 1782, 1802, and 1812, and would have been shipped to stores after June 24, 2021.  The lot number can be found in the “Best if used by” area on the outside flap of the box.  There has been no further production of this product.

There have been 20 reported cases in six (6) states (FL, IA, KS, MI, OH and WI) with onset dates reported between July 24, 2022 and September 19, 2022 with 5 hospitalization and no deaths.

Consumers who have purchased Earth Grown Vegan Traditional Falafel and Garlic & Herb Falafel Distributed & Sold Exclusively by Aldi, Batavia, IL with any of the above lot numbers after June 24, 2021, are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time at 1-201-439-1036, Ext. 26.

Outbreak Advisory

Jefferson County Health Department Reports West Nile Virus Detected in Hillsboro and High Ridge

Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) is reporting West Nile Virus in two mosquito populations in Jefferson County. A specimen collection on September 18th detected West Nile Virus in a mosquito population within Hillsboro and a separate collection on September 30th detected West Nile Virus in a mosquito population within High Ridge. These are the first detection of West Nile Virus this season.

JCHD Vector Division began implementing control measures in the affected areas of concern on the evenings of the positive tests. JCHD’s Mosquito Control and Surveillance program will continue to monitor the area for West Nile Virus in the mosquito population.

The health department encourages residents throughout the county to be diligent in proteceting themselves and their loved ones when they are outdoors. Protection from mosquitoes, and the diseases they carry, can be as simple as using insect repellents that contain 20% - 50% DEET or Picaridin, wearing light colored clothes, and covering exposed skin. In addition to personal protection, residents can protect their homes and property by remove standing water sources such as waste tires, cans, buckets, flowerpot sills, or other containers that can hold water for mosquitoes to lay their eggs in. 

For more information about the JCHD Mosquito Control and Surveillance Program, please visit the health department at www.jeffcohealth.org.

First Case of Monkeypox Reported in Jefferson County, Missouri

Jefferson County Health Department (JCHD) is reporting the county’s first confirmed case of Monkeypox. The department received confirmation from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services earlier this week. To protect patient confidentiality, no additional details will be released.

The health department communicable disease team is investigating this case to determine possible exposure risks to other individuals. The team will notify anyone that was at risk of exposure to provide education for how to self-monitor for symptoms.  

“Across the state we have seen several cases of Monkeypox, so we were prepared for the potential that Jefferson County would see a case as well,” states Public Health Preparedness Supervisor, Jeana Vidacak. “Our clinicians have been trained on proper screening and testing procedures and our communicable disease team has been preparing for case investigations and community education.”

Individuals interested in vaccination should visit the Jefferson County Health Department website and complete the vaccination screening form: Monkeypox Screening Form (PEP)++ (arcgis.com). For additional information, please visit the CDC website or the JCHD website.

Any further cases will be reported on our monthly Communicable Disease (CD) report as is customary. The monthly CD report can be found on our website here.