Health News:‘Dangerous Domoic Acid levels prompt seafood warning in California ♦ CDC: Arizona finds two types of salmonella in imported tuna ♦ Seamless closure of surgical incisions in eyes

‘Dangerous Domoic Acid levels prompt seafood warning in California Due to “dangerous levels” of domoic acid found in some species, the California Department of Public Health is advising consumers not to eat recreationally harvested mussels and clams, commercially or recreationally caught anchovy and sardines, or the internal organs of commercially or recreationally caught crab taken from Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.  

CDC: Arizona finds two types of salmonella in imported tuna In an investigation update the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that unopened frozen ground tuna products tested by the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory had found Salmonella Newport in one sample and Salmonella Weltevreden in another sample.

Eyes sealed shut: Seamless closure of surgical incisions A researcher has spent much of his career honing his pioneering technique called 'laser welding,' which heats incisions in a precisely controlled manner for optimal wound closure. His latest study explores a radical new application to seal transplants of the cornea -- which could dramatically advance eye surgery.

Intelligent bacteria for detecting disease Research teams have transformed bacteria into 'secret agents' that can give warning of a disease based solely on the presence of characteristic molecules in the urine or blood. To perform this feat, the researchers inserted the equivalent of a computer program into the DNA of the bacterial cells. The bacteria thus programmed detect the abnormal presence of glucose in the urine of diabetic patients. This work is the first step in the use of programmable cells for medical diagnosis.

Microbiology: Gut bacteria cooperate when life gets tough Researchers have discovered with the help of computer models how gut bacteria respond to changes in their environment -- such as a decrease in oxygen levels or nutrient availability. Microorganisms that normally compete or overthrow one another can switch to a cooperative lifestyle when their living conditions change: They even start producing substances to make life easier for the other species, helping them to survive. The entire microbial community then stabilizes

Anchovy or Sardines, or Crab taken from Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties California May Contain Toxins

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is advising consumers not to eat commercially or recreationally caught anchovy or sardines, or the internal organs of commercially or recreationally caught crab taken from Monterey and Santa Cruz counties.

Dangerous levels of domoic acid have been detected in some of these species and could be present in other species. Anchovy and sardines are of concern because the toxin resides in their digestive tracks. These fish are not usually gutted before they are eaten. CDPH is working with commercial fishermen in the area to ensure that recently caught sardines, anchovies and crab were not distributed into the human food supply.

This health advisory is in addition to the April 4 warning not to eat recreationally harvested bivalve shellfish (such as mussels, clams or whole scallops) from Monterey or Santa Cruz counties due to dangerous levels of domoic acid in mussel samples.

That warning does not apply to commercially sold clams, mussels, scallops or oysters from approved sources. State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products. Shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor for toxins.

CDPH continues to collect bivalve shellfish, fin fish and crab samples from the area to monitor the level of domoic acid in seafood. There have no reported illnesses associated with this event.

Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness. These symptoms disappear within several days. In severe cases, the victim may experience trouble breathing, confusion, cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions, permanent loss of short-term memory, coma or death.

To receive updated information about shellfish poisoning and quarantines, call CDPH’s toll-free “Shellfish Information Line” at (800) 553-4133. For additional information visit CDPH’s Natural Marine Toxins: PSP and Domoic Acid Web page.or Contact: Anita Gore, Heather Bourbeau (916) 440-7259

Mussels,Cams or Scallops from Monterey or Santa Cruz Counties Contain Toxin

CDPH Warns Consumers Not to Eat Sport-Harvested Bivalve Shellfish from Monterey or Santa Cruz Counties

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is warning consumers not to eat recreationally harvested bivalve shellfish (such as mussels, clams or whole scallops) from Monterey or Santa Cruz counties due to dangerous levels of a naturally occurring toxin that can cause illness or death.

Dangerous levels of domoic acid have been detected in mussels from this region. This toxin, also known as Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP), can cause illness or death in humans. No cases of human poisoning from domoic acid are known to have occurred in California.

This warning does not apply to commercially sold clams, mussels, scallops or oysters from approved sources. State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products. Shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor for toxins.

Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning can occur within 30 minutes to 24 hours after eating toxic seafood. In mild cases, symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headache and dizziness. These symptoms disappear within several days. In severe cases, the victim may experience trouble breathing, confusion, disorientation, cardiovascular instability, seizures, excessive bronchial secretions, permanent loss of short term memory, coma or death.

To receive updated information about shellfish poisoning and quarantines, call CDPH’s toll-free “Shellfish Information Line” at (800) 553-4133. For additional information visit CDPH’s Natural Marine Toxins: PSP and Domoic Acid Web page  or Contact: Anita Gore, Heather Bourbeau (916) 440-7259