Health News: New strain of norovirus hits Minnesota ♦ Understanding the sense of smell in cells ♦ Eyes turn into skin: How inflammation can change the fate of cells

New strain of norovirus hits Minnesota Health officials say common intestinal illness often comes from eating contaminated food, can be avoided with vigilant handwashing and food handling A new strain of norovirus, the most common cause of sudden intestinal illness, has shown up in Minnesota, and that could mean more norovirus illnesses this winter, state health officials warned today.

Eyes turn into skin: How inflammation can change the fate of cells Chronic inflammation can cause regenerating cells to grow into new, aberrant types; this is called metaplasia, and is a disorder linked to prolonged inflammation. A new study highlights a new concept of chronic inflammation and could lead to better treatments.

How graphic photos on cigarette packs help smokers consider quitting A new study is the first to provide real-world evidence of the effectiveness of smoking warning labels that include graphic photos of the damage caused by regular tobacco use.

A multitool for cells: Understanding the sense of smell in cells Cells have an infallible sense of smell that tells them which direction to grow in to move closer to the source of a scent. Now, researchers have now learned how this sense of smell works

Public Health Alert For Chicken Products Due To Possible Salmonella Contamination

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert due to concerns about illnesses caused by Salmonella that may be associated with raw, frozen, breaded and pre-browned, stuffed chicken products. These items may be labeled "chicken cordon bleu" or "chicken Kiev".

FSIS was notified of, and is investigating with the State of Minnesota, a Salmonella Enteritidis illness cluster on June 23, 2015. FSIS suspects that there is a link between the frozen, raw, breaded and pre-browned stuffed chicken products and this illness cluster based on information gathered in conjunction with the State of Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture. Using epidemiological evidence, case-patients have been identified in Minnesota with illness onset dates ranging from May 9, 2015 to June 8, 2015.

Additionally, on June 24, 2015, FSIS was notified of, and is investigating with the State of Minnesota, a second, separate Salmonella Enteritidis illness cluster with another strain. FSIS suspects that there is a link between the frozen, raw, breaded and pre-browned stuffed chicken products and this illness cluster based on information gathered in conjunction with the State of Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture. Using epidemiological evidence, case-patients have been identified in Minnesota with illness onset dates ranging from April 5, 2015 to June 8, 2015.

The products the illnesses may be associated with appear to be ready-to-eat, but are in fact raw and need to be fully cooked before consumption. Frozen, raw, breaded and pre-browned stuffed chicken products covered by this alert and similar products, may be stuffed or filled, breaded or browned.

These investigations are ongoing. FSIS continues to work with the State of Minnesota Departments of Health and Agriculture on both of these investigations and will provide updated information as it becomes available.

Listeria Outbreak One Dead.

The CDC and the FDA to investigate a four state Listeria outbreak linked to Les Frères cheese of Wisconsin. Other than Minnesota the other 3 states have not been named as of today.

The outbreak has been linked to Les Frères cheese made by Crave Brothers Farmstead Classics Cheese, a Wisconsin producer. “Two people in Minnesota have become ill in early June. Both were hospitalized and one died Early results indicate presence of Listeria but they are waiting on confirmation.

If you purchased Les Frères, Petit Frère and Petit Frère with Truffles to not eat the products until more information is available. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has told grocery stores and distributors not sell the products until further information is available.

Listeriosis is a serious infection. The disease affects primarily older adults, pregnant women, newborns, and persons with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth, premature delivery, or infection of the newborn. Symptoms often begin 3 weeks after infection, but it could take anywhere from 3 to 70 days