It was estimated that over 20 million people died during the 1918 flu pandemic. Experts predict that we have not seen the last of these devastating worldwide outbreaks. It is hoped that pre-pandemic planning should help minimize morbidity, mortality, and social disruption. At this time, much of what will define the impact of the next flu pandemic remains unknown. The Idaho Division of Health has increased its surveillance activities for influenza in the past few years as part of the effort to be better prepared should a pandemic occur.
Hand washing is advised after handling such treats.
It is recommended that high risk individuals such as children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised avoid handling the treats altogether. For all S. infantis cases, CDC encourages physicians to question patients about pig-ear exposure. What is not so well recognized is that other toxigenic E. coli serotypes are responsible for the identical clinical syndrome. Because of these testing difficulties the etiology of many diarrheal illnesses and HUS cases remain unclear. The State Laboratory has the ability to test for the other toxigenic E. coli serotypes and their toxins and encourages physicians and laboratories to submit stool samples for work-up.