Pesticide Control

WHAT'S

• Outbreak of Salmonella infections possibly associated with Tomatoes--- June 26, 2008

  “Four New Jersey residents have tested positive for the strain of Salmonella Saintpaul that has been linked to tainted tomatoes and caused an outbreak that has sickened more than 750 people in 34 states and the District of Columbia.  The four New Jersey cases include two children, a seven-year-old Monmouth County boy who got sick on May 23 and a two-year-old Bergen County boy who got sick on May 27. Two women from Camden County also tested positive, a 41-year-old who got sick on May 30 and a 34-year-old who reported getting sick on June 3.”

   Earlier this month, New Jersey was added to the FDA list of states whose tomatoes have been ruled out as a cause of the recent outbreak.  U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigators are checking tomato farms, warehouses and packing sheds in Florida and Mexico searching for the source of the outbreak.  Officials from the state Department of Health and Senior Services today began random inspections of wholesale produce processors and distributors to check the source of tomatoes shipped into New Jersey, and to look at the companies’ record keeping practices and handling procedures.”

   Please use the following links to obtain specific information:

   Frequently Asked Questions related to the Outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul infections associated with tomatoes: 

  http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/saintpaul/faq.html

   An update including case counts in affected states, a description of suspected associated tomatoes, a description of investigative efforts:  http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/saintpaul/

   FDA Advisory to consumers for use of tomatoes:  http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html

   

   

   

• NIMS COMPLIANCE                                                                                                                         

  Essex Regional Health Commission has provided the NIMS (National Incident Management System)Training Guideline from the Department of Homeland Security.  This list provides the required trainings and links to online courses as well as what personnel should take them.

• Health & Safety Information for Emergency Response - Internet Links

  
   A listing of Internet Web page links to health and safety information that may be useful in preparing guidance documents for local Offices of Emergency Management (OEM) and emergency responders.
   

• Public Health Medical Volunteers Needed

People who have medical backgrounds or other skills that can be useful in public health emergencies are being sought for a new statewide volunteer program.  Any licensed or certified health professional who lives or works in Essex County can join the Essex County unit of the New Jersey Medical Reserve Corps.  If you are interested in learning more about this program or becoming a volunteer visit www.njmrc.nj.gov.

 

• Critical and Useful Public Health Alerts Available

  The Essex Regional Health Commission LINCS (Local Information Network and Communications System) Agency is seeking to sign up public health partners such as physicians, hospitals, schools, and government agencies, for the Health Alert Network (HAN).  The purpose of the HAN is to ensure that each community has rapid and timely access to emergent health information which can effectively assist the nation’s frontline defense against terrorism and other public health threats. To accomplish this, The HAN Messaging System directly and indirectly transmits Health Alerts, Advisories and Updates to various public health stake holders including those mentioned above.   Most messages are sent via email, but faxing capability and some voice messaging is available as a back up or supplement.  MORE

   

•     A Citizens' Guide to Planning for Public Health Emergencies - Ready Together NJ
  
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