Health Hazards: Yes, Theres A New Super Contagious COVID Variant In Florida, But Salmonella Is A Problem Too

Health threats ranging from respiratory viruses to salmonella outbreaks and mosquito-borne diseases are spreading across Florida, dampening the year-end holiday spirit.

In recent weeks, health indicators have given Florida families reason to be extra cautious.

The number of COVID-19 cases in Florida has doubled from last month, driven by a new highly contagious strain, according to a report released Friday. The flu is sending thousands of Floridians to the hospital. In the past month, three food products — Quaker oat granola bars, cantaloupe and onions — have been recalled or investigated for salmonella outbreaks, even leading to some deaths.

Florida's wet autumns and winters lead to mosquito outbreaks and mosquito-borne diseases.

Here's what anyone desperate to get healthy needs to know.

Q. What is happening with the new highly contagious strain of the coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Answer: The new form of COVID-19, which scientists call JN.1, is a branch of Omicron. According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they account for about 44.1% of COVID-19 cases nationwide. In recent weeks, this variant has spread across the United States, particularly in the northeastern region (New Jersey and New York). In the Southeast region, including Florida, JN.1 accounts for about 40% of new cases.

For now, health experts believe the variant does not cause more severe symptoms than previous strains, but it appears to be highly contagious. So you may want to avoid washing your hands, avoid people with colds or coughs, and possibly wear a mask when traveling.

This week's WHO risk assessment study noted that JN.1 "shows a higher degree of immune escape" than the original BA.2.86, meaning that if you are infected, it may not help as much as it did in the past. Avoiding JN.1 immunity is not enough to make the Covid-19 vaccine effective this season, the World Health Organization says.

Q What respiratory illnesses send people to the hospital in Florida?

A: According to the Florida Department of Health, flu-related emergency room visits are increasing in nearly every county in the state, as are hospitalizations for people 65 and older. The worst symptoms of the flu are body aches, headaches and fever.

Alicia Budd, director of the CDC's Division of Internal Surveillance, said it's never too late to get a flu shot. "Influenza strains are very closely related to circulating strains," Budd said. "Maybe it won't prevent you from getting the flu, but it will reduce the severity of the illness... It helps prepare the immune system to better respond and fight the infection, otherwise you wouldn't get so sick."

Bod recommends washing your hands frequently and touching your eyes, nose or mouth as little as possible this time of year.

You may want to take the same precautions to prevent the coronavirus (COVID-19). After a drop in new COVID-19 hospitalizations in October and November, more people in the state are getting sick enough to be hospitalized.

RSV appears to have sickened Florida residents earlier this fall. State reports for the week ending Dec. 16 show a drop in the number of hospitalized patients with RSV compared to the previous three-week average.

Q: What if it's salmonella? Do people die from eating granola bars?

Answer: No one has died from eating granola bars, but they have died from pre-cut cantaloupe.

Earlier this week, Quaker Oats recalled several granola products, including chewy bars and chewy dips, as well as cereal containing granola, saying they may be contaminated with salmonella. The affected products were sold in all 50 US states and territories, including Florida

Salmonella can cause fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, according to the Food and Drug Administration. In rare cases, bacterial infections can be fatal.

The recall comes after a devastating salmonella outbreak linked to cantaloupe that has spread to 42 states. In Florida, spoiled watermelon is primarily sold at Trader Joe's stores. The outbreak was linked to Mexican-grown watermelons sold under the brands Rudy and Malichita.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted in its update that contaminated watermelon sickens more people than most salmonella outbreaks. Four people have died and 129 have been hospitalized so far in the United States.

"If you cannot determine whether your cantaloupe, including pre-cut cantaloupe, or products containing pre-cut cantaloupe are part of the recall, do not eat or throw it away," advises the FDA.

If you think you've eaten contaminated watermelon and develop a fever over 102, persistent diarrhea, persistent vomiting, or dehydration, health officials recommend seeking immediate medical attention.

In November, the FDA also investigated a salmonella outbreak stemming from a recall of Gilles Onion brand sliced ​​onions; Florida is not a state where onions are sold.

Q In some areas of Florida, the nasty mosquitoes bite like crazy. Is there any way to know if they are carrying the disease?

Answer: In Florida, very warm weather, flooding and international travel have increased. Several warnings have been issued this year about mosquito-borne diseases, and scientists hope these warnings will continue.

Mosquito-borne diseases found in Florida include West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, chikungunya, dengue and this year's malaria.

The disease is usually carried by the Aedes mosquito, which can be identified by black and white markings on its body and legs. They bite mainly during the day: about two hours after sunrise and a few hours before sunset.

Symptoms of these illnesses vary slightly, but include high fever (103 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit), stiff neck, headache, and lack of energy.

Scientists at the University of South Florida are trying to develop artificial intelligence algorithms that can help identify and stop disease-carrying mosquitoes before they infect humans. For now, scientists say, you can protect yourself by: draining water near your home; When mosquitoes breed, dress in light-colored clothing and long sleeves; And use it as an insect repellent outside.

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