Green Options

Drastic measures are underway in the Netherlands in order to prevent the spread of Q fever to humans.  Thousands of goats and sheep at infected farms in the country will soon be slaughtered.

In June, the Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment reported an outbreak of Q fever, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  The disease has spread to one-third of the country.  More than 2,200 people in the Netherlands have contracted the disease so far this year.  In 2007, less than 200 cases were reported. 

Just months after the swine flu pandemic panicked the world, varying strains of the Ebola virus have been discovered in pigs, and they may be jumping between swine and humans effortlessly.

Researchers, who reported their findings in the journal Science, are concerned that pigs are providing a melting pot where the virus could mutate into something deadlier. And they warned that the emergence of Ebola in the human food chain is “of serious concern.”

While the world quivers over a potential Swine Flu pandemic, a far deadlier outbreak of dengue fever has gone comparatively under-reported in South America and Australia.

Hundreds of thousands have been infected in South America, and in Australia the outbreak is being called the worst seen in 50 years. While the swine flu scare may be an overreaction in comparison, both outbreaks do highlight a clear link between environmental degradation and the spread of disease.

Investigations now reveal that the swine flu epidemic that began in Mexico and spread worldwide is probably connected to pollution caused by unsanitary pig breeding farms in the region.

Various news outlets are covering the story, and here are some excerpts from articles where you can find more information about this breaking news:

An outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium has spread to 42 states in the US, with almost 400 people infected by the bacteria and up to 20% of the victims requiring hospitalization.

The CDC, in conjunction with the USDA, the FDA and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), is investigating the multi-state outbreak. The illnesses were said to have begun between September 3 and December 29, 2008, with most illnesses beginning after October 1.

Those infected with salmonella experience fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping about 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts anywhere from four to seven days. The list of states and possible foods involved have not yet been released.