Visiting with family and friends is one of the many wonderful things about the holidays. Watch this short video to learn more about keeping your child safe while visiting others.
Parenting
Salmonella Outbreak – Raw Turkey Products
CDC and public health and regulatory officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella infections linked to raw turkey products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) is monitoring the outbreak.
Latest Outbreak Information
- As of November 5, 2018, 164 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Reading have been reported from 35 states.
- 63 people have been hospitalized, and one death has been reported from California.
- Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicates that raw turkey products from a variety of sources are contaminated with Salmonella Reading and are making people sick.
- In interviews, ill people report eating different types and brands of turkey products purchased from many different locations. Three ill people lived in households where raw turkey pet food was fed to pets.
- The outbreak strain has been identified in samples taken from raw turkey pet food, raw turkey products, and live turkeys.
- On November 15, 2018, Jennie-O Turkey Store Sales in Barron, Wisconsin recalled approximately 91,388 pounds of raw ground turkey products.
- A single, common supplier of raw turkey products or of live turkeys has not been identified that could account for the whole outbreak.
- The outbreak strain of Salmonella Reading is present in live turkeys and in many types of raw turkey products, indicating it might be widespread in the turkey industry. CDC and USDA-FSIS have shared this information with representatives from the turkey industry and asked about steps that they may be taking to reduce Salmonella contamination.
Recall and Advice to Consumers and Retailers
Recall
On November 15, 2018, Jennie-O Turkey Store Sales, LLC, in Barron, Wisconsin recalled approximately 91,388 pounds of raw ground turkey products. The recalled ground turkey was sold in one-pound packages labeled with establishment number “P-190”. This is found inside the USDA mark of inspection. The following products were recalled:
- “Jennie-O Ground Turkey 93% LEAN | 7% FAT” with “Use by” dates of 10/01/2018 and 10/02/2018.
- “Jennie-O Taco Seasoned Ground Turkey” with a “Use by” date of 10/02/2018.
- “Jennie-O Ground Turkey 85% LEAN | 15% FAT” with a “Use by” date of 10/02/2018.
- “Jennie-O Italian Seasoned Ground Turkey” with a “Use by” date of 10/02/2018.
Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled Jennie-O brand ground turkey products.
Advice
Always handle raw turkey carefully and cook it thoroughly to prevent food poisoning. This outbreak is a reminder that raw turkey products can have germs that spread around food preparation areas and can make you sick.
With the exception of the recalled Jennie-O brand ground turkey products, CDC is not advising that consumers avoid eating properly cooked turkey products, or that retailers stop selling raw turkey products.
CDC advises consumers to follow these steps to help prevent Salmonella infection from raw turkey:
- Wash your hands. Salmonella infections can spread from one person to another. Wash hands before and after handling raw turkey products.
- Cook raw turkey thoroughly to kill harmful germs. Turkey breasts, whole turkeys, and ground poultry, including turkey burgers, casseroles, and sausage, should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill harmful germs. Leftovers should be reheated to 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check, and place it in the thickest part of the food.
- Don’t spread germs from raw turkey around food preparation areas. Washing raw poultry before cooking is not recommended. Germs in raw poultry juices can spread to other areas and foods. Thoroughly wash hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils with warm, soapy water after they touch raw turkey. Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey and other raw meats if possible.
- CDC does not recommend feeding raw diets to pets. Germs like Salmonella in raw pet food can make your pets sick. Your family also can get sick by handling the raw food or by taking care of your pet.
CDC will update the advice to consumers and retailers if more information comes available, such as a supplier or type of raw turkey product linked to illness.
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
- Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria.
- The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
- In some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body.
- In rare cases, Salmonella infection can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
- Children younger than 5 years of age, adults older than 65 years of age, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.
- For more information, see the CDCSalmonella website.
Developmental Milestones Matter
Download CDC’s new Milestone Tracker app for a fun and easy way to track and celebrate your child’s developmental milestones! Now available in English and Spanish.
Skills, such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye-bye,” are called developmental milestones. From birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he or she plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves.
Parents and caregivers can use CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” tools to track developmental milestones from as early as 2 months to help better understand children’s abilities and stay in tune with their developmental health.
CDC’s Milestone Tracker App
Track your child’s milestones with CDC’s FREE Milestone Tracker mobile app, now available for iOS and Android in both English and Spanish. Interactive checklists with photos and videos of developmental milestones help you know what to look for in your child. Use the app to complete a checklist for your child’s age, share a summary with your child’s healthcare provider, and get tips for encouraging your child’s development. The app has many easy-to-use features, including
- Illustrated milestone checklists for 2 months through 5 years of age;
- Summary of your child’s milestones to share;
- Activities to help your child’s development;
- Tips for what to do if you become concerned; and
- Reminders for appointments and developmental screening.
…all available in English and Spanish!
Download CDC’s Milestone Tracker App from the App Store or Google Play today!
Pink Eye: Usually Mild and Easy to Treat
Pink, itchy eyes? Pink eye – or conjunctivitis – is common and spreads easily. It sometimes needs medical treatment, depending on the cause. Know the symptoms, when to seek treatment, and how to help prevent it.
Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in the world in both children and adults. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. This inflammation makes blood vessels more visible and gives the eye a pink or reddish color.
Four Main Causes of Pink Eye
Four Main Causes of Pink Eye
There are four main causes of pink eye:
- Viruses
- Bacteria
- Allergens (like pet dander or dust mites)
- Irritants (like smog or swimming pool chlorine) that infect or irritate the eye and eyelid lining
It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of pink eye because some signs and symptoms may be the same no matter the cause.
Symptoms of Pink Eye
Symptoms of Pink Eye
The symptoms of pink eye may vary depending on the cause but usually include:
- Redness or swelling of the white of the eye or inside the eyelids
- Increased amount of tears
- Eye discharge which may be clear, yellow, white or green
- Itchy, irritated, and/or burning eyes
- Gritty feeling in the eye
- Crusting of the eyelids or lashes
- Contact lenses that feel uncomfortable and/or do not stay in place on the eye
When to See a Healthcare Provider?
Most cases of pink eye are mild and get better on their own, even without treatment. However, there are times when it is important to see a healthcare provider for specific treatment and/or follow-up. You should see a healthcare provider if you have pink eye along with any of the following:
- Moderate to severe pain in your eye(s)
- Sensitivity to light or blurred vision
- Intense redness in the eye(s)
- A weakened immune system, for example from HIV or cancer treatment
- Symptoms that get worse or don’t improve, including bacterial pink eye that does not improve after 24 hours of antibiotic use
- Pre-existing eye conditions that may put you at risk for complications or severe infection
An infant or newborn with symptoms of pink eye should see a healthcare provider immediately. See conjunctivitis treatment for more information.
Stop Pink Eye from Spreading
Pink eye caused by a virus or bacteria is very contagious and spreads easily and quickly fro
m person to person. Pink eye that is caused by allergens or irritants is not contagious, but it is possible to develop a secondary infection caused by a virus or bacteria that is contagious. You can reduce the risk of getting or spreading pink eye by following some simple self-care steps:
- Wash your hands
- Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes
- Avoid sharing makeup, contact lenses and containers, and eyeglasses
See conjunctivitis prevention for more information.
Pink Eye in Newborns
A newborn baby who has symptoms of pink eye should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Pink eye in newborns can be caused by an infection, irritation, or a blocked tear duct.
Neonatal pink eye caused by sexually transmitted infections, like gonorrhea or chlamydia, can be very serious. If you are pregnant and think you may have a sexually transmitted infection, visit your healthcare provider for testing and treatment. If you don’t know whether you have a sexually transmitted infection but have recently given birth and your newborn shows signs of pink eye, visit your child’s healthcare provider right away.
Most hospitals are required by state law to put drops or ointment in a newborn’s eyes to prevent pink eye. For more information, see conjunctivitis in newborns.
More Information
- Conjunctivitis
- Pink Eye: What to Do [00:03:59 minutes] – a pediatrician and parent reviews pink eye causes and treatment and suggestions on when to call or visit a doctor.
- Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives
- Conjunctivitis: Eye Disease Information (EyeSmart, American Academy of Ophthalmology)
- Facts about the Cornea and Corneal Disease (National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health)
Pink Eye: What to Do
Listeria Outbreak Linked to Deli Ham from Johnston County Hams, Inc.
CDC advises consumers and retailers not to eat, serve, or sell recalled ready-to-eat deli ham produced by Johnston County Hams, Inc. The ham is linked to a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections. A food safety alert has been posted at: https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/countryham-10-18/index.html
Key Points:
- CDC and public health and regulatory officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes infections linked to ready-to-eat deli ham produced by Johnston County Hams, Inc., of Smithfield, North Carolina. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) is monitoring the outbreak.
- Four people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported from North Carolina and Virginia. All ill people were hospitalized. One death has been reported from Virginia.
- Listeria specimens were collected from ill people from July 8, 2017 to August 11, 2018.
- On October 3, 2018, Johnston County Hams, Inc. recalled ready-to-eat country-style deli hams because they might be contaminated with Listeria. Recalled products were produced from April 3, 2017 through October 2, 2018.
- This investigation is ongoing, and CDC will provide updates when more information is available.
Advice to Consumers and Retailers
- Do not eat, sell, or serve recalled products from Johnston County Hams, Inc.
- Recalled ham products were sold under several brand names. The full recall list is available here: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-084-2018-release
- Retailers should clean and sanitize deli slicers and other areas where recalled deli ham was prepared, stored, or served.
- Return any recalled deli ham to the store for a refund or throw it away. Even if some ham was eaten and no one got sick, do not eat it. If you do not know if the ham you purchased was recalled, ask the place where you purchased it or throw it away.
- Wash and sanitize drawers or shelves in refrigerators and freezers where recalled ham was stored. Follow these five steps to clean your refrigerator.
- If you develop symptoms of a Listeria infection (https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/definition.html after eating recalled deli ham products, such as feeling tired and having muscle aches,) contact a healthcare provider and tell them you ate recalled ham. This is especially important if you are pregnant, age 65 or older, or have a weakened immune system.
- If you have eaten recalled deli ham products and do not have any symptoms of a Listeria infection, most experts believe that tests or treatment are not needed.
If you have further questions about this outbreak, please call the CDC media line at (404) 639-3286. If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state’s health department.
September – National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
One in 5 children in the United States are obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
The good news? Childhood obesity can be prevented. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for kids to eat healthier and get more active.
Make a difference for kids: spread the word about strategies for preventing childhood obesity and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.
How can National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month make a difference?
We can all use this month to raise awareness about the obesity epidemic and show people how they can help work towards a solution.
Here are just a few ideas:
- Encourage families to make small changes, like keeping fresh fruit within reach or going on a family walk after dinner.
- Motivate teachers and administrators to make schools healthier. Help them provide healthy food options and daily physical activities for students.
- Ask doctors and nurses to be leaders in their communities by supporting programs to prevent childhood obesity.
How can I help spread the word?
We’ve made it easier for you to make a difference. This toolkit is full of ideas to help you take action today. For example:
- Add information about obesity prevention to your newsletter.
- Tweet about National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month.
- Plan an event or take another action in your community to increase awareness about childhood obesity.
Sponsor: American College of Sports Medicine
Share These Resources
Health Topics
- Help Your Child Stay at a Healthy Weight
- Healthy Snacks: Quick tips for parents
- Eat Healthy
- Get Active
- Ride Your Bike Safely
- Swim Safely: Quick tips
Healthy People Topic Areas
Find More Information
- The American College of Sports Medicine
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month Sponsor - How Much Physical Activity Do Children Need?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - 8 Healthy Eating Goals
The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition - Childhood Overweight and Obesity
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Tips for Getting Active with Your Family
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - MyPlate Kids’ Place
United States Department of Agriculture - Healthy Weight Basics
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Nutrition Tools and Resources
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Campaigns and Informational Approaches to Increase Physical Activity
Community Preventive Services Task Force
About Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is the best source of nutrition for most infants. It can also reduce the risk for some short- and long-term health conditions for both infants and mothers. 
Most mothers want to breastfeed but stop early due to a lack of ongoing support. Certain factors make the difference in whether and how long infants are breastfed. For more information on why breastfeeding matters, what CDC is doing to increase breastfeeding rates, and how we are making a difference, explore the options below.
For More Information Please Visit
For more information, please visit www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding
Why It Matters
Only 1 in 4 infants is exclusively breastfed as recommended by the time they are 6 months old.
Low rates of breastfeeding add more than $3 billion a year to medical costs for the mother and child in the United States.
Black infants are 21% less likely to have ever been breastfed than white infants.
Breastfeeding is an Investment in Health, Not Just a Lifestyle Decision
Benefits for Infants
Infants who are breastfed have reduced
risks of:
- Asthma
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Ear and respiratory infections
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting)
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) for preterm infants
Benefits for Mothers
Breastfeeding can help lower a mother’s risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Ovarian cancer
- Breast cancer
“Breastfeeding provides unmatched health benefits for babies and mothers. It is the clinical gold standard for infant feeding and nutrition, with breast milk uniquely tailored to meet the health needs of a growing baby. We must do more to create supportive and safe environments for mothers who choose to breastfeed.”
Dr. Ruth Petersen, Director of CDC’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity
What CDC is Doing
CDC’s Work to Support and Promote Breastfeeding
We collect data to learn how best to improve breastfeeding rates in the United States by:
- Tracking how long infants are breastfed.
- Creating reports that show how well states and hospitals support breastfeeding mothers.
We promote best practices in health care settings by:
- Supporting the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, a global standard to promote breastfeed
ing in hospitals. - Encouraging obstetricians, pediatricians[PDF-405KB], and nurses[PDF-363KB] to educate new moms about breastfeeding.
We support mothers at work and in their communities by:
- Partnering with states to help employers support breastfeeding mothers with places to pump and store breast milk, flexible work hours, and maternity leave benefits.
- Promoting access to community supports like peer counseling and supplemental nutrition programs.
Making A Difference
In the United States, the percentage of babies who start out breastfeeding increased from 73% in 2004 to 83% in 2015.
In the United States, the percentage of births in hospitals with recommended maternity care practices that support breastfeeding increased from 1.9% in 2008 to 26.1% in 2018.
“Given the importance of breastfeeding on the health of mothers and children, it is critical that we take action to support breastfeeding. Only through the support of family, communities, clinicians, healthcare systems, and employers will we be able to make breastfeeding the easy choice.”
Dr. Jerome M. Adams, U.S. Surgeon General
For More Information Please Visit
For more information, please visit www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding
Safety in Seconds: Sleep Safety
Does Your Back-to-School Checklist Include Vaccination?
Extreme Heat
Heat and Infants and Children
Infants and young children rely on others to keep them cool and hydrated when it’s hot outside. In this article, we provide tips for protecting your children and other family members from extreme heat.
Keep kids cool and hydrated
- Never leave infants or children in a parked car, even if the windows are open.
- Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Make sure they’re drinking plenty of fluids. Stay away from really cold drinks or drinks with too much sugar.
- Follow additional tips on how to prevent heat-related illness.
Never leave kids in a parked car
- Even when it feels cool outside, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly.
- Leaving a window open is not enough- temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees Fahrenheit within the first 10 minutes, even with a window cracked open.
- Children who are left unattended in parked cars are at greatest risk for heat stroke, and possibly death.
Tips for traveling with children
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- Never leave infants or children in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
- To remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver.
- When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.
Learn how to spot heat-related illness
Seek medical care immediately if your child has symptoms of heat-related illness.