logo
Kentucky restaurant sued and accused of starting ‘beaver fever' outbreak that has sickened 23

Kentucky restaurant sued and accused of starting ‘beaver fever' outbreak that has sickened 23

Independent16-07-2025
A Kentucky restaurant is being sued by a woman who became sick with 'beaver fever' after consuming their food — in a mass infection that has left at least 23 people ill.
The woman fell ill with diarrhea and abdominal pain, and was later diagnosed with Giardia, an intestinal illness commonly referred to as 'beaver fever.'
Soon after the woman became sick, health officials in Hopkins County announced there was a rise in Giardia cases, with 23 confirmed cases, WSMV reported. On July 11, the Hopkins County Department of Health confirmed that the restaurant where the woman became sick was the source of the outbreak.
The restaurant, El Tapatio Mexican Cantina in Madisonville, had not been keeping its food at a safe temperature, according to the lawsuit.
'During an inspection at El Tapatio, environmentalists noted that the walk-in refrigerator had temperatures outside of the recommended range. The food in this refrigerator will be disposed of and the restaurant will be closed for maintenance,' county health officials said.
The restaurant is cooperating with the health department's investigation, according to the statement.
Giardia is a tiny parasite that causes diarrhea and can spread easily from one person to another through food, water, surfaces or objects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms can include nausea, diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramping or stomach pain, severe gas, bloating and dehydration, the lawsuit claims. It is also known as 'beaver fever' and was noted that beavers in water could carry the parasite that leads to Giardia.
Symptoms typically begin one to two weeks after becoming infected, with Giardia lasting anywhere from two to six weeks, according to the CDC.
The lawsuit also claims Giardia infections can be fatal, and those with compromised immune systems are more likely to suffer a severe reaction and more long-term complications.
The woman filed the lawsuit for strict product liability, breach of warranty and negligence, according to the report.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Scientists reveal the REAL number of daily steps you should aim for to prevent dementia
Scientists reveal the REAL number of daily steps you should aim for to prevent dementia

Daily Mail​

time15 hours ago

  • Daily Mail​

Scientists reveal the REAL number of daily steps you should aim for to prevent dementia

Experts, influencers and fitness trackers have long touted 10,000 steps a day as the 'perfect' number to ward off obesity, cancer and early death. However, 10,000 steps, equivalent to five miles, might not be the magic number. In fact, researchers in Australia suggest aiming lower. In a new analysis of nearly 60 studies, researchers found just 7,000 steps in a day was enough to lower the risk of dementia, heart disease and some forms of cancer. This adds up to roughly 3.5 miles. Scientists compared the effects of 7,000 daily steps to 2,000. Based on health data from 160,000 people, those who walked 7,000 steps a day had a 25 percent lower risk of cardiovascular disease, America's number one killer. Additionally, 7,000 daily steps led to a 38 percent drop in dementia risk. People who adhered to the measure were also less likely to suffer from depression than those who got just 2,000 steps in a day. And though the average American only takes about 4,000 to 5,000 daily steps, according to the CDC, researchers said even this level of activity could lead to lower chronic disease risk. It's unclear exactly how walking prevents cancer, dementia and other chronic diseases, but it's thought to be due to regulating hormone levels and lowering the risk of obesity, which is consistently linked to lasting health issues. Exercise in general, including walking, has been proven to lower chronic disease risk, and walking in particular can burn about 100 to 200 calories per mile and improve joint, heart and brain health. Dr Melody Ding, lead study author and epidemiologist at the University of Sydney, said: 'We have this perception we should be doing 10,000 steps a day, but it's not evidence based.' The figure dates back to a marketing campaign in Japan centered around the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. At the time a brand of pedometer launched called the manpo-kei, which translates to '10,000-step meter.' Dr Ding said that figure was then 'taken out of context' and became an unofficial guideline, even for modern-day fitness trackers and apps. However, she noted it's still important not to discourage people who are already surpassing 10,000 steps to cut back if they don't have to. She said this is because 'it's not that after 7,000 steps it becomes harmful.' The idea is that 7,000 is just 'a lot more accessible and approachable' for more people. The new research, published this week in The Lancet Public Health, analyzed 57 studies conducted between 2014 and 2025. The studies included data on the risk of all-cause death, cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, cognitive outcomes, mental health outcomes, physical function and falls. Overall, people who walked at least 7,000 steps every 24 hours were at a 25 percent lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease and 47 percent lower risk of dying from it compared to people who got 2,000 steps a day. Additionally, those in the higher step count group were six percent less likely to develop cancer overall and 37 percent less likely to die from it, though the study did not distinguish between specific forms of the disease. The 7,000 step benchmark could also reduce the likelihood of developing dementia by 38 percent and depression by 22 percent. The chance of dying from any cause also decreased 47 percent in people who walked 7,000 steps a day compared to 2,000. Walking may help fend off disease by decreasing the risk of obesity, which is tied to heart disease, diabetes, depression, dementia and some forms of cancer. It also has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain and reduce inflammation, key preventative techniques against dementia. Additionally, walking lowers levels of hormones like estrogen and insulin, which can fuel breast, ovarian, endometrial and pancreatic cancers, among others. And it even releases feel-good endorphins, natural chemicals that boost mood and promote a sense of well-being. Dr Ding said if 7,000 still feels too ambitious, aiming for a more reasonable number like 4,000 could also lower the risk of all-cause mortality by as much as 36 percent compared to 2,000 steps. With this in mind, she encouraged moving as much as possible within limits. There were several limitations to the new study, including lack of data on specific participant factors like sex, race, ethnicity, age, weight and overall health status. Additionally, many of the studies included only measured differences for several weeks or months, so there was a lack of long-term data.

Listeriosis: Food supplier brings in expert over bacterial infection
Listeriosis: Food supplier brings in expert over bacterial infection

BBC News

time18 hours ago

  • BBC News

Listeriosis: Food supplier brings in expert over bacterial infection

A producer of chilled ready meals has suspended all production and appointed a public health expert to lead its response following a listeriosis outbreak in the Republic of Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is investigating what it describes as an "extensive outbreak" of the bacterial infection, which has been linked to one death and identified nine of ready-made products have been removed from supermarket shelves in what has been described as a "full precautionary recall."In a statement issued on Thursday, Ballymaguire Foods said it was "deeply aware that people have been impacted" and acknowledged the concern and anxiety the incident had caused. The meals, produced at one of the company's facilities in Dublin, include various branded and supermarket own-label items sold in Tesco, Aldi, Centra, and SuperValu stores across the country. The recalled meals include food such as chicken curries, lasagnes, bolognaises, pasta bakes, cottage pies, and chow mein dishes. Affected side dishes include ready-made mashed potatoes, carrots and peas, green cabbage and pilau are being warned not to eat these as they may be contaminated with the bacteria listeria monocytogenes.A small number of products were also distributed and have since been recalled from Tesco stores in Northern Ireland. 'Swift, responsible, health-led response' Ballymaguire Foods said it was working with public health Foods said Dr Patrick Wall, who is a former chief executive of the FSAI and former chairman of the European Food Safety Authority, would "lead a dedicated internal response team focused on resolving the situation, enhancing food safety protocols, and ensuring long-term prevention"."Our priority has been a swift, responsible, health-led response and remains so," it said."As a precautionary measure, all products have been withdrawn and clear consumer information is being provided through our retail partners. "We suspended all production and have taken corrective actions, including a full pharmaceutical-grade clean-down of the site."Ballymaguire Foods said the team, headed by Dr Wall, will have a singular focus of fully and effectively resolving this matter."As we have stated, incidents of this nature are exceptionally rare and we are treating this with the utmost seriousness," the company added. Small number recalled in NI The Food Standards Agency (FSA) told BBC News NI it was aware of the investigation in the Republic of Ireland and advised consumers not to eat any of the listed are advised not to eat the products if they have bought them, and to return them to the store for a full refund." What is listeriosis? Listeria infection is an illness caused by bacteria that can spread through name for the illness is can be very serious for pregnant women, people over the age of 65, and those with weakened immune of Listeria monocytogenes infection can include mild flu-like symptoms or gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and rare cases, the infection can become more severe, leading to serious incubation period (the time between initial infection and the first appearance of symptoms) averages about three weeks, but can range from three to 70 days.

Listeriosis outbreak: What we know so far and full list of foods recalled from supermarkets
Listeriosis outbreak: What we know so far and full list of foods recalled from supermarkets

BreakingNews.ie

time18 hours ago

  • BreakingNews.ie

Listeriosis outbreak: What we know so far and full list of foods recalled from supermarkets

A person has died after contracting a rare bacterial infection called listeriosis amid an "extensive" outbreak in Ireland. The Food Safety Authority (FSAI) has recalled dozens of ready meals and food products as a precaution. Advertisement The prepared meals and side dishes are produced by Ballymaguire Foods and sold at retailers Tesco, Supervalu, Centra and Aldi. Here is everything we know so far about the outbreak and the risk to Irish consumers. What is listeriosis? Listeriosis is a rare infection that is caused by eating food contaminated with listeria bacteria. Most people affected by listeriosis will have no symptoms or experience mild diarrhoea which subsides in a few days, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). Advertisement Those who are more vulnerable, such as pregnant women and older people, can be at risk of severe illness such as meningitis and life-threatening sepsis. Listeria bacteria are widespread in the environment and can be found in soil and water. Photo: AFP via Getty Listeriosis in pregnancy can cause very serious illness in mothers and their babies, and in babies up to one month old. What causes listeriosis? Listeria can contaminate a wide range of foods, but most infections are caused by eating raw, chilled, ready-to-eat foods and ready meals. The listeria bacteria are widespread in the environment and can be found in soil and water. Vegetables can become contaminated from the soil or from manure used as fertilizer. Advertisement Animals can carry the bacterium without appearing ill, and meat or dairy products from these animals can be contaminated. According to the HPSC, the foods most often associated with infection are ready-to-eat refrigerated and processed foods such as: pre-prepared cooked and chilled meals soft cheeses cold cuts of meat pâtés smoked fish Outbreaks of listeriosis associated with fresh produce, such as fresh vegetables that undergo little or no heat treatment, are increasingly being reported in Ireland. What is the origin of the current outbreak? The recent cases of listeriosis in Ireland are under investigation by the FSAI. Advertisement "A national outbreak control team is currently investigating an extensive outbreak of listeriosis," the FSAI said on Wednesday. "A voluntary precautionary food recall of ready-to-heat meals is under way due to a link with the outbreak. "Nine confirmed cases of listeriosis have been identified as of July 22 2025. "The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre has been notified of and is investigating the death of an adult with confirmed listeriosis. To ensure medical confidentiality, no further information on this patient can be disclosed." Advertisement Ready meal manufacturer Ballymaguire Foods temporarily suspended production at one of its facilities on Saturday. In a statement, the firm apologised to customers. "Incidents of this nature are extremely rare for us," it said. "We are treating it with the utmost seriousness and are working closely with all parties to manage the situation swiftly and responsibly." Ballymaguire Foods apologised to its customers Ballymaguire Foods said its internal team had conducted a comprehensive assessment and implemented "immediate corrective actions", including a "full pharmaceutical-grade clean down of the facility". "In consultation with the relevant statutory bodies and our customers, we will resume production once it is confirmed safe to do so. "We sincerely apologise to our customers and consumers for the concern this may cause." Which food products are affected? The affected meals include chicken curries, lasagnes, bolognaises, pasta bakes, cottage pies and chow meins. Affected side dishes include ready-made mashed potatoes, carrots and peas, green cabbage and pilau rice. The products sold at Tesco come under the supermarket's Meals Made Easy, Irish Classics and Finest brands. The Happy Pear, Food to Go, Clean Cut, Fuel'd Foods and Kitchen products that are sold in SuperValu and Centra are listed. SuperValu's Signature Taste, SuperValu and Freshly Prepared ranges are also affected. Products from Centra's Centra and Freshly Prepared range are listed. The Inspired Cuisine and Specially Selected range of Aldi also contain affected products. Other affected products are in the From the Farm and Good Food Locally Sourced brands, sold in various retailers.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store