#outbreak

#outbreak

As of Thursday, 20 dogs at Chesterfield Square had tested positive for giardia, according to L.A. Animal Services. The common and highly contagious parasitic infection can cause diarrhea in animals as well as people. The first case was found Jan. 22. Walks, play groups and adoption meetings outside kennels were paused for a two-week isolation period to find and treat affected dogs, but that period was extended indefinitely by the shelter's team of veterinarians.

By the numbers: Cases of norovirus have doubled over the last few weeks, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 14% of tests for norovirus came back positive during the week of Nov. 15, double the roughly 7% positivity three months ago, the CDC data show. Test positivity, though imperfect, generally helps health officials understand how many people are confirmed to have an illness when it is suspected.

ByHeart announced on Thursday that its own testing identified the bacterium that causes botulism in its baby formula, which is linked to an ongoing infant botulism outbreak that has doubled since last week. As of November 19, there have been 31 cases across 15 states -up from 15 cases in 12 states reported last week. All 31 cases so far have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

This fall, multiple states including Maryland, Virginia, Tennessee and Wisconsin have reported outbreaks of hand, foot and mouth disease, a contagious virus that commonly infects children under 5 but can also cause symptoms in older kids and adults, too. "This year, [cases seem] to be out of control," said Dr. Allison Agwu, a professor of adult and pediatric infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.

People can get the virus, but it's rare and occurs only in those with weak immune systems

In the latest show from "Breaking Bad" creator Vince Gilligan, the crime genre gives way to a bewildering mix of science fiction and noir. Soaked in obvious inspirations from "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" to less obvious expressions of James Ward Byrkit's "Coherence," Gilligan's new Apple TV+ series begins with Best-Selling author Carol Sturka ( Rhea Seehorn) reading the latest novel of her best-selling book series to a crowd of fans.

Health authorities have identified a contamination of skin cleansing wipes with Burkholderia stabilis bacteria, linking the outbreak to three alcohol-free brands used in first aid.

The situation is so dire - the number of cases keeps increasing rapidly. Things are getting very challenging now.