NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters
A student-led journal driven by the latest research in public health disaster preparedness and management.
Escobar’s analysis focuses on an outbreak of salmonella that occurred in Dallas, Oregon, in the fall of 1984—a notable outbreak that was intentionally caused by members of a religious cult. Escobar evaluates the event, highlighting the need for an emergency response plan, fostering effective communication and cooperation, and ensuring the safety of the community in such instances.
Continue reading “Luis Guillermo Gómez Escobar’s Precis on Salmonella Outbreak”
In 1995, the New Jersey Department of Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry began an investigation into the growing concerns about elevated rates of childhood cancer in the New Jersey region. The investigation was a response to resident concerns about water environmental pollution. The research focused on industrial sites in the area that were ultimately found responsible for significant contamination.
Continue reading “Ameisha O’Connor’s Case Study on Childhood Cancer in New Jersey”
In July 2024, Boar’s Head, a prominent deli meat producer, became the center of a serious Listeria outbreak linked to its liverwurst and other deli products. The contamination was traced back to a facility in Virginia, prompting the recall of millions of pounds of deli meats. Affected products were distributed across 19 states, resulting in at least 34 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. This outbreak is one of the largest food-related Listeria incidents in the U.S. in recent years, with cases particularly concentrated in New York, Illinois, and New Jersey. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) played a pivotal role in identifying Boar’s Head liverwurst as a primary source after laboratory tests confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.
Continue reading “Listeria Outbreak in Boar’s Head Products Kills 10”Introduction: Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu H5N1 (HPAI) is a disease that is caused by the avian influenza Type A virus, which spreads in wild aquatic birds as well as domestic poultry, with rare, sporadic infections in humans. Avian flu is spread to humans through interaction with saliva, mucous, and feces of infected birds. Those with frequent contact with cows and birds are at higher risk for developing avian flu. In the United States between April 1, 2024 and May 29, 2024, there have been three human cases, all contracting avian flu after contact with dairy cows. In order to monitor H5N1 activity in humans, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is utilizing the flu surveillance system.
Continue reading “Afreen Khimani, Samantha Whitegeese, and Sara Merken’s Emergency Response Plan on Avian Flu in Michigan”
Exposure to arsenic, a naturally occurring element, is linked to various adverse health effects, including many forms of cancer. People are commonly exposed to arsenic through contaminated food and water, which makes it a grave public health concern.
Continue reading “Arsenic Contamination of Food and Water Growing Public Health Concern”
In recent weeks, public health officials have expressed concern about the rise of avian flu in the United States, stating that at least three farm workers have been infected since March. The three individuals had direct exposure to dairy cows. Health experts have indicated that farm workers are at the highest risk, adding that this is a low hazard for the general public.
Continue reading “Farmers at Risk for Bird Flu in the United States”Introduction: London has had frequent outbreaks of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in recent years. Between 2014 and 2018 England saw more than a 20% increase in E. coli cases. E. coli has become a risk to public health since it can cause death or lead to serious medical problems such as permanent kidney or brain damage, even after recovery from the infection. This Food Standards Agency Emergency Response Plan outlines the recommended procedures to effectively manage responses and mitigate risks during food safety emergencies like E. coli outbreaks.
Continue reading “Sarah Crisci, Alexandra Bova, and Lizcary Amarante’s Disaster Plan for the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency”
Maronde explores in this précis the effects of climate change on the environment, and how seemingly minor modifications to the soil then impacts agriculture. To conclude, Maronde highlights global disparities in food accessibility, and urges global actors to place justice at the heart of future initiatives to improve food systems around the world and prevent exploitative relationships between countries.
Continue reading “Jamilah Maronde’s Précis on Future Trends in the Impact of Climate Change on Food Systems”
As the severity of extreme weather events increase worldwide due to climate change, African nations have borne the brunt of their devastating effects. In this case study, Vincent Aina discusses health and agricultural risks that Burkina Faso faces due to natural hazards, especially heatwaves. Aina outlines strategies that will enable effective response and mitigation during a heatwave.
Continue reading “Vincent Aina’s Case Study on Heatwaves in Burkina Faso”
China’s summer has been host to several weather abnormalities, with very rapid shifts between extremely dry droughts and monsoon rains. These issues have led to a decrease in the country’s food production, especially devastating for the largest food producing nation in the world. Although flooding in the Chongqing region is not uncommon, severity of the floods has reached historic heights, with a rising death toll of 15 and tens of thousands of acres of rice and corn damaged.
Continue reading “Significant Flooding in Eastern China Impacts Food System”