Previous Outbreaks and Incidents

October 2021 - Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Onions

What: Fresh whole red, white, and yellow onions imported from the State of Chihuahua, Mexico and distributed by ProSource Produce LLC and Keeler Family Farms. These onions were sold to restaurants and grocery stores throughout the United States. The onions were last imported on August 31, but they may last up to three months in storage and may still be in homes and businesses. Investigators are working to determine if other onions and suppliers are linked to this outbreak.

Where: As of October 20, 2021, the Salmonella outbreak was found in 37 states including Indiana.

What to do: Throw away any whole red, white, or yellow onions you have at home that do not have a sticker or packaging. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any Salmonella symptoms. 

July 2021 - Dangerous Trend of Using Magic Eraser for Teeth Whitening 

What: Use of Magic Eraser as a DIY at-home teeth whitening product. Magic Erasers are cleaning sponges that contain chemicals that are harmful if used on skin or ingested. Magic Erasers contain melamine, sulfurous acid, formaldehyde, and sodium. Sulfurous acid is corrosive and is used as reducing agents and disinfectants  Formaldehyde, a gas, is best known for its use during the embalming process on the recently deceased. The melamine foam acts like sandpaper, which will scrub off the enamel. 

If a person does use a Magic Eraser to clean their teeth, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Summer 2021 - Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

What: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes respiratory illness mainly in children under 4 years of age but can infect people of all ages. Children are often exposed to and infected with RSV outside the home, such as in school or child-care centers. They can then transmit the virus to other members of the family. RSV can survive for many hours on hard surfaces such as tables and crib rails. It typically lives on soft surfaces such as tissues and hands for shorter amounts of time.  People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, some infants, and people with weakened immune systems, can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks. 

Where: Mainly in southern states but has been identified in Indiana.

May/June 2021 - Shingelosis 

What: Cases of Shigellosis have been identified. Shigella is a bacteria spread from person to person through exposure to contaminated feces; even a small number of bacteria can spread illness. Someone can become infected with Shigella through swallowing contaminated recreational water, touching items that are contaminated and touching your mouth, or caring for someone who has Shigella, including cleaning up after the person uses the bathroom or changing diapers.

Where: Goddard, Kansas.

What to do: If you are experiencing fever, diarrhea, or vomiting after visiting Tanganyika Wildlife Park on or after May 28, 2021, please visit a healthcare facility and ask the medical provider to test your stool (feces) for Shigella bacteria.