I wish I could say the E. coli outbreak in Europe is a wake-up call -- but it's clear this nightmare is just beginning.
Superbugs have been on the march around the world, and it was only a matter of time before we had a major outbreak like the one that's left dozens dead and thousands ill -- including many who are still fighting for their lives right now.
As you've probably heard, all of this mayhem is being caused by a never-before-seen strain of E. coli made from at least two other strains of the bacteria -- and researchers say they've even found plague DNA locked inside it.
Health officials say this nightmare bacteria causes everything from the usual diarrhea and gastrointestinal problems to severe and deadly hemorrhaging in the intestines.
This strain is also responsible for more than 600 cases of kidney failure -- so many that hospitals in Europe are having a hard time keeping up with all of the dialysis patients.
And if you think you're safe because you're not in Europe, you're only fooling yourself.
You're certainly not fooling the bacteria -- because even if health officials manage to contain this strain of E. coli, there are other bugs out there right now... waiting for their chance.
And the next big outbreak could make this one look mild by comparison.
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Superbug mutation keeps spreading
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Forget E. coli for a moment, because there's another name out there you need to know: NDM-1.
It's not a bug on its own so much as an enzyme mutation -- and bacteria that get it, including E. coli, are practically untreatable.
Researchers believe NDM-1 started in hospitals in India -- the "ND" in the name refers to New Delhi -- but it's been turning up around the world, often among people who traveled to the region (especially so-called medical tourists who went for cheap elective procedures) and people who've had contact with those travelers.
But in Canada, researchers say at least two of the 19 Ontario residents who've contracted NDM-1 superbug infections haven't left the country in years... nor have their families or friends.
And that means this mutation is now spreading on its own outside India.
Like I said, keep an eye on this one -- because you will be hearing more about it.
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New MRSA strain found in dairy cows
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Meanwhile, British scientists have found yet another new strain of the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bug -- and this time, it's on dairy cows.
The new MRSA bug can infect both cows and humans alike, and researchers say it's impossible to identify using the usual molecular tests.
And that means doctors may not even realize what they're dealing with until it's too late.
The one bit of good news here is that the researchers say it's not a major threat to humans.
Not yet, anyway,
But if I had to guess the origin of the next big superbug outbreak, I'd pick a factory farm -- because cattle are pumped so full of antibiotics that they're practically training grounds for bacteria.
And eventually, one of them will find a way off the farm.
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Protect yourself
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There's no way to completely eliminate the superbug risk without cutting yourself off from the rest of the world -- and even then, there are no guarantees.
Despite what you've heard from our own government, the biggest risks don't come from the smallest farms -- they come from the factory operations that churn out massive amounts of meat and produce... not to mention all the antibiotics they keep pumping into the cattle.
The safer choice, of course, is to grow your own food when you can -- and when you can't, buy your dairy, meats and vegetables from local organic farms with good sanitation practices.
And don't forget to wash everything before you eat it -- even if it comes in a package that says "pre-washed."
On a mission for your health,
Ed Martin
Editor, House Calls
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