E. Coli Outbreak Comes to Alaska: First Confirmed Cases Are Nome Inmates
State-wide, all eight confirmed cases of E. coli infection are inmates currently residing in Nome’s Anvil Mountain Correctional Center (AMCC). As of Wednesday, no additional E. coli cases have been reported by AMCC or elsewhere in Alaska. The Center for Disease Control recommends Alaskans avoid eating any romaine lettuce unless you can verify it is not from Yuma, Arizona.
High Levels of Biotoxin Found in Dead Walrus; Experts Unsure of Regional Impact
According to Gay Sheffield, wildlife biologist, three of the walruses had low to moderate levels of saxitoxin, while the fourth one had high levels. Saxitoxin is a biotoxin produced by algae and is potentially a poisonous substance. Louisa Castrodale with DHSS says even though this walrus tested positive for saxitoxin levels above the federal regulatory limit, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a human health issue.