Listeria outbreak

Cantaloupes have been linked to listeria in the past: in 2008 it was imported from Honduras, In March 2011 tainted cantaloupes were from Guatemala. This time the source is whole cantaloupes grown at Jensen Farms in Colorado.

According to CDC, as of September 26, 2011, a total of 72 people were reported to be infected with the four outbreak-associated strains of Listeria monocytogenes. All illnesses started on or after July 31, 2011. The number of infected persons identified in each state is as follows: California (1), Colorado (15), Florida (1), Illinois (1), Indiana (2), Kansas (5), Maryland (1), Missouri (1), Montana (1), Nebraska (6), New Mexico (10), North Dakota (1), Oklahoma (8), Texas (14), Virginia (1), West Virginia (1), Wisconsin (2), and Wyoming (1), as color-coded on the map. Thirteen deaths have been reported: 2 in Colorado, 1 in Kansas, 1 in Maryland, 1 in Missouri, 1 in Nebraska, 4 in New Mexico, 1 in Oklahoma, and 2 in Texas (shown as black circles on the upper map).
As of November 1, the number of infected people increased as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), California (2), Colorado (39), Idaho (2), Illinois (3), Indiana (3), Iowa (1), Kansas (10), Louisiana (2), Maryland (1), Missouri (6), Montana (1), Nebraska (6), Nevada (1), New Mexico (15), New York (2), North Dakota (2), Oklahoma (11), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (1), South Dakota (1), Texas (18), Utah (1), Virginia (1), West Virginia (1), Wisconsin (2), and Wyoming (4). 

Most people infected with Salmonella bacteria develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. However, in some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Seasonal Allergies in the British isles

Climate in the United Kingdom is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, and the areas closest to the ocean (Western England and Scotland, Northern island and Wales) are the mildest, wettest and windiest regions. Eastern parts of the country experience larger temperature variations, especially North East, are drier and less windy. 

Plants native to the British Isles include Alder, Ash, Aspen, Beech, Birch , Cherry, Chestnut, Elm, Hazel, Maple and Willow. Roses. England is home to hundreds of flowers, such as sweet smelling roses with scent especially strong in the rain. Since 11th century hay meadows become commonplace, creating the abundance of flowers and grasses.

In the Springtime the flowers as well as allergies come.

15 to 20% of the population in UK is affected by seasonal allergies, mainly related to grass pollen. It can affect ability to drive, work and study, so it should not be ignored. Mold allergies could trigger asthma - Didymelia, for example, is highest during harvesting of wheat and barley. Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillum and Sporobolomyce can be also detected.


Allergy forecasts can be found at many sites. Here is  one of the best ones, supported by National Pollen and Astrobiology Research unit.

Another way to keep an eye on allergies is to listen to people - check for example, the respiratory allergies section of this UK forum.

Zirtek privided a very useful resource for allergy sufferers in UK. They author the large map above.
Some of the things not included in this map are Cedar trees that flower from September to December
and Chenopodium (goosefoot) that flowers during late summer. Most notable fungal allergens include Alternaria, Didymella, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Penicillium and Sporobolomyces.

Grass pollen map illustrates how seasonal allergies fluctuate on an annual basis.