News

Increased Activity of Vector-Borne Diseases Identified in Kansas            

While ticks and mosquitoes are a natural part of our environment, it is important to know that some may transmit harmful diseases. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) tracks illnesses caused by ticks and mosquitoes, and as of May 29, 2024, has received over 200 laboratory reports of tickborne diseases. Additionally, KDHE has received several reports of tick bites and complaints of high numbers of ticks, which indicates that tick activity and density are increasing and are occurring earlier in the season this year.  

Read the full story here: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1133 

Onsite Wastewater Opportunity

We wanted to share an opportunity from the EPA and USDA on the expansion of the Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Program. Originally launched as a pilot, this initiative helps underserved communities access federal wastewater infrastructure funding. The pilot initiative has been assisting 11 communities since 2022 and will now serve an additional 150 communities. 

To view the full opportunity, click here. 

Save the Date! SafeKids Kansas Day at the Zoo in Topeka on May 3rd, 2025!

For more information, visit: https://www.safekidskansas.org/

Recalls 

More Ground Cinnamon Products Added to FDA Public Health Alert Due to Presence of Elevated Levels of Lead

As of November 1, 2024, the FDA has added an additional product, Super Brand ground cinnamon, to the recall starting in August of this year. These samples were collected at a retail establishment by the Arkansas Department of Health and reviewed by the FDA. Exposure to this product may be unsafe.

Click here to view the full recall alert and included brands of ground cinnamon.

Dixon Ticonderoga recalls "Creativity Street" Foam Pattern Rollers due to violation of federal lead content ban.

Hazard:

The recalled foam pattern rollers are intended for children and contain levels of lead that exceed the federal lead content ban in the rollers’ handles. Lead is toxic if ingested by young children and can cause adverse health effects.

La Fiesta products have announced a voluntary recall on their La Fiesta Brand Cinnamon Ground .87oz. These products are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with lead. The affected product was distributed in California as well as Arizona, Washington, and Texas through distributors to retail stores from April 20, 2023 through May 3, 2023. More information about this recall including specific items being recalled is available on the Food and Drug Administration website. 

In addition, we encourage health care providers to

• Raise awareness among parents about these products.
• Encourage parents to immediately stop using the recalled product and dispose of it or return it to place of purchase for refund.
• Consider testing children for lead exposure from these and other sources.   

Investigation of Elevated Lead Levels: Applesauce Pouches (Update as of February 13, 2024)

FDA is advising parents and caregivers not to buy or feed WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches to toddlers and young children because of elevated lead levels. View the full article here. 

     Stores Affected:

• WanaBana apple cinnamon fruit puree pouches are sold nationally and are available through multiple retailers including Amazon, Dollar Tree, and other online outlets. 
• Schnucks brand cinnamon-flavored applesauce pouches and variety pack are sold at Schnucks and Eatwell Markets grocery stores.
• Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches are sold at Weis grocery stores.

Status:

As of February 9, CDC has received reports of 101 confirmed cases, 284 probable cases, and 37 suspected cases for a total of 422 cases from 44 different states through their reporting structure. FDA’s investigation is ongoing to determine the point of contamination and whether additional products are linked to illnesses. FDA has no indication that this issue extends beyond these recalled products and does not have any confirmed reports of illnesses or elevated blood lead level adverse events reported for other cinnamon-containing products or cinnamon.

Recommendation:

• Consumers should not eat, sell, or serve recalled WanaBana, Schnucks, and Weis brand apple cinnamon pouches and should discard them. 
• These products have a long shelf life. Consumers should check their homes and discharge these products.
• Most children have no obvious immediate symptoms of lead exposure. If there's suspicion that a child may have been exposed to lead, parents should talk to their child's healthcare provider about getting a blood test. 
• Contact your healthcare provider if you think you may have symptoms of lead toxicity after eating recalled fruit pouches.