Health and Me

Supriya Ramesh

Dozens Sick in California: How to Keep Salmonella at Bay Amid Growing Egg Recall

Salmonella Outbreak

A breakfast classic is under fire because nearly 95 people across 14 states have fallen ill from a <span>salmonella</span> <span>outbreak</span> linked to <span>eggs</span>, with 18 ending up in hospital beds. 

Country Eggs, based in Lucerne Valley, <span>California</span>, has <span>recall</span>ed its large brown cage-free “sunshine yolks” and “omega-3 golden yolks” eggs. The recall covers products sold in California and <span>Nevada</span> between June 16 and July 9, with sell-by dates between July 1 and September 18. 

Most of the cases have been reported in California, 73 of the 95 <span>infections</span>, but illnesses have popped up as far away as Minnesota and New York. According to the reports, the reported cases are likely “just the tip of the iceberg”. Why? Because only about one in 30 salmonella infections are officially diagnosed. Many people never see a doctor for food poisoning, and even fewer get tested. If 95 cases are confirmed, there are likely hundreds more lurking under the radar.

Salmonella is a harmful bacterium that enters the body through undercooked eggs or meat and can cause infection in the digestive system. Typical symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps that can show up anywhere between six hours and six days after eating contaminated food. Most people recover in four to seven days, but severe cases can spiral into hospital visits, especially for young children, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/1500-yr-old-mystery-unearthed-dna-study-reveals-cause-of-the-justinian-plague-worlds-first-pandemic-article-152541746" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">1,500-Yr-Old Mystery Unearthed: DNA Study Reveals Cause of the Justinian Plague, World’s First Pandemic</a>

Earlier this year, another egg-related salmonella outbreak sickened 134 people, hospitalised 38, and claimed one life. Eggs are clearly proving to be repeat offenders, which raises a bigger concern: are we doing enough to track foodborne illnesses?

Recently, federal health officials scaled back operations of <span>FoodNet</span>, the system that monitors outbreaks across 10 states. Instead of tracking eight bacteria, FoodNet is now down to just two — salmonella and a type of E. coli. Reports warn that this could make spotting emerging outbreaks slower and communication with the public more difficult. 

If you live in California or Nevada, double-check your egg cartons immediately. And if you have already tossed the packaging, you might never know if your eggs are part of the recall. Reports suggest that if you are in a high-risk group, under 5, over 65, or managing a condition like heart disease, it may be safer to just discard them. After all, it only takes a few bites to get sick.

<h2>A few smart moves can keep salmonella at bay:</h2>

<ul><li><strong>Cook it through: </strong>Runny yolks may look Instagram-worthy, but firm yolks are safer. Chicken should hit 165°F, beef and pork 145°F. Use a food thermometer if you are not sure.</li><li><strong>Wash up:</strong> Soap, hot water, and elbow grease every time you touch raw eggs or meat and on all surfaces that came in contact with them.</li><li><strong>Chill quickly:</strong> Refrigerate eggs and other perishables within two hours (one hour if it’s sweltering outside). Salmonella thrives in the heat.</li><li><strong>Consider pasteurised:</strong> Pasteurised eggs undergo a gentle heating process that kills bacteria without cooking the egg. If you can find them, they’re a safer bet for recipes that use raw eggs.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

salmonella

outbreak

eggs

recall

california

nevada

foodnet

foodborne illness

infections

safety

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A breakfast classic is under fire because nearly 95 people across 14 states have fallen ill from a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs, with 18 ending up in hospital beds. Country Eggs, based in Lucerne Valley, California, has recalled its large brown cage-free “sunshine yolks” and “omega-3 golden yolks” eggs. The recall covers products sold in California and Nevada between June 16 and July 9, with sell-by dates between July 1 and September 18. Most of the cases have been reported in California, 73 of the 95 infections, but illnesses have popped up as far away as Minnesota and New York. According to the reports, the reported cases are likely “just the tip of the iceberg”. Why? Because only about one in 30 salmonella infections are officially diagnosed. Many people never see a doctor for food poisoning, and even fewer get tested. If 95 cases are confirmed, there are likely hundreds more lurking under the radar.What Is Salmonella?Salmonella is a harmful bacterium that enters the body through undercooked eggs or meat and can cause infection in the digestive system. Typical symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, and stomach cramps that can show up anywhere between six hours and six days after eating contaminated food. Most people recover in four to seven days, but severe cases can spiral into hospital visits, especially for young children, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems.Also Read: 1,500-Yr-Old Mystery Unearthed: DNA Study Reveals Cause of the Justinian Plague, World’s First PandemicEarlier this year, another egg-related salmonella outbreak sickened 134 people, hospitalised 38, and claimed one life. Eggs are clearly proving to be repeat offenders, which raises a bigger concern: are we doing enough to track foodborne illnesses?Recently, federal health officials scaled back operations of FoodNet, the system that monitors outbreaks across 10 states. Instead of tracking eight bacteria, FoodNet is now down to just two — salmonella and a type of E. coli. Reports warn that this could make spotting emerging outbreaks slower and communication with the public more difficult. Should You Bin Your Breakfast?If you live in California or Nevada, double-check your egg cartons immediately. And if you have already tossed the packaging, you might never know if your eggs are part of the recall. Reports suggest that if you are in a high-risk group, under 5, over 65, or managing a condition like heart disease, it may be safer to just discard them. After all, it only takes a few bites to get sick.A few smart moves can keep salmonella at bay:Cook it through: Runny yolks may look Instagram-worthy, but firm yolks are safer. Chicken should hit 165°F, beef and pork 145°F. Use a food thermometer if you are not sure.Wash up: Soap, hot water, and elbow grease every time you touch raw eggs or meat and on all surfaces that came in contact with them.Chill quickly: Refrigerate eggs and other perishables within two hours (one hour if it’s sweltering outside). Salmonella thrives in the heat.Consider pasteurised: Pasteurised eggs undergo a gentle heating process that kills bacteria without cooking the egg. If you can find them, they’re a safer bet for recipes that use raw eggs.

dozens sick in california: how to keep salmonella at bay amid growing egg recall

Chicken Pox

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Health & Wellness

Indonesia Launches Mass Vaccination Drive After Deadly Measles Outbreak

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fda approves new covid-19 vaccines in us with restricted access, check eligibility and other rules

Can You Test Negative For Covid And Still Be Infected?

can you test negative for covid and still be infected?

From January next year, parents in England and Wales will have one less health worry on their checklist. The <span>NHS</span> is rolling out the <span>chickenpox</span> <span>vaccine</span> for free to all young <span>children</span>. Administered in two doses at 12 and 18 months, the jab will be paired with the existing MMR vaccine that already shields kids from measles, mumps and rubella.

The move also comes with a catch-up programme for slightly older children, ensuring no one misses out. It is a win not just for health but also for households and the economy, with chickenpox costing the UK around £24 million annually in lost workdays and productivity.

The <span>virus</span> behind it is the varicella-zoster, which spreads faster than playground gossip. It triggers an itchy <span>rash</span>, dotted with small blisters and often accompanied by fever, fatigue and general misery.

The rash, however, shows up 10 to 21 days after exposure and lasts about a week. And you can spread the virus even before the rash is evident and until every blister has dried out. That means kids can be carriers long before anyone realises.

<h2>Why the Vaccine is a Game-Changer</h2>

For most children, chickenpox is unpleasant but manageable. But in some cases, the virus does not play fair. Pregnant women, very young babies and adults are especially vulnerable. <span>Complications</span> can include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), bacterial infections, and in rare instances, even stroke. It sounds dramatic because it can be.

And let us not forget the dreaded <span>shingles</span>. Once you have had chickenpox, the virus hibernates in your nerve cells, waiting for years to reactivate. When it does, it emerges as shingles, a painful and sometimes long-lasting condition that haunts adults. By vaccinating children, the NHS is not just preventing itchy rashes; it is reducing future risks of shingles too.

Chickenpox has a very distinct three stages:

<ul><li>Red bumps called papules make their debut.</li><li>Those bumps turn into fluid-filled blisters, which eventually burst.</li><li>Scabs form and healing begins.</li></ul>

To complicate matters, new spots appear over several days, so your child may look like they are juggling different skin stages at once. 

Anyone who has not had chickenpox or the vaccine is fair game. The risk is higher for people working in schools, nurseries or any place where germs travel in packs. The virus can spread through direct contact with the rash or even via droplets from a cough or sneeze.

But if you have been vaccinated and still catch chickenpox, the symptoms are typically much milder: fewer blisters, less fever and a quicker recovery.

<h2>Complications That Keep Doctors on Their Toes</h2>

While chickenpox is usually mild, the potential complications are no joke. These include:

<ul><li>Infected skin or bloodstream</li><li>Dehydration</li><li>Pneumonia</li><li>Encephalitis</li><li>Toxic shock syndrome</li><li>Reye’s syndrome (when children take aspirin during <span rel="noindex">infection</span>)</li></ul>

Such risks say why the vaccine is not just a convenience but a lifesaver.

<h2>Tackling Falling Vaccination Rates</h2>

The chickenpox announcement also comes at a crucial time. Uptake of existing childhood vaccines in England is slipping. In 2024/25, none hit the 95 per cent target, with MMR uptake hovering at 91.9 per cent among five-year-olds—the lowest since 2010/11. Adding chickenpox protection to the routine schedule could help remind parents of the importance of immunisation.

Chickenpox may sound like a rite of passage, but in reality, it is an unpredictable infection that can disrupt households, put vulnerable people at risk and occasionally turn dangerous. With the vaccine, parents can skip the sleepless nights of itch relief lotions, the endless laundry of pus-stained sheets and the nervous waiting for complications to pass.

Chickenpox

vaccine

Shingles

children

virus

immunity

infection

rash

complications

From January next year, parents in England and Wales will have one less health worry on their checklist. The NHS is rolling out the chickenpox vaccine for free to all young children. Administered in two doses at 12 and 18 months, the jab will be paired with the existing MMR vaccine that already shields kids from measles, mumps and rubella.The move also comes with a catch-up programme for slightly older children, ensuring no one misses out. It is a win not just for health but also for households and the economy, with chickenpox costing the UK around £24 million annually in lost workdays and productivity.What is Chickenpox?The virus behind it is the varicella-zoster, which spreads faster than playground gossip. It triggers an itchy rash, dotted with small blisters and often accompanied by fever, fatigue and general misery.The rash, however, shows up 10 to 21 days after exposure and lasts about a week. And you can spread the virus even before the rash is evident and until every blister has dried out. That means kids can be carriers long before anyone realises.Why the Vaccine is a Game-ChangerFor most children, chickenpox is unpleasant but manageable. But in some cases, the virus does not play fair. Pregnant women, very young babies and adults are especially vulnerable. Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), bacterial infections, and in rare instances, even stroke. It sounds dramatic because it can be.And let us not forget the dreaded shingles. Once you have had chickenpox, the virus hibernates in your nerve cells, waiting for years to reactivate. When it does, it emerges as shingles, a painful and sometimes long-lasting condition that haunts adults. By vaccinating children, the NHS is not just preventing itchy rashes; it is reducing future risks of shingles too.Symptoms Worth SpottingChickenpox has a very distinct three stages:Red bumps called papules make their debut.Those bumps turn into fluid-filled blisters, which eventually burst.Scabs form and healing begins.To complicate matters, new spots appear over several days, so your child may look like they are juggling different skin stages at once. Who is at Risk?Anyone who has not had chickenpox or the vaccine is fair game. The risk is higher for people working in schools, nurseries or any place where germs travel in packs. The virus can spread through direct contact with the rash or even via droplets from a cough or sneeze.But if you have been vaccinated and still catch chickenpox, the symptoms are typically much milder: fewer blisters, less fever and a quicker recovery.Complications That Keep Doctors on Their ToesWhile chickenpox is usually mild, the potential complications are no joke. These include:Infected skin or bloodstreamDehydrationPneumoniaEncephalitisToxic shock syndromeReye’s syndrome (when children take aspirin during infection)Such risks say why the vaccine is not just a convenience but a lifesaver.Tackling Falling Vaccination RatesThe chickenpox announcement also comes at a crucial time. Uptake of existing childhood vaccines in England is slipping. In 2024/25, none hit the 95 per cent target, with MMR uptake hovering at 91.9 per cent among five-year-olds—the lowest since 2010/11. Adding chickenpox protection to the routine schedule could help remind parents of the importance of immunisation.Why Parents Should Welcome This MoveChickenpox may sound like a rite of passage, but in reality, it is an unpredictable infection that can disrupt households, put vulnerable people at risk and occasionally turn dangerous. With the vaccine, parents can skip the sleepless nights of itch relief lotions, the endless laundry of pus-stained sheets and the nervous waiting for complications to pass.

uk children to get chickenpox vaccine on nhs: why it is a lifesaver vaccine

1,500-Yr-Old Mystery Unearthed: DNA Study Reveals Cause of the Justinian Plague, World’s First Pandemic

Justinian Plague

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Human Cells Can 'Come Back' From The Brink of Death, Scientists Share Breakthrough Discovery

human cells can 'come back' from the brink of death, scientists share breakthrough discovery

For centuries, historians and scientists have debated what exactly triggered the <span>Justinian Plague</span>, a catastrophic <span>pandemic</span> that began in 541 AD and ravaged the <span>Byzantine Empire</span> for over two centuries. There were so many theories and guesses but hard biological proof was always missing. Now, the researchers dug into a mass grave in Jerash, an ancient Roman city in present-day <span>Jordan</span>, and uncovered the genetic pathogen: <span>Yersinia pestis</span>, the bacterium infamous for causing <span>plague</span>. 

The discovery, published in the journal Genes, finally ties the Justinian Plague to the same microbe that would later fuel the <span>Black Death</span> in mediaeval Europe.

As Dr Rays HY Jiang from the University of South Florida summed up, "This discovery provides the long-sought definitive proof of Y pestis at the epicentre of the Plague of Justinian."

If you think <span>Covid-19</span> was disruptive, imagine a pandemic that stretched across centuries. Between 541 and 750 AD, the Justinian Plague killed tens of millions, weakened armies, wrecked economies, and reshaped the Byzantine Empire.

It first appeared in Pelusium, an Egyptian port city, before sweeping through the Eastern Roman Empire like wildfire. The sheer scale of death was so staggering that some historians argue it permanently altered the course of European history. And yet, until recently, no one could prove with certainty what caused it.

“For centuries, we have relied on written accounts describing a devastating disease but lacked any hard biological evidence of the plague's presence. Our findings provide the missing piece of that puzzle,” Dr Jiang explained.

<h3>Digging Up the Past, Tooth by Tooth</h3>

Archaeologists excavated burial chambers beneath Jerash’s former Roman hippodrome—a structure once used for chariot races and grand public spectacles. There, they discovered human remains from victims of the plague.

"Using targeted ancient <span>DNA</span> techniques, we successfully recovered and sequenced genetic material from eight human teeth excavated from burial chambers beneath the former Roman hippodrome in Jerash, a city just 200 miles from ancient Pelusium,” said Greg O'Corry-Crowe, another author of the study.

The analysis revealed nearly identical strains of Yersinia pestis, meaning the outbreak spread quickly and with devastating impact, just as historical texts described.

<h3>From Entertainment Hub to Emergency Cemetery</h3>

What makes Jerash especially symbolic is its transformation during the crisis. Once a buzzing trade hub with impressive Roman structures, it suddenly became a burial site.

"Jerash was one of the key cities of the Eastern Roman Empire, a documented trade hub with magnificent structures,” Dr Jiang said.

“That a venue once built for entertainment and civic pride became a mass cemetery in a time of emergency shows how urban centres were very likely overwhelmed.”

It is a sobering reminder of how pandemics can flip the world upside down, turning arenas of joy into sites of despair.

The Justinian Plague may feel like ancient history, but its echoes reach into our present. Plague has not disappeared; it lingers quietly in the background, occasionally resurfacing.

"We have been wrestling with plague for a few thousand years, and people still die from it today," said Dr Jiang. "Like Covid, it continues to evolve, and containment measures evidently cannot get rid of it. We have to be careful, but the threat will never go away.”

That statement might sound chilling, but it is also a reminder: disease, no matter how old, never truly leaves us. The more we learn from ancient outbreaks, the better prepared we are to face future ones.

By decoding the genome of Yersinia pestis from the Justinian era, scientists can better understand how the bacterium has evolved and survived across millennia. It also points out how pandemics have always shaped societies—toppling empires, shifting populations, and altering human history.

justinian plague

yersinia pestis

pandemic

byzantine empire

black death

plague

First Pandemic

jordan

COVID-19

For centuries, historians and scientists have debated what exactly triggered the Justinian Plague, a catastrophic pandemic that began in 541 AD and ravaged the Byzantine Empire for over two centuries. There were so many theories and guesses but hard biological proof was always missing. Now, the researchers dug into a mass grave in Jerash, an ancient Roman city in present-day Jordan, and uncovered the genetic pathogen: Yersinia pestis, the bacterium infamous for causing plague. The discovery, published in the journal Genes, finally ties the Justinian Plague to the same microbe that would later fuel the Black Death in mediaeval Europe.As Dr Rays HY Jiang from the University of South Florida summed up, "This discovery provides the long-sought definitive proof of Y pestis at the epicentre of the Plague of Justinian."What Was the Justinian Plague?If you think Covid-19 was disruptive, imagine a pandemic that stretched across centuries. Between 541 and 750 AD, the Justinian Plague killed tens of millions, weakened armies, wrecked economies, and reshaped the Byzantine Empire.It first appeared in Pelusium, an Egyptian port city, before sweeping through the Eastern Roman Empire like wildfire. The sheer scale of death was so staggering that some historians argue it permanently altered the course of European history. And yet, until recently, no one could prove with certainty what caused it.“For centuries, we have relied on written accounts describing a devastating disease but lacked any hard biological evidence of the plague's presence. Our findings provide the missing piece of that puzzle,” Dr Jiang explained.Digging Up the Past, Tooth by ToothArchaeologists excavated burial chambers beneath Jerash’s former Roman hippodrome—a structure once used for chariot races and grand public spectacles. There, they discovered human remains from victims of the plague."Using targeted ancient DNA techniques, we successfully recovered and sequenced genetic material from eight human teeth excavated from burial chambers beneath the former Roman hippodrome in Jerash, a city just 200 miles from ancient Pelusium,” said Greg O'Corry-Crowe, another author of the study.The analysis revealed nearly identical strains of Yersinia pestis, meaning the outbreak spread quickly and with devastating impact, just as historical texts described.From Entertainment Hub to Emergency CemeteryWhat makes Jerash especially symbolic is its transformation during the crisis. Once a buzzing trade hub with impressive Roman structures, it suddenly became a burial site."Jerash was one of the key cities of the Eastern Roman Empire, a documented trade hub with magnificent structures,” Dr Jiang said.“That a venue once built for entertainment and civic pride became a mass cemetery in a time of emergency shows how urban centres were very likely overwhelmed.”It is a sobering reminder of how pandemics can flip the world upside down, turning arenas of joy into sites of despair.Lessons That Still Matter TodayThe Justinian Plague may feel like ancient history, but its echoes reach into our present. Plague has not disappeared; it lingers quietly in the background, occasionally resurfacing."We have been wrestling with plague for a few thousand years, and people still die from it today," said Dr Jiang. "Like Covid, it continues to evolve, and containment measures evidently cannot get rid of it. We have to be careful, but the threat will never go away.”That statement might sound chilling, but it is also a reminder: disease, no matter how old, never truly leaves us. The more we learn from ancient outbreaks, the better prepared we are to face future ones.What Now?  By decoding the genome of Yersinia pestis from the Justinian era, scientists can better understand how the bacterium has evolved and survived across millennia. It also points out how pandemics have always shaped societies—toppling empires, shifting populations, and altering human history.

1,500-yr-old mystery unearthed: dna study reveals cause of the justinian plague, world’s first pandemic

Tanya Dutt

Nearly 7 In 10 US Women Under 50 Have Modifiable Risk Factors For Birth Defects, CDC Reveals

Anna Kournikova At 44 Is Pregnant With Baby No. 4, Weeks After Health Scare - Is Pregnancy After 40 Risky?

anna kournikova at 44 is pregnant with baby no. 4, weeks after health scare - is pregnancy after 40 risky?

This Common Lifestyle Disease Could Be Increasing Your Risk Of Aggressive Breast Cancer: Study

this common lifestyle disease could be increasing your risk of aggressive breast cancer: study

Nutrition

RFK Promotes Full-Fat Milk Over Whole Milk, What's The Health Factor?

rfk promotes full-fat milk over whole milk, what's the health factor?

Every year, over one in 33 babies born in the United States, arrives with a birth defect, a leading cause of infant mortality. Although much of the risk is due to genes and unidentified environmental causes, a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study identifies a number of modifiable risk factors that operate among most women under age 50. The findings, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, emphasize targeted public health measures and individual lifestyle decisions in lowering the risk for major <span>birth defects</span>.

The <span>CDC study</span> examined data from 5,374 women between ages 12 and 49 who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2020. Scientists zeroed in on five major risk factors that can be treated before or during <span>pregnancy</span>: obesity, diabetes, tobacco exposure, food insecurity, and low folate levels.

The findings were dramatic. Almost 66% of the interviewed women possessed at least one of these risk factors, and 10% possessed three or more. Obesity had impacted approximately one-third of women, and around five percent had diabetes. Almost 20% were exposed to tobacco smoking, vaping, or second-hand inhalation. Food insecurity, which impacts nutritional intake as well as access to prenatal vitamins, had affected around seven percent of women. Most alarming, 80 percent of women lacked folate, or vitamin B9, a key nutrient in fetal development.

<h2>The Role of Folate and Prenatal Nutrition in Women</h2>

Folate is also crucial to DNA synthesis, cell growth, and red blood cell production. During early pregnancy, lack of folate can interfere with neural tube formation, resulting in neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. The FDA has required folic acid fortification in enriched cereal-grain food since 1998, reducing the number of neural tube defects by an estimated 1,300 cases per year.

Even after fortification, the CDC study showed that almost eight out of ten women were still below the 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid per day, even after supplement use. Only 13% were at the recommended daily dose, leaving millions of women at increased risk of avoidable birth defects. Natural foods that are good sources of folate, like leafy green vegetables, legumes, asparagus, avocados, broccoli, and fortified cereals, are still imperative to a balanced diet.

<h2>Are Obesity and Diabetes The Hidden Threats Prior to Pregnancy?</h2>

Obesity and diabetes became prominent factors in high risk. Both conditions can disrupt metabolism of nutrients, such as folate, and increase the risk of congenital heart defects, neural tube defects, and orofacial malformations in the fetal fetus. Obesity occurs in one-third of women of childbearing age, and close to five percent have diabetes, which includes undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes.

Controlling these conditions with diet, physical activity, and blood sugar testing is an important part of preconception care. As the CDC's Dr. Wang said, "The risks can be reduced through measures such as taking the recommended 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, eating a good diet, exercise, and controlling blood sugar."

<h2>How Tobacco Exposure and Smoking Affect Infant Health?</h2>

Both active and passive tobacco exposure causes the introduction of toxins that raise oxidative stress and compromise nutrient intake. Almost 20% of the women studied had raised serum cotinine levels, indicating tobacco exposure. Previous studies have associated maternal smoking with preterm delivery, birth weight, stillbirth, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Food insecurity adds to these risks. Approximately seven percent of women indicated a severe problem in accessing healthy food. Malnutrition in the mother can lead to deficiencies in important nutrients, including folate, and can increase the risk of obesity or metabolic disease in the child as an adult. Restricted availability of prenatal supplements also adds to these risks, especially in low-income groups.

<h2>How Lifestyle Risk Factors Increase Over Time?</h2>

The CDC analysis also showed dramatic disparities. Although risk factors were less common among teens and young women in their early twenties, almost three-quarters of women 35 to 49 years old had at least one risk factor. Non-Hispanic Black women had the most burden, with 80% having at least one risk factor, followed by 62% of non-Hispanic White women. Economic status was another predictor, with lower-income women having more than one risk factor, such as food insecurity and low folate status.

These disparities point to the importance of targeted interventions, such as affordable nutrition programs, smoking cessation programs, and preconception counseling, especially in communities with systemic barriers to healthcare.

<h2>What Is Causing Birth Defects During Pregnancy?</h2>

Although causes of the majority of birth defects continue to be multifactorial, researchers typically cite a combination of genetics, environmental exposures, and <span>maternal health</span> as the culprits. Approximately 25% of defects are caused by chromosomal or genetic anomalies, such as Down syndrome. Environmental conditions, such as infection, diabetes in the mother, inadequate nutrition, and particular medications, are responsible for approximately five to ten percent. The other 65% are thought to be caused by intricate or unexplained interactions between genetic risks and the environment.

Obesity, diabetes, smoking, and <span>folate deficiency</span> can interfere with vital biological processes, such as the one-carbon cycle, which utilizes nutrients such as folate, vitamin B12, and choline to control DNA synthesis and cell division. If this cycle does not work, the development of the brain and spinal cord in the fetus can be impaired.

<h2>Easy Steps Women Can Take to Reduce the Risks of Birth Defects During Pregnancy</h2>

Prevention is fundamental. Women preparing for pregnancy need to achieve a healthy weight, control blood sugar, not use tobacco, have regular intake of folic acid supplements, and eat well-balanced diet with high natural sources of folate. Public health initiatives that enhance access to healthy food and prenatal supplements are important, especially for women experiencing food insecurity.

Health care professionals are responsible for risk factor screening, preconception counseling, and informing women of salutary measures to maximize fetal health. Even small changes in lifestyle, i.e., better nutrition, regular physical exercise, and the use of folic acid supplements, can decrease significantly the risk of severe birth defects.

Birth defects occur in one of every 33 babies and are the cause of about 20% of infant mortality. They may be mild, like clubfoot or webbed feet, to life-threatening and severe, like anencephaly or Trisomy 13. Although genetics cannot be changed, the CDC report highlights that most women have modifiable risk factors that, when corrected, can reduce the risk of complications.

Dr. Wang stresses, "Every expecting family wishes for a healthy baby and healthy pregnancy. When families and their healthcare providers understand the modifiable risk factors for birth defects, they can make data-driven choices that may result in healthier babies and pregnancies."

pregnancy

birth defects

cdc study

women under 50

folate deficiency

maternal health

pregnancy risks

preventable birth defects

Every year, over one in 33 babies born in the United States, arrives with a birth defect, a leading cause of infant mortality. Although much of the risk is due to genes and unidentified environmental causes, a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study identifies a number of modifiable risk factors that operate among most women under age 50. The findings, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, emphasize targeted public health measures and individual lifestyle decisions in lowering the risk for major birth defects.The CDC study examined data from 5,374 women between ages 12 and 49 who took part in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2020. Scientists zeroed in on five major risk factors that can be treated before or during pregnancy: obesity, diabetes, tobacco exposure, food insecurity, and low folate levels.The findings were dramatic. Almost 66% of the interviewed women possessed at least one of these risk factors, and 10% possessed three or more. Obesity had impacted approximately one-third of women, and around five percent had diabetes. Almost 20% were exposed to tobacco smoking, vaping, or second-hand inhalation. Food insecurity, which impacts nutritional intake as well as access to prenatal vitamins, had affected around seven percent of women. Most alarming, 80 percent of women lacked folate, or vitamin B9, a key nutrient in fetal development.The Role of Folate and Prenatal Nutrition in WomenFolate is also crucial to DNA synthesis, cell growth, and red blood cell production. During early pregnancy, lack of folate can interfere with neural tube formation, resulting in neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. The FDA has required folic acid fortification in enriched cereal-grain food since 1998, reducing the number of neural tube defects by an estimated 1,300 cases per year.Even after fortification, the CDC study showed that almost eight out of ten women were still below the 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid per day, even after supplement use. Only 13% were at the recommended daily dose, leaving millions of women at increased risk of avoidable birth defects. Natural foods that are good sources of folate, like leafy green vegetables, legumes, asparagus, avocados, broccoli, and fortified cereals, are still imperative to a balanced diet.Are Obesity and Diabetes The Hidden Threats Prior to Pregnancy?Obesity and diabetes became prominent factors in high risk. Both conditions can disrupt metabolism of nutrients, such as folate, and increase the risk of congenital heart defects, neural tube defects, and orofacial malformations in the fetal fetus. Obesity occurs in one-third of women of childbearing age, and close to five percent have diabetes, which includes undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes.Controlling these conditions with diet, physical activity, and blood sugar testing is an important part of preconception care. As the CDC's Dr. Wang said, "The risks can be reduced through measures such as taking the recommended 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, eating a good diet, exercise, and controlling blood sugar."How Tobacco Exposure and Smoking Affect Infant Health?Both active and passive tobacco exposure causes the introduction of toxins that raise oxidative stress and compromise nutrient intake. Almost 20% of the women studied had raised serum cotinine levels, indicating tobacco exposure. Previous studies have associated maternal smoking with preterm delivery, birth weight, stillbirth, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).Food insecurity adds to these risks. Approximately seven percent of women indicated a severe problem in accessing healthy food. Malnutrition in the mother can lead to deficiencies in important nutrients, including folate, and can increase the risk of obesity or metabolic disease in the child as an adult. Restricted availability of prenatal supplements also adds to these risks, especially in low-income groups.How Lifestyle Risk Factors Increase Over Time?The CDC analysis also showed dramatic disparities. Although risk factors were less common among teens and young women in their early twenties, almost three-quarters of women 35 to 49 years old had at least one risk factor. Non-Hispanic Black women had the most burden, with 80% having at least one risk factor, followed by 62% of non-Hispanic White women. Economic status was another predictor, with lower-income women having more than one risk factor, such as food insecurity and low folate status.These disparities point to the importance of targeted interventions, such as affordable nutrition programs, smoking cessation programs, and preconception counseling, especially in communities with systemic barriers to healthcare.What Is Causing Birth Defects During Pregnancy?Although causes of the majority of birth defects continue to be multifactorial, researchers typically cite a combination of genetics, environmental exposures, and maternal health as the culprits. Approximately 25% of defects are caused by chromosomal or genetic anomalies, such as Down syndrome. Environmental conditions, such as infection, diabetes in the mother, inadequate nutrition, and particular medications, are responsible for approximately five to ten percent. The other 65% are thought to be caused by intricate or unexplained interactions between genetic risks and the environment.Obesity, diabetes, smoking, and folate deficiency can interfere with vital biological processes, such as the one-carbon cycle, which utilizes nutrients such as folate, vitamin B12, and choline to control DNA synthesis and cell division. If this cycle does not work, the development of the brain and spinal cord in the fetus can be impaired.Easy Steps Women Can Take to Reduce the Risks of Birth Defects During PregnancyPrevention is fundamental. Women preparing for pregnancy need to achieve a healthy weight, control blood sugar, not use tobacco, have regular intake of folic acid supplements, and eat well-balanced diet with high natural sources of folate. Public health initiatives that enhance access to healthy food and prenatal supplements are important, especially for women experiencing food insecurity.Health care professionals are responsible for risk factor screening, preconception counseling, and informing women of salutary measures to maximize fetal health. Even small changes in lifestyle, i.e., better nutrition, regular physical exercise, and the use of folic acid supplements, can decrease significantly the risk of severe birth defects.Birth defects occur in one of every 33 babies and are the cause of about 20% of infant mortality. They may be mild, like clubfoot or webbed feet, to life-threatening and severe, like anencephaly or Trisomy 13. Although genetics cannot be changed, the CDC report highlights that most women have modifiable risk factors that, when corrected, can reduce the risk of complications.Dr. Wang stresses, "Every expecting family wishes for a healthy baby and healthy pregnancy. When families and their healthcare providers understand the modifiable risk factors for birth defects, they can make data-driven choices that may result in healthier babies and pregnancies."

nearly 7 in 10 us women under 50 have modifiable risk factors for birth defects, cdc reveals

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