Election News:
‍

• A new study shows that voting may accomplish more than just doing your civic duty; it may also indirectly reduce your risk of dying early from any cause. (CNN)
  
  
• …on the other hand, elections may come with a downside for the heart. Other studies have found more irregular heart rhythms around elections and an increase in heart attack hospitalizations right after Election Day. (Stat News)
  
  

                                                                 We do hope you’ve voted already or are heading there soon.

‍

Health News:

‍

• U.S. measles cases jumped by another 264 in one week to 4,852, more than double all of 2025. (CDC)
  
  
• Pennsylvania is nearing 1,400 cases, with almost two-thirds in adults, and New York reported its first measles death in 30 years. (Guardian)-(AP)
  
  
• Yakima County, WA, reported two more human cases of bird flu and the first bird flu-related death of 2026. (CIDRAP)
  
  
• Researchers were surprised to find how many people died shortly after being discharged from the hospital for RSV. (MedPage Today)
  
  
• Three customers and two employees at a North Carolina Chili’s were treated for chemical burns after degreaser was accidentally used at the margarita station. (NY Times)
  
  
• At least six U.S. military commissaries had refrigeration problems just like the recent temperature-control hacks in Europe. (Food Safety Mag)
  
  
• Popular toddler snacks sold at Costco, Target, and Walmart are being recalled because they may be a choking risk for kids.
• This year’s flu vaccine seems to be a particularly good match, up to 94%, for the flu strains circulating right now. (CDC)-(Force of Infection)
  
  
• A now-closed pumpkin patch in San Luis Obispo is tied to 13 E. coli cases; three cases developed HUS. (SLO County)
  
  
• Hillsborough County remains the epicenter of Florida’s growing dengue outbreak. (CIDRAP)

‍

Best Question:

We have an employee who started a weight loss drug and has daily diarrhea. Can he continue to work in food prep? 

‍

This is a question we’re getting a lot! GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound commonly cause digestive side effects, especially when someone first starts taking them. Those symptoms aren’t contagious, so on their own they don’t require work exclusion…if we can be sure they’re actually due to the new medication. 

‍

The concern is about when chronic symptoms overlap with signs of something infectious. We’ve seen some of the worst outbreaks start when employees with ongoing issues (like IBS, pregnancy, or now GLP-1 side effects) didn’t recognize when their “usual” nausea turned into something more severe. If an employee who’s usually a little nauseous suddenly can’t leave the bathroom with vomiting and diarrhea, that’s a red flag for norovirus or another contagious illness. 

‍

For clients who use ZHH’s Sick Call Program, our clinical team always digs into the details. If an employee mentions they’re on a new medication, we’ll talk with them about what’s normal and what’s changed. We’ll also decide when to require a doctor’s note if the same person has been out multiple times with GI symptoms, especially if they work in foodservice. 

‍

As more of the workforce starts taking GLP-1 drugs, the key is helping managers and employees understand the difference between “common” side effects and stomach bugs. A good rule of thumb is if it’s new or changed GI symptoms, it’s better to keep them out than risk an outbreak. 

‍

Sources: Cleveland Clinic

‍

Best Read:

‍

Rabies is one of those diseases most of us don’t think much about anymore. But there have been enough cases lately that it’s getting a little harder to ignore. Remember that petting zoo? As people build and live closer to wildlife, there are more chances to come into contact with infected animals. Add in fewer pets staying up to date on rabies shots and changes in climate, and some experts are wondering if the progress we’ve made against rabies could start to slip.
‍

Is Rabies Making a Comeback? - The New York Times 

‍