Highlights from the Midi-Pyrénées Regional Health Agency

Heat Wave and Health Alert System: End of Seasonal Monitoring

The seasonal monitoring alert was lifted on August 31. This is therefore the last bulletin of the season presenting the SACS indicators. This summer season was marked by a heat wave between August 16 and 22, leading five departments in Midi-Pyrénées to trigger the “Standby” and “Alert” levels (Lot, Gers, Haute-Garonne, Tarn, and Tarn-et-Garonne). Hospital capacity constraints and the situation in long-term care facilities were monitored by the ARS, and health impact indicators were analyzed by the Cire. A summary of the 2012 seasonal surveillance is provided on page 9.

Salmonella Alert: Recall of "Saint-Nectaire" Cheese

A recall of "Saint-Nectaire" raw milk farmhouse cheese is being conducted following a salmonella contamination issue. The affected product was sold between August 10 and September 5, 2012, at the farm (63610 Besse), in retail stores (cheese shops), and in supermarkets (packaged products bearing label No. 63 417001). To date, cases have been reported in Auvergne and Brittany, but it is possible that cases may occur in other regions. In this context, we remind you of the importance of promptly reporting outbreaks of foodborne illness to the ARS. For more information: - No.: 0 800 00 17 80.