Health Officials: Don't Stomp Invasive Carts

Montgomery County health officials are dispensing precautionary advice after doctors at Holy Cross Hospital in Wheaton reported an alarming increase in foot injuries and flesh-eating bacteria infections last month. 

"Please do not stomp invasive Lidl Shopping Carts found abandoned in fetid pools of shallow water in Glenmont," urges Health Officer Kisha Davis, MD. "There is a high risk of puncture wounds, broken bones, and infection," she warns in a new PSA.

Holy Cross officials say an uptick in soft tissue injuries, muscle strain, and metatarsal fractures in the foot, ankle, or lower leg began in June and reached a peak in late July.

"At first we associated all of it with Spotted Lanternfly stomping, but when we began seeing necrotizing fasciitis around scrapes and cuts, we realized it was something more," said AI Campbell, President of Holy Cross Health Maryland.

Invasive Lidl Shopping Carts, endemic to the Glenmont Shopping Center storm water management pond, are known to trigger spontaneous acts of anger and revulsion. "It makes sense that people would transfer what they're hearing about Lanternflies, but we need to modify the behavior," Davis says.

While county leaders study how to control the invasive Lidl Shopping Cart infestation, Holy Cross officials see no signs the PSAs are working. "Our toe and foot amputations in the first week of August set a record," Campbell reported.