Salmonella outbreak spreads to 23 states
July 27, 2020
Salmonella outbreak spreads to 23 states
An outbreak of Salmonella Newport is “rapidly growing in size” across the United States, according to the CDC. The agency said it has not identified a source of the infections.
The CDC has reported 212 cases of Salmonella in 23 different states, including 31 hospitalizations. The current case count includes a spike of 87 additional cases that were reported between July 21, 2020, and July 24, 2020. No deaths have been reported. Source: CDC
An outbreak during the summer of 2019 infected more than 700 individuals across 48 states and was later linked to contact with backyard poultry.
Salmonella causes 1.35 million infections, 420 deaths and 26,500 hospitalizations in the U.S. annually, according to the CDC. Although food is the most common source of Salmonella infection, the organization is not currently recommending that consumers avoid any specific foods or that restaurants avoid selling certain food items.
Symptoms of Salmonella include fever, stomach cramps and diarrhea 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Symptoms typically last 4 to 7 days, and children aged younger than 5 years, adults aged 65 years and older and immunocompromised individuals are at the highest risk for severe illness.
To prevent infection, the CDC recommends that consumers wash their hands and surfaces often; separate foods that will not be cooked before being eaten from raw meats; cook meats at a high temperature; and refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours. Individuals with symptoms of Salmonella should talk to a health care provider; create a list of foods they consumed the week the symptoms began; report their illness to the local health department; and assist public health investigators if they reach out.