According to federal health officials, a multi-state Salmonella outbreak continues to threaten states on the east coast. However, related cases of Salmonella poisoning have spread as far west as Texas. To date, the current outbreak has affected a total of 93 people in 19 separate states. While investigations by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not officially determined the source of the outbreak, interviews with ill persons suggest that sushi, sashimi, or similar foods may be to blame.
The CDC is currently collaborating with public health officials in many states and the FDA to investigate a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella serotype Bareilly infections. Of particular concern to officials, is the rare strain of Salmonella in which people are being infected with. Salmonella Bareilly is an unusual serotype of Salmonella with characteristics that concern officials.
Those investigating the current outbreak obtained DNA “fingerprints” of the Salmonella bacteria from diagnostic testing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Subsequently, the resulting data classified cases of illness that may be associated with this outbreak. Furthermore, investigators used information from PulseNet, a national subtyping network made up of state and local public health laboratories, to further identify the foodborne infection.
Following the identification and patterns of this particular outbreak, officials have acknowledged the severity of the situation. A total of 93 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Bareilly have been reported from 19 states and the District of Columbia. The number of ill people identified in each state with the outbreak strain is as follows:
- Alabama (2)
- Arkansas (1)
- Connecticut (4)
- District of Columbia (2)
- Georgia (4)
- Illinois (8)
- Louisiana (2)
- Maryland (8)
- Massachusetts (4)
- Mississippi (1)
- Missouri (1)
- New Jersey (6)
- New York (23)
- North Carolina (2)
- Pennsylvania (2)
- Rhode Island (4)
- South Carolina (3)
- Texas (3)
- Virginia (5)
- Wisconsin (8)
Of the 93 victims interviewed, illness onset dates range from January 28 to March 23, 2012. The average age of those who were diagnosed with Salmonella poisoning was 31. However, the outbreak has affect people ranging from 4 years of age to 78. Severe cases of Salmonella poisoning witnessed approximately 10, or 20 percent, receive medical intervention at a hospital. While no deaths have been reported, those exposed to the bacteria have been subjected to painful and feverish episodes.
In the event that food contaminated with Salmonella is ingested, an individual may experience severe salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial food-borne illnesses. Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants and the elderly. However, the most common manifestations of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within six to 72 hours. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days.
In initial interviews, many of the ill persons reported consuming sushi, sashimi, or similar foods in a variety of locations in the week before becoming ill. Among 51 ill persons for whom information is available, 35 (69%) reported consuming sushi, sashimi, or similar foods in the week before illness onset.
The investigation has not conclusively identified a food source. Investigation is ongoing into individual food items and their sources. CDC, FDA, and state and local public health partners are continuing surveillance to identify and interview other ill persons about the foods they ate.
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