A multistate outbreak of salmonella reading, believed to be linked to raw turkey, has already sent 40 of those infected to the hospital.
Salmonella Outbreak In 26 States
The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the outbreak that has so far affected 26 states already sickened 90 people. No death has been reported.
The CDC said that illnesses have been reported in Kansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Alaska, Indiana, South Carolina, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin, Ohio, Oregon, and South Dakota.
The illnesses started from Nov. 20, 2017, to June 29, 2018, and sickened people from less than 1 year old to 91 years old. Sixty one percent of those who fell ill are female.
Symptoms Of Salmonella Infection
People infected with salmonella may suffer from fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after their exposure to the bacteria. The illness often lasts between four and seven days and most people recover without need for treatment. Patients who suffer from severe diarrhea, however, may need to be hospitalized.
Linked To Raw Turkey
The agency said that epidemiologic and laboratory evidence point the source of the illnesses to raw turkey products from different sources that are tainted with salmonella reading.
In interviews, patients affected by the outbreak reported eating different types and brands of turkey products bought from different locations. Two of the patients lived in homes where pets were given raw turkey pet food.
Health officials, however, have not yet identified a single common supplier of these live turkeys or raw turkey products but the outbreak strain was found in many types of raw turkey products and live turkeys, which indicates that the problem is widespread in the turkey industry.
Safety Measures
The CDC and the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S Department of Agriculture are working with representatives from the turkey industry to reduce salmonella contamination.
CDC also urged the public to observe precautions when handling and cooking turkey. It likewise advised against feeding raw diets to pets since germs such as salmonella in raw food can make the animals sick. Members of the family can also get sick by taking care of the pet or by handling the raw food.
"This outbreak is a reminder that raw turkey products can have germs that spread around food preparation areas and can make you sick," the CDC said.
