The Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, investigates a new Salmonella Newport outbreak that has affected 125 people across 15 states, the agency announced Wednesday, July 22.
Together with the US Food and Drug Administration and public health officials in the concerned states, the CDC investigates the multistate outbreak. However, it has stated in the notice that "a specific food item, grocery store, or restaurant chain has not been identified" as the root of the infections.
In its investigation report, the CDC said that they had detected 13 Salmonella Newport cases in three states. In less than two weeks, it has grown to125 cases across 15 states as of July 20. Health investigators are conducting interviews to narrow down the possible list of foods and exposures that might have led to the infection.
The investigators on the latest outbreak use the PulseNet system to find out which diseases might also be included in the outbreak. PulseNet, a CDC-coordinated network of food regulatory agencies and public health offices works by comparing DNA fingerprints of the salmonella strain from patients. It allows the CDC to identify clusters of similar diseases before they blow up into an outbreak.
Cases in Various States
In their report summary, there have been 24 hospitalizations from its reported 125 cases. Furthermore, a map of reported cases shows three states from the West Coast and three from the mountain states. Seven states have reported incidents in the Midwest, while two states from the Southeast region are affected.
The majority of the 125 reported cases are from Oregon with 42 cases, followed by Utah and Michigan with 28 and 12 cases, respectively. In terms of region, the mountain states have also recorded cases in Montana (11) and Wyoming (9), in addition to Utah.
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In the Midwest, Minnesota and Iowa have three cases each, Missouri has two, while Illinois and Wisconsin both have one case each. Southeastern states Tennessee, with one case, and North Carolina, with three, are also under the CDC investigation. On the West Coast, aside from the spike of cases in Oregon, California has only three cases while Washington has one.
Recognizing Salmonella Infection
In their investigation notice, the CDC has released a list of symptoms people can look out for. Exposure to the bacteria can cause diarrhea and fever. Moreover, it can also cause stomach cramps that can last anywhere from six hours to six days.
In most people, salmonella infection usually lasts from four to seven days without the need for medical treatment. However, there are severe cases requiring hospitalization. This occurs in cases where the infection, often confined in the intestines, enters the bloodstream and is carried to other parts of the body. Children below five years old and adults over 65, as well as people with compromised immune systems, are at higher risk of having a severe infection.
To prevent risks of salmonella infection, the CDC advises the public to keep their hands and surfaces clean as well as proper food preparation. Fruits, vegetables, and deli meats should be separated from raw meat, seafood, and poultry products. The agency also reminded the public to cook foods following the safe minimum temperatures.
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