CDC Investigation Notice Regarding Two Multistate Outbreaks of Salmonella Infections

A CDC investigation notice regarding two multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections has been posted: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/italian-style-meat-08-21/index.html

Key points:

• Thirty-six people have been reported sick from 17 states and 12 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
• Interviews with sick people show that the likely sources of both outbreaks are Italian-style meats, such as salami, prosciutto, and other meats that can be found in antipasto or charcuterie assortments.
• The true number of sick people is likely higher than the number reported, and the outbreaks may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.
• Investigators are working to identify specific contaminated brands and products and determine if the two outbreaks are linked to the same source.
• CDC is advising people at higher risk for severe Salmonella illness to heat all Italian-style meats to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot before eating. You are at higher risk for severe Salmonella illness if you are 65 years or older, or if you have a health condition or take medicines that lower your body’s ability to fight germs. Children younger than 5 years are also more likely to get very sick from Salmonella.

What You Should Do:

• If you are at higher risk for severe Salmonella illness, heat all Italian-style meats to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot before eating.
• Contact a healthcare provider if you have severe Salmonella symptoms.

About Salmonella:

• Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramping 6 hours to 6 days after eating contaminated food.
• The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment.
• In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other parts of the body.
• Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

If you have questions about cases in a particular state, please call that state’s health department.

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