Salmonella Outbreak Tied To Raw Turkey Could Be Widespread In Industry: CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), along with public health and regulatory officials, are investigating a multistate outbreak of salmonella linked to raw turkey products.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) is monitoring the outbreak that has been reported in over 26 states. Ninety cases of the outbreak have been reported with over 40 people being hospitalized for it. No deaths have been reported yet.

The CDC, on the basis of epidemiologic and laboratory evidence, said raw turkey products from various sources from around the country are contaminated with salmonella. This was one of the reasons why people were falling ill.

Infected people, in interviews with the health officials, reported they ate different types and brands of turkey products bought from different locations. Two people said they lived in a household where raw turkey meat pet food were bought for their pets.

The CDC reported since the outbreak strain was identified in samples taken from raw turkey pet food, raw turkey products, and live turkeys as well, they have not identified a single, common supplier of raw turkeys or live turkeys that could be linked with the outbreak.

As a conclusion, CDC said since Salmonella Readings are present in a wide variety of products, it might be widespread in the turkey industry as well. The CDC and USDA-FSIS shared the information with representatives from the turkey industry as well, the former agency reported. They also asked them about steps the industry may be able to take to reduce the spread of salmonella.

The salmonella outbreak, which began almost eight months ago when the first case of the illness was reported Nov 20, 2017, has affected people in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin, reported the Time.

The highest totals were found in Texas, Minnesota, Illinois and New York with 38, reported Komo News. Reports stated in Minnesota, 13 people ranging from 1 to 91 in age were reported having salmonella, making it the most affected state. The latest case of the illness was reported June 29.

According to CDC data, 61 percent of people with salmonella said they prepared or ate raw turkey products including ground form of the meat.

The CDC has also put out advice to consumers and retailers of turkey. Raw turkey should be handled carefully, and always thoroughly cooked before consumption to avoid food poisoning. For turkey and other raw meats, use a separate cutting board and thoroughly wash it along with the utensils used in warm, soapy water after.

People should wash their hands before and after preparing or eating food, touching animals, changing diapers and after using the restroom. The CDC also discouraged raw pet foods for animals as it can make both the pet and the owner sick.

The CDC also made it clear that as of now, they are not advising consumers to avoid eating properly cooked turkey, or that turkey should not be sold by retailers.

Common symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps that can go on for up to 12 to 72 hours after the bacteria exposure. Sometimes the symptoms can be extremely severe and lead to hospitalization. The infection spreads to the bloodstream from the intestines, infecting other places in the body. It can even lead to death without prompt treatment with antibiotics in rare cases. But generally, the illness usually lasts for about four to seven days. Most people recover even without treatment.

People above the age of 65, children below five and people with weak immune systems were more likely to have severe reaction to the illness, according to commercial radio WHIO.