Although state and federal health officials have been collaborating since January on an investigation of a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Bareilly that has sickened at least 93 people in 19 states and the District of Columbia, they have yet to determine the source, according to a statement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today. At least 10 people have been hospitalized. No fatalities have been reported.
The investigation, which began January 28, 2012 is ongoing. Investigators are trying to identify the source of the outbreak and if it is foodborne. State health officials continue to interview those who became ill to learn which foods and other exposures they might have had in the week prior to the onset of illness. During initial interviews, many people reported having eaten sushi, sashimi, or other foods made from raw fish from a number of locations in the week before becoming ill.
Salmonella Bareilly is an unusual serotype of Salmonella, according to the CDC. Investigators used DNA “fingerprints” of the bacteria to identify cases that may be part of this outbreak.
The number of confirmed cases by state 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), and Wisconsin (8).
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps which usually set in six to 72 hours after infection and last four to seven days. In some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that hospitalization is required. Cases where the infection spreads to the bloodstream can be fatal if untreated.
In a statement released today, the CDC assured consumers that they will be kept informed of developments in the investigation.
“Consumers can be reassured that FDA and CDC are working vigorously on this investigation and will provide updates as soon as they are available. If a specific food source is identified for this outbreak, public health officials will alert the public and take further steps to prevent additional illnesses.”
Image courtesy of the CDC
