A Salmonella outbreak has sickened six people in New Mexico, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. The agency is working with the City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department and the New Mexico Environment Department on an investigation of the outbreak the source of which is likely sushi containing raw fish.
“People at risk of severe illness associated with Salmonella paratyphi, including the elderly and very young and anyone who is immunocompromised, are urged to not consume any raw seafood product,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Retta Ward, MPH in a statement about the outbreak. “Anyone with nausea, diarrhea (with or without blood), abdominal cramping and fever, especially after recently eating raw fish, should seek medical attention. Healthcare providers are advised to get stool cultures from patients presenting with diarrhea and fever.”
The six people with confirmed cases of Salmonella paratyphi infections range in age from 23 to 68 years and reported onsets of illness from April 4 to May 1, 2015. Five of them live in Bernalillo County and one resides in Sandoval County. Five of the six people reported eating sushi containing raw fish.
“Federal agencies including the CDC and other states are also involved in the investigation following additional illnesses associated with the same Salmonella paratyphi strain in their respective jurisdictions,” the announcement stated.
One of those states may be California where an outbreak of Salmonella paratyphi was reported in April. That outbreak sickened 25 people.
Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning include nausea, abdominal cramping and diarrhea that can be bloody. Health officials urge anyone who develops these symptoms after eating raw tuna or sushi to see a health care provider and mention possible exposure.
