The mystery Salmonella Newport outbreak sickens 212 in 23 states with 31 hospitalized, according to an update by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This outbreak is growing rapidly, with 87 new lab confirmed patients since the last update three days ago. And eight new states have been added to the case count: Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Maine, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Virginia.
The case count by state is: Arizona (13), California (10), Florida (1), Idaho (5), Illinois (9), Iowa (10), Maine (2), Michigan (15), Minnesota (3), Missouri (3), Montana (11), Nebraska (5), North Carolina (3), North Dakota (3), Ohio (5), Oregon (51), South Dakota (6), Tennessee (2), Utah (40), Virginia (3), Washington (1), Wisconsin (2), and Wyoming (9). The illness onset date range is from June 19, 2020 to July 11, 2020. The patient age range is from 0 to 92 years.
Of the 117 people who provided information about their condition, 31 have been hospitalized, for a hospitalization rate of 26%, which is a bit high for Salmonella outbreaks. The average hospitalization rate is 20%.
This outbreak was first identified on July 10, 2020, when 13 people sickened with Salmonella Newport infections three states were found. State and local public health officials are interviewing ill persons to discover what they ate and where they ate the week before they got sick.
So far, a specific food, grocery store, or restaurant chain hasn’t been identified as the outbreak source. The CDC is now advising that consumers avoid eating any specific foods. For now, protect yourself and your family by cooking food thoroughly to a safe final internal temperature using a food thermometer, avoid cross-contamination between raw meats and raw foods, and always chill food promptly after cooking.
When eating out, never order rare burgers or raw sprouts or undercooked eggs; those items have been linked to Salmonella outbreaks in the past. You may also want to look at restaurant reviews and inspection reports before you choose a place to eat.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include a fever, nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, stomach and abdominal cramps, and diarrhea that may be bloody. Symptoms usually start quickly, within 6 to 72 hours after infection. If you have been experiencing these symptoms, see your doctor. You may be part of this mystery Salmonella Newport outbreak.
And if you were diagnosed with this infection and you get a call from your health department, please answer their questions. You may be able to help solve this outbreak and prevent more illnesses.
If you or a loved one have been sickened with a Salmonella infection, please contact our experienced attorneys for help at 1-888-377-8900 or 612-338-0202.
