Salmonella Outbreak Investigation Update

January 9, 2009. CDC is collaborating with public health officials in 42 states, the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to investigate an ongoing multi-state outbreak of human infections due to Salmonella serotype Typhimurium.

As of January 7, at least 388 persons have been infected with the outbreak strain. Most of the illnesses began between September 3, 2008–December 29, 2008. Eighteen percent report being hospitalized.

CDC and its public health partners are vigorously working to identify the specific contaminated food or foods that are causing this outbreak. This is an ongoing investigation and the potential source of this outbreak is unknown.

It is often difficult to identify sources of foodborne outbreaks. People may not remember the foods they recently ate and may not be aware of all of the ingredients in food. That’s what makes these types of investigations very difficult.

Previous outbreaks associated with Salmonella Typhimurium include poultry, produce, raw milk and cheese, and contact with animals like small turtles.

Because foods of animal origin may be contaminated with Salmonella, people should not eat raw or undercooked eggs, poultry or meat. Persons also should not consume raw or unpasteurized milk or other dairy products. Produce should be thoroughly washed.

Cross-contamination of foods should also be avoided. Uncooked meats should be kept separate from produce, cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods. Hands should be washed before handling food, and between handling different food items.

For more information on Salmonella Typhimurium, contact 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636), e-mail cdcinfo@cdc.gov or visit http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/.