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CDC: ‘Rapidly growing’ Salmonella outbreak reported in 23 states; source of infections still unknown

The New York Daily News - 7/25/2020

A Salmonella outbreak has spread to nearly a dozen states, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The source of infections is still unknown.

In a statement released Friday, the CDC said that there are now 212 reported cases found in 23 states -- which represents a nearly 70% jump in new cases from the last outbreak update, on July 21, when 125 people were infected.

Infections were also seen in eight states that hadn’t seen any cases yet: Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Maine, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Virginia.

Since the source of infections hasn’t been identified, no advisory has been issued.

“CDC is not recommending that consumers avoid any particular food at this time. Restaurants and retailers are not advised to avoid serving or selling any particular food,” the statement read.

Additional information will be released “as it becomes available.”

The agency says that symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps; and people typically get sick six hours to six days after being exposed.

Most people recover from Salmonella infection in four to seven days, without the need for antibiotics, though young children (up to age 5), older adults (65-plus), as well as people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Hospitalizations are needed for the more severe cases.

As of Friday afternoon, 31 people had to be treated at a hospital, according to the CDC. No deaths have been reported.

Utah and Oregon are the states that have been hit the hardest, according to a CDC map.

The agency is urging people who have any symptoms to speak with a health care provider and to contact local health officials.

“If you receive a call from your health department, please answer their questions about your illness and the foods you ate before you got sick. This information is vital for public health officials to identify the source of this outbreak and to take steps to prevent additional illnesses,” the agency said.

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