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Salmonella outbreak grows to 29 states as CDC continues to try to find food source

Patriot-News - 9/27/2021

An outbreak of salmonella has grown to 29 states as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to try to identify the source.

The CDC identified 20 cases on Sept. 2 and said that since then, “the outbreak has grown rapidly.”

As of Sept. 21, 2021, 279 people infected with the outbreak strain of salmonella oranienburg have been reported from 29 states. Illnesses started on dates ranging from Aug. 3, 2021, to September 13, 2021.

Most of the cases have been reported in Texas. Pennsylvania is in the 1 to 4 cases range. But, the CDC cautioned that, “The true number of sick people in an outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses.

This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”

The CDC said that salmonella symptoms can begin to occur between 6 hours and 6 days from the time the contaminated food is eaten.

The CDC said state and local officials have been collecting and testing food from some of the restaurants where sick people ate.

“The outbreak strain of salmonella oranienburg was found in a sample taken from a takeout condiment cup containing cilantro and lime. The sick person reported that the condiment container also contained onions, but none were left in the cup when it was tested.

Because multiple food items were present in the container and in the sample that was tested, it is not possible to know which food item was contaminated. We are using this information in conjunction with other available information to help narrow the list of possible foods linked to illness.”

Symptoms of illness caused by salmonella bacteria include diarrhea, fever, dehydration and abdominal cramps.

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