Salmonella Outbreak Affecting Nearly Half of States

Facilities that handle food need to be vigilant as an outbreak of salmonella has affected 23 states, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As of late last week, 212 people have been infected, with 31 people hospitalized but no deaths reported. Oregon and Utah have reported the most infections, with 51 and 40, respectively. The outbreak was first reported on July 10 with 13 cases across three states. The outbreak is rapidly spreading however CDC authorities have not been able to identify a specific food item, grocery store, or restaurant chain as the source of infection.

Symptoms of salmonella include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache, and stomach cramps. Although most people recover from the illness, those with weakened immune systems, children under 5 years of age, and adults over 65 are more at risk of severe symptoms or even death.