Sixty-four people in 22 states have been infected with the same strain of Salmonella, according to a notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of those affected, 20 individuals have required hospitalization. No deaths have been reported so far.
The CDC reports that the rate of hospitalization in this outbreak is higher than what is typically seen in Salmonella outbreaks linked to oysters. State and local health officials are interviewing patients about their food consumption prior to illness. Among the 27 people interviewed, 74% said they had eaten raw oysters before becoming sick.
The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are working together to determine if there is a common source for the oysters involved in this outbreak. At this time, no recall has been issued.
Health authorities emphasize that raw oysters can be contaminated with germs throughout the year. They advise consumers to cook oysters thoroughly before eating them as hot sauce and lemon juice do not eliminate harmful bacteria. It is also not possible to identify contaminated oysters by appearance alone.
Salmonella infection symptoms generally appear six hours to six days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. The illness usually lasts between four and seven days, with most people recovering without medical treatment. However, some cases can become severe enough to require hospitalization, particularly among children under five years old, adults over 65, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
For more information about the ongoing investigation or details on cases within specific states, individuals are encouraged to contact their state health department or visit https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/oysters-12-25/index.html.
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