Sixty-four people in 22 states have become ill with the same strain of Salmonella, according to a notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The outbreak has led to 20 hospitalizations, but no deaths have been reported so far.
Health officials are investigating the source of the infections. Interviews with those affected show that out of 27 people questioned, 20 said they had eaten raw oysters in the week before becoming sick. This suggests a possible link between raw oyster consumption and the current outbreak.
The CDC noted that people in this outbreak are being hospitalized at a higher rate than is typical for Salmonella outbreaks linked to oysters. The agency, along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is working to determine if there is a common supplier or source of contaminated oysters. At this time, no recall has been announced.
"Raw oysters can be contaminated with germs at any time of year. Cook them before eating to reduce your risk of food poisoning," stated CDC Media Relations. "Hot sauce and lemon juice do not kill germs. You cannot tell if oysters have germs by looking at them."
Salmonella infection usually causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within six hours to six days after exposure. Most cases resolve without treatment in four to seven days, but some can be severe enough to require hospitalization. Children under five years old, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience serious illness.
For further details on state-specific cases or media inquiries, individuals are encouraged to contact their local health department or submit questions through the CDC’s Request for Comment form.
The CDC continues its efforts in public health research and response across communities nationwide by providing timely information about disease outbreaks and promoting prevention measures.
