Massive Investigation of Salmonella Outbreak Includes State, Federal and Local Authorities
State, local and federal health officials are collaborating on an investigation of the Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak linked to ground turkey that has sickened 111 people in 31 states.
The outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg is resistant to several commonly prescribed antibiotics, which may increase the risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals.
Investigators are using DNA “fingerprints” of Salmonella bacteria to identify ill people who may be part of this outbreak. Between February 27 and August 9, 2011, 111 cases of Salmonella Heidelberg from the outbreak strain have been reported and one person has died.
Most people infected with Salmonella bacteria develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. In some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In this outbreak, a large percentage of people have been hospitalized, 37% (27 people). This may be because the Salmonella Heidelberg strain involved in this outbreak is resistant to antibiotics. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
In response to this outbreak, Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation in Springdale, Arkansas, has recalled 36 million pounds of ground turkey products thought to be contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg. Investigators are concerned that some consumers may have the tainted product in their home freezers. The products subject to ground turkey recall all bear the establishment number "P-963" inside the USDA mark of inspection.
