Salmonella outbreak in 17 states linked to Italian-style meats, CDC says

A pair of salmonella outbreaks linked to Italian-style meats have sickened 36 people across 17 states since May, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is working to determine their sources.

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No deaths linked to the outbreaks have been reported, but 12 of the 36 confirmed cases required hospitalization, Today reported.

People affected by both outbreaks reported eating salami, prosciutto and other meats found in antipasto or charcuterie assortments, but investigators have not yet determined which specific products are contaminated or if the outbreaks are linked to the same food source, the CDC stated in a Tuesday news release.

According to the agency, Arizona, California and Illinois have each reported between four and seven cases; Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas and Washington have each reported between two and three cases; and Colorado, Indiana, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin have each reported one case.

To date, the larger of the two outbreaks has sickened 23 people with Salmonella Typhimurium infections across 14 states. Those sickened fell ill between May 30 and July 27 and ranged in age from 4 to 91, with nine requiring hospitalizations. Meanwhile, 13 people ranging in age from 1 to 74 were diagnosed with Salmonella Infantis infections across seven states between May 9 and June 24, requiring three hospitalizations, the CDC confirmed.

The CDC recommends heating all Italian-style meats to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until steaming hot before eating if you are at a higher risk of severe illness, including people 65 and over, children under 5 and those who are immunocompromised, Today reported.

Severe salmonella symptoms include diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees, diarrhea for more than three days, bloody diarrhea, excessive vomiting and signs of dehydration, the CDC stated.

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