Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Infantis Infections Linked to Raw Chicken Products

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on October 17, 2018, that along with public health and regulatory officials in several states, they are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Infantis infections linked to raw chicken products.

The CDC reported that as of October 15, 2018, 92 people were infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis across 29 states. Twenty-one of those sickened required hospitalization. Illness onset dates ranged from January 19, 2018, to September 9, 2018.

Salmonella Infantis Outbreak Investigation

During public health interviews, outbreak victims reported eating different types and brands of chicken products purchased from many different locations. The outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis was isolated from samples taken from raw chicken products, raw chicken pet food, and live chickens. Public health officials concluded that many types of raw chicken products from multiple sources are contaminated with Salmonella Infantis and are making people sick. A single, common supplier of raw chicken products or of live chickens has not been identified.

Antibiotic resistance testing conducted by CDC on Salmonella bacteria isolated from ill people showed that the outbreak strain is resistant to multiple antibiotics.

The CDC advises you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from food poisoning by washing your hands; cleaning surfaces and utensils; avoiding cross contamination of food; cooking foods to the right temperature; and properly refridgerating foods.

About Salmonella

Salmonella is a bacterium capable of causing a serious and sometimes life-threatening infection known as salmonellosis. One of the most common foodborne illnesses, it can occur when food contaminated by Salmonella is consumed. Symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning may include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and joint pain. Symptoms usually appear within 6 to 72 hours after eating a Salmonella contaminated food.

In some cases the diarrhea and other symptoms may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body. In rare cases, Salmonella infection can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. Children, adults older than 65 years of age, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to suffer severe illness.

Salmonella Food Poisoning Diagnosis

If you suspect that you have contracted Salmonella or are experiencing food poisoning symptoms, contact your doctor. He or she can order a stool culture to confirm SalmonellaContact The Weinberg Law Firm For a Free Salmonella Lawsuit Case Evaluation

The Weinberg Law Firm represents victims of Salmonella food poisoning outbreaks nationwide. If you or a loved one are diagnosed with salmonellosis, are awaiting medical confirmation of infection, or have a question regarding your legal rights, you can request a free legal case evaluation by calling our law firm toll free at 1-877-934-6274. Our phones are answered 24/7. You can also submit the easy-to–use free legal case evaluation form found on this page.