An updated CDC investigation notice regarding a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to raw turkey products is now available: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/reading-07-18/index.html
Updates:
- Since the last update on July 19, 2018, 74 more ill people were reported, bringing the total to 164 ill people from 35 states.
- Sixty-three people have been hospitalized.
- One death was reported from California. Questions about the death should be directed to the California Department of Public Health.
- Illnesses in this outbreak started from November 20, 2017 to October 20, 2018.
- Epidemiologic and laboratory evidence indicates that raw turkey products from a variety of sources are contaminated with Salmonella Reading and are making people sick.
- The outbreak strain of Salmonella Reading has been identified in various raw turkey products, including ground turkey and turkey patties. The outbreak strain has also been found in raw turkey pet food and live turkeys, indicating it might be widespread in the turkey industry.
- A single, common supplier of raw turkey products or of live turkeys has not been identified.
- CDC and USDA-FSIS have shared this information with representatives from the turkey industry and asked about steps that they may be taking to reduce Salmonella contamination.
- This investigation is ongoing and CDC will provide more information as it becomes available.
Advice to consumers:
- Always handle raw turkey carefully and cook it thoroughly to prevent food poisoning.
- CDC is NOT advising that consumers avoid eating properly cooked turkey products, or that retailers stop selling raw turkey products.
- General ways you can prevent Salmonella infection include good handwashing and cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F. Thaw turkeys in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
- More prevention advice here: https://www.cdc.gov/features/turkeytime/index.html
- People get sick from Salmonella 12 to 72 hours after swallowing the germ and experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
- Most people recover within a week, but some illnesses can last longer and be more severe
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