On October 17, the CDC announced an investigation into a Salmonella Infantis outbreak linked to raw chicken. To date there are 92 culture confirmed cases across Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. Of the 92 people sickened, 21 have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
The outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis was identified in raw chicken pet food, raw chicken products from 58 slaughter and processing establishments, and from live chickens. This leads officials to believe that people were sickened from handling or eating raw or undercooked chicken.
Symptoms of Salmonella include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Fever of 100-102 F
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Body aches
Symptoms typically appear 6-72 hours after eating contaminated food and last for 3-7 days without treatment. If you or a family member experienced symptoms, contact your local health department.