By Robert Preidt
HealthDay reporter
TUESDAY, Aug 24, 2021 (HealthDay News) – Two salmonella outbreaks that appear to be related to salami and other Italian-style meats have killed at least 36 people in at least 36 people, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Sicked 17 states.
Twelve people were hospitalized. No deaths were reported.
Because some people recover from salmonella without medical care and are not tested, the CDC suspects that the actual numbers are higher than reported and that outbreaks may not be restricted to states with known diseases.
The CDC said interviews with sick people suggest that the likely sources for both reported outbreaks are Italian-style cold cuts such as salami, prosciutto, and other meats in antipasti or cold, cooked meats.
Investigators are trying to identify tainted brands and products and determine if the two outbreaks are linked to the same source, the CDC said.
Serious illnesses are more common in children under 5 years of age, adults over 65 years of age, and people with weakened immune systems. The CDC urged people in these groups to heat all Italian-style meats to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or until steaming hot before eating.
In most people, salmonella infection causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps between six hours and six days after consuming contaminated food. Symptoms usually last four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment, the CDC said.
However, some may get so sick that they have to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection can spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other parts of the body.
See a doctor if you have severe symptoms, the CDC advised. For answers to questions about cases in a particular state, call that state’s health department.
More information
The US Food Safety and Inspection Service has more about salmonella.
SOURCE: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, news release, Aug. 24, 2021
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