Multistate Salmonella Outbreak

(2/02/2009) Two persons in Columbus have been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium.

While peanut butter and products containing peanut butter are being examined as likely sources for some of the cases in the current outbreak, it is important to remember that more than 1300 cases of salmonellosis are reported in Ohio each year, with many more cases going unreported.  Many foods can become contaminated with Salmonella. Therefore, safe food handling and preparation, and practicing good hygiene remain the most effective ways to prevent the infection. 

Salmonellosis is an infection with bacteria called Salmonella. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment.

What can you do to prevent salmonellosis?

• Cook poultry, ground beef, and eggs thoroughly. Do not eat or drink foods containing raw eggs, or raw (unpasteurized) milk.
• If you are served under-cooked meat, poultry or eggs in a restaurant, don't hesitate to send it back to the kitchen for further cooking.
• Wash hands, kitchen work surfaces, and utensils with soap and water immediately after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry.
• Be particularly careful with foods prepared for infants, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system.
• Wash hands with soap after handling reptiles, birds, including baby chicks, and after contact with pet feces.
• Avoid direct or even indirect contact between reptiles (turtles, iguanas, other lizards, snakes) and infants or those with a compromised immune system.
• Don't work with raw poultry or meat and an infant (e.g., feeding, changing a diaper) at the same time.
• Mother's milk is the safest food for young infants. Breastfeeding prevents salmonellosis and many other health problems.

More information about the current salmonella outbreak can be found on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/ and the FDA website:  http://www.fda.gov/   Please visit the ODH website at http://www.odh.ohio.gov/ on a regular basis to keep up-to-date on Ohio’s progress.