A multistate salmonella outbreak, likely from ground beef, has resulted in at least 10 people getting sick, including three in Colorado, and one person’s death in California, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The illnesses were reported between Aug. 8 and Sept. 22 in Colorado, California, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Eight of nine people were hospitalized, the CDC said in its investigation notice released Friday. All of those who reported illnesses were adults, between the ages of 48 to 74.
Symptoms in those who have been infected with salmonella can include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, and though the illness typically lasts four to seven days, it can become severe enough to spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and other places in a person’s body, according to the CDC. Young children under 5, adults older 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible.
The agency said that it has not connected the outbreak to one ground beef supplier, and the investigation by the CDC, public health and regulatory officials in states affected and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service is ongoing.
People who reported illnesses ate different brands of ground beef from various locations, according to the CDC. Other people may have been infected but have not yet reported the illnesses.
Investigators identified the outbreak strain, Salmonella Dublin, from lab testing of repackaged leftover ground beef taken from the home of a person who got sick in California.
“Typically, Salmonella Dublin illnesses are more severe because they can cause bloodstream infections, which are serious and require hospitalization,” the CDC stated.
The CDC isn’t asking people to stop eating fully cooked ground beef and isn’t recommending any ground beef be taken off grocery store shelves, according to the notice.
However, officials caution that anyone handling ground beef cook it carefully and thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit and advise against eating raw or undercooked ground beef. Anyone who touches raw ground beef should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as well as wash anything else that touched the ground beef with hot water and soap.
“This outbreak is a reminder that raw and undercooked ground beef can have germs in it that can make you sick and can contaminate areas where food is prepared,” the CDC said.
For more information, go to https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/dublin-11-19/index.html.
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