The Food And Drug Administration is investigating a new outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium that has sickened more than 250 people.
The agency has initiated traceback efforts but has not revealed what foods or beverages are being traced.
As of Nov. 17 there were 264 confirmed patients, but the FDA has not reported the states of residence for the patients or their ages.
Other than the number of patients and the fact that traceback efforts have begun, the FDA has not reported any information about the outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not posted any information at all about the outbreak as of this afternoon.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.
(To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News,click here)
