Federal officials are still looking for the cause of an outbreak of Salmonella Thompson infections.
According to an update from the Food and Drug Administration, the outbreak continues to grow, with 67 patients having been confirmed so far.
The FDA first reported the outbreak on Oct. 4 but has not reported where the outbreak patients live.
Investigators have begun traceback efforts, but the FDA is not reporting what food or foods are being traced. The agency has not yet begun sample collection or on-site inspections.
There has been at least one recent Salmonella infection in a South Carolina resident, but it is unknown if the patient is part of the FDA’s current investigation. Recently, at least five Salmonella outbreaks have been linked to cantaloupe, including one this year.
A spokesperson with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention told Food Safety News that the agency is not currently investigating Salmonella infections involving South Carolina residents and cantaloupe.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. According to the CDC, infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.
Anyone who has developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about their 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 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.
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