Connection to chicken in Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak under investigation

The Centers for Disease Control announced that since June 4, 2012, a total of 124 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 12 states.

The Centers for Disease Control announced that since June 4, 2012, a total of 124 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 12 states. Most of the ill persons have been reported from the states of Washington (56) and Oregon (38).

Among 97 persons with available information, 31 (32 percent) reported being hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Epidemiologic and traceback investigations conducted by officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies indicate that consumption of chicken is the most likely source of this outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections. Washington and Oregon have identified Foster Farms brand chicken as the most likely source of the infections in their states. Approximately 81 percent of ill persons interviewed report consuming chicken in the week before becoming ill. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific type and source of chicken that might be linked with illness.

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service is currently conducting an investigation to determine the source of infections in this outbreak. CDC and state and local public health partners are continuing laboratory surveillance through PulseNet to identify additional ill persons and to interview ill them about foods eaten before becoming ill.

Foster Farms did not issue a recall on any of its products, but in a statement said food safety and quality were its top priorities.

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