CDC Reports Two Connecticut Cases In Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Raw Oysters

CONNECTICUT — Two Connecticut residents are among at least 64 people nationwide who have been sickened with salmonella infections linked to the consumption of raw oysters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC said the illnesses have been reported in 21 states as of early Wednesday. Officials cautioned that the total number of cases is likely higher, as some people may not have sought medical care or been tested.

The agency did not disclose where the Connecticut residents live or where they consumed the oysters.

“CDC and FDA are working to determine if a common source of oysters can be identified,” the CDC said, noting that raw oysters can become contaminated with harmful bacteria at any time of year.
Additional cases have been reported in neighboring Massachusetts (3) and New York (7), the agency said.

The CDC also warned that recently reported illnesses may not yet appear in official counts, as it typically takes three to four weeks to determine whether a patient is part of a larger outbreak.

“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is also likely much higher than the number reported,” the CDC said.