Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Turkey Sickens 12 In New York

NEW YORK, NY – A drug-resistant form of salmonella being spread via tainted turkey has now sickened 12 people in New York state, health officials said. The outbreak has been spreading for nearly a year and has so far killed one person in California.

Since July 19, 2018, 74 new cases have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control, taking the total to 164 since the first illness was recorded on November 20, 2017. It now affects 35 states and has hospitalized 63 people, the CDC said.

The center said the the bacteria has been found in raw turkey products including ground meat, patties and pet food. No single source has been found and the CDC believes it is widespread in the turkey industry.

The CDC is not advising consumers stop eating cooked turkey products. The agency is telling them to make sure meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees and to thaw frozen turkey in the refrigerator rather than on the counter.

Salmonella causes diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Most people recover within a week.

Read more about the outbreak here.

Photo by David Allen / Patch