Washingtonians Sickened In Salmonella Outbreaks

SEATTLE — Two Washingtonians are among the dozens of people who have been sickened by a recent pair of Salmonella outbreaks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreaks have sickened 36 people across 17 states, and put 12 of those patients in the hospital.

The CDC cautions that the true number of patients may be much higher, as it can take up to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak, and many patients may recover without medical care or without being tested for Salmonella.

Investigators have linked the outbreaks to Italian-style meats, like salami, prosciutto and other meats that can be found in charcuterie assortments. The CDC says they have not identified any specifically contaminated products, and as a result are warning everyone to be cautious.

Until doctors can identify the source of the sicknesses, the CDC recommends cooking any and all Italian-style meats to at least 165°F before eating them. Or, if that doesn't sound appealing, consider cutting out salami, prosciutto or other Italian meats for the time being.

Salmonella can cause a number of serious symptoms. Call your doctor if you suffer from any of the following:

• Diarrhea
  • Diarrhea that is bloody, or last for several days without subsiding is also possible.
• High fever above 102°F
• Vomiting
• Signs of dehydration.
  • That includes not urinating as much, a dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing.

Most people who are infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps within six hours and six days after eating contaminated food. Most also recover without treatment in 4 to 7 days, but the disease can be deadly for children under 5, adults 65 and older, or people with weakened immune systems.

>> Learn more about the outbreak from the Centers for Disease Control.