26 U.S. States Report Cases of Salmonella Linked To Raw Turkey - How To Stay Safe

Aug 01, 2018

An investigation is being conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention on an outbreak of salmonella infections that are multi-drug resistant. This investigation has linked the infection to the consumption of raw turkey. The strain of Salmonella called Salmonella reading is linked to swine and poultry such as turkey. You could also contract it from poultry and swine products.

The salmonella nationwide outbreak in 2016 was linked to alfalfa sprouts. Like in 2016, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued serious warnings on the recent cases of salmonella reading. The CDC has urged citizens to be extra careful when handling raw turkey products.

So far, the states that have been impacted by the infection include Colorado, California, Alaska, Georgia, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Michigan, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, North Carolina, Oregon, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Texas and Virginia. New York, Texas, Minnesota, and Illinois have the largest number of cases that have been reported with eight, eight, nine and thirteen confirmed cases respectively. Ninety people have fallen ill after consuming ground turkey products.

According to the CDC, forty of them have been hospitalized. No deaths have, however, been linked to the outbreak so far.

No specific manufacturer or farm has been linked to the outbreak. There are currently no recalls in the facility. The CDC is, however, urging you to exercise extra caution and awareness when coming into contact with raw meat.

You will need to take precautionary measures when preparing your turkey like making sure you wash your hands after touching the meat and making sure when heating it, an internal temperature of 165 F is achieved to kill the harmful bacteria.

The CDC made an announcement saying that your family can contract the disease not only by handling raw food, but also by taking care of your pet. This is because salmonella bacteria can also make your pet sick.

You are required to see your physician immediately when you experience symptoms of salmonella poisoning.

These symptoms include: 

Fever 

Diarrhea 

Stomach cramps 

Consumers that have been infected with salmonella can, in many cases, recover with no treatment. It is however very important that you stay safe since some cases are fatal. The CDC insists on extreme caution particularly if you or someone close to you is part of the vulnerable residents.

The people considered vulnerable are those under five years old, over sixty-five years old or have a weak immune system due to chronic infections like diabetes.

It is important to get more people in the know-how given the heightening situation. You could play a role in protecting your fellow citizens, particularly those in the states that have been listed above. Make sure you pass this information on to your loved ones.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!