Salmonella epidemic related to raw turkey increases with 63 other diseases

Sixty-three other people were infected with salmonella-related raw turkey products during an outbreak that began in November 2017, the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday.

As of December 21, 279 cases of salmonella badociated with raw turkey had been reported in 41 states and in the District of Columbia. Among them, 107 people were hospitalized and one death was reported in California.

Sick people reported using many types and brands of raw turkey, and the CDC could not find the origin of the outbreak. He therefore goes ahead with the recalls and advises consumers to take precautions when they buy and eat raw turkey.

The agency offers a list of recalled turkey products related to this outbreak.

Non-typhoid salmonella is transmitted through the consumption of contaminated food and is often the cause of diarrhea in the United States and around the world. Another risk factor is the handling of pet reptiles, such as turtles.

Whenever raw meat is prepared, it must be thoroughly cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any organisms present. Anyone preparing raw meat should wash their hands thoroughly before and after.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture recommends not washing the turkey before preparation because of the risk of introducing bacteria into the raw meat juices.

The CDC also wants consumers to think about their animals throughout this epidemic and refrain from feeding their mates rough encounters because of a similar possibility of disease.

Symptoms of salmonella disease include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Stomach cramps can begin as early as 12 to 72 hours after exposure. Most people are sick for four to seven days and recover without treatment.

Diarrhea can become serious in case of electrolyte imbalance and dehydration of the body. The infection can also travel from the intestines to the bloodstream and cause a more widespread infection throughout the body.

People who may need special attention with regard to salmonella include children under 5, adults over 65 and those with weakened immune systems.