Salmonella outbreak linked to Italian meats found in 17 states

Having salmonella in your charcuterie board isn’t cute.

A salmonella epidemic is currently sweeping the country when it comes to Italian meats. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating the case after 36 people in 17 states fell ill.

“Until we identify which Italian-style meats make people sick, heat all Italian-style meats to an internal temperature of 165 ° F or until warm before eating if you are more at risk, ”the CDC advised.

“Italian-style meats include salami, prosciutto and other meats that are often found in antipasti or cold cuts. Heating food to a high enough temperature helps kill germs like salmonella, ”the press release continued.

The CDC explained that people 65 and older are most at risk, as well as children 5 and under.

Twelve of the 36 infected people had to be hospitalized, the CDC said. Symptoms of the disease include dizziness on standing, dehydration, bloody diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. While symptoms typically begin six hours after ingesting the bacteria, many people recover after four to seven days without needing medical treatment.

Last May, the CDC warned poultry farmers to stop hugging their chickens because it led to a salmonella outbreak. The center found that 163 people were sick in 43 states. No chicken potters have died, although a third of those sick were children under the age of 5.

“Don’t kiss or snuggle up backyard poultry, and don’t eat or drink around them,” the CDC explained at the time. “It can spread Salmonella germs in your mouth and make you sick.”