More Salmonella Illness Tied to Chicken, CDC Reports

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health officials are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections, the agency announced. 

Since June 4, 2012 a total of 124 people have been infected with the outbreak strain throughout 12 states. Most of the ill persons have been reported from two states; there have been 56 reported illnesses in Washington, and 28 in Oregon, CDC reports.

Among 124 persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from June 4, 2012, to January 6, 2013. Ill persons range in age from less than 1 year to 94 years, with a median age of 23 years. Fifty-five percent of ill persons are female. Among 97 persons with available information, 31 (32 percent) reported being hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. Ill persons continue to be reported at lower levels in the most recent months, which may represent a “winter lull” in Salmonella infections, according to CDC. 

Epidemiologic and traceback investigations conducted by officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies indicate that consumption of chicken is the most likely source of this outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections. Washington and Oregon have identified Foster Farms brand chicken as the most likely source of the infections in their states. Approximately 81 percent of ill persons interviewed report consuming chicken in the week before becoming ill. Investigations are ongoing to determine the specific type and source of chicken that might be linked with illness.

*n= 124 for whom information was reported as of February 13, 2013. Illnesses that occurred after January 6, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 3 weeks. Image courtesy of CDC.