Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak Still a Mystery

What has caused at least 93 people in 19 states plus Washington, D.C. to become infected with Salmonella Bareilly, an unusual type of salmonella?   At this point, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is not sure, but it has a watchful eye on one suspect and is continuing to investigate.

Many of the victims reported consuming sushi, sashimi, or other raw fish within a few days of the onset of symptoms.  In an FDA internal memo that was inadvertently leaked, spicy tuna roll sushi was mentioned as the probable source of contamination.  But which ingredient of the tuna roll might be the culprit--the tuna itself, a spice, or some other ingredient in the tuna rolls?  Some restaurants use pre-packaged tuna to make their sushi, so it is possible for contaminated raw tuna from one location to wind up in many states. 

So far, this outbreak has caused 10 hospitalizations and no deaths.  But the 93 reported salmonella cases are probably just the tip of the iceberg.  According to Jaydee Hanson (from the Center for Food Safety), speaking on a Washington Post Local video, for every reported case in an outbreak, there are usually 30 unreported ones, so the actual number of illnesses from this outbreak could be over 2,000.  Also, there is likely to be a 30-day lag between the onset of illness and the date a case is reported to health officials. 

The search for the source of the contamination is ongoing.  Fox News reports, "The FDA is now studying menu items, suppliers and ingredients to trace the source of the outbreak."  In addition, patients are being interviewed about their diet 1-3 days prior to the onset of symptoms.

The outbreak has mostly affected residents of the eastern states, but cases have occurred as far west as Missouri and even Texas.  Among the19 states are New York (with the largest number of cases), Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maryland, Georgia, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Cases were first reported on January 28; the latest reports (so far) were on April 2. 

The symptoms of salmonella are diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps beginning 12-72 hours after eating the contaminated food.  Symptoms usually last 4-7 days.  Most people recover without medical treatment, but severe cases may require antibiotics.

Source(s):

Boston Globe.com "Is sushi connected to Salmonella outbreak in Mass. and elsewhere?"

http://bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2012/04/05/sushi-connected-salmonella-outbreak-mass-and-elsewhere/U9FQyo9sQ6R54bJuHOZwFK/story.html

Foxnews.com “Sushi linked to salmonella outbreak affecting 19 states"

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/04/04/sushi-linked-to-salmonella-outbreak-affecting-1-states/

huffingtonpost.com "Spicy Tuna Roll Salmonella: Sushi the Likely Culprit in 19-State Salmonella Outbreak"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/04/spicy-tuna-roll salmonella_n_1403170.html?ref=food&ncid=edlinkusaolp00000008

washingtonpost.com “Government investigates sushi in salmonella outbreak"

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/govt-investigates-sushi-in-salmonella-outbreak-148/2012/04/04/gIQA0oV1vS_video.html 

abclocal.go.com “CDC: Salmonella outbreak may be linked to sushi"

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/consumer&id=8608647

Chicago Tribune “Illinoisans among salmonella victims” April 5, 2012.