ATLANTA – One person died due to the multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to raw turkey products according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Nov. 9.
The agency said the outbreak started on Nov. 20, 2017, and caused 164 people to become ill in 35 states. Sixty-three people have been hospitalized.
A single, common supplier of raw turkey products or of live turkeys has not been identified.
“The outbreak strain of Salmonella Reading has been identified in various raw turkey products, including ground turkey and turkey patties,” the CDC said. “The outbreak strain has also been found in raw turkey pet food and live turkeys, indicating it might be widespread in the turkey industry.”
The investigation by the CDC has found the bacteria responsible for the outbreak at 22 slaughterhouses and seven turkey processing facilities.
The CDC encouraged proper handling of raw turkey, which includes handwashing and thorough cooking. Consumers also are advised to thoroughly clean counters, cutting boards and utensils after they touch raw turkey. Finally, CDC does not recommend feeding raw diets to pets.
The agency also looked into a Salmonella outbreak in raw chicken products in October. The agency found that of the 92 case patients, 21 have been hospitalized, the Atlanta-based Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention reported. However, no deaths have been reported.
