USA: Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Heidelberg Infections Linked to Ground Turkey

Investigation Update - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

14 September 2011

A total of 119 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 32 states.

Collaborative investigative efforts of state, local, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicate that eating ground turkey is the likely source of this outbreak.

On September 11, 2011, the Arkansas firm recalled additional ground turkey products due to possible Salmonella contamination.

Contaminated ground turkey is being recalled from grocery stores but may still be in consumers' homes.

Consumers should check their homes for recalled ground turkey products and not eat them; restaurant and food service operators should not serve them.

The outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg is resistant to several commonly prescribed antibiotics; this antibiotic resistance may be associated with an increased risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals.

Source: Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Heidelberg Infections Linked to Ground Turkey
Author: CDC

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