The CDC reports today that the outbreak investigation has expanded to include another strain of Salmonella. Sixty-four more ill people from 15 states were added to this investigation since the last update on July 21, 2017. Six more states have reported ill people: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin Laboratory tests showed that the strain of Salmonella Thompson isolated from papayas collected in Maryland is closely related genetically to clinical isolates from ill people. FDA tested…

WHAT IS SALMONELLA? It has long been said that, in 1885, pioneering American veterinary scientist, Daniel E. Salmon, discovered the first strain of Salmonella. Actually, though, Theobald Smith, research-assistant to Dr. Salmon, discovered the first strain of Salmonella—Salmonella cholerae suis. But, being in charge, Dr. Salmon received all of the credit. Today, the number of known serotypes of Salmonella bacteria totals over two thousand. Concerns have been raised in recent years, as particular strains of…

Seattle-King County Public Health Friday announced it is investigating a salmonellosis outbreak caused by Salmonella Stanley, an uncommon strain of Salmonella bacteria. Six persons infected with Salmonella Stanley were reported to Public Health during July 17–July 24. On July 26-27, genetic fingerprinting results for four of the six cases became available, and all had the same genetic fingerprint, suggesting that they have some common source of infection; genetic fingerprinting for the other two cases is pending. This…

The CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Kiambu infections.As of July 21, 2017, 47 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Kiambu have been reported from 12 states. Illnesses in Iowa, 1, Kentucky, 1, Louisiana, 1, Maryland, 5, Massachusetts, 1, Minnesota, 1, New Jersey, 12, New York, 13, Pennsylvania, 4, Texas, 1, Utah, 1 and Virginia, 6. WGS showed that isolates from people infected with Salmonella Kiambu are closely related genetically. This close genetic relationship means that people in this outbreak are more likely to share…

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the New Haven Health Department (NHHD) are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella infections involving patrons of Cilantro Fresh Mexican Grill, a restaurant at 1158 Whalley Ave. in New Haven, Connecticut.  Cilantro’s owner is cooperating with public health officials and has voluntarily closed the restaurant while the investigation is conducted. What should people do if they ate at the restaurant during June and feel sick? Patrons who dined…

Clark County health officials are still trying to determine the source of a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 113. Clark County Public Health reports 38 confirmed and 75 probable cases of salmonella as of Thursday afternoon, but the calls continue to trickle in as people hear about the outbreak. Most of the Salmonella cases tied to the restaurant are among adult customers; five food handlers were also sickened. Eight people with Salmonella have…

Clark County Public Health today lifted the closure order for On the Border restaurant, located at 1505 SE 164th Ave. in Vancouver. The restaurant was closed on October 9 to prevent the spread of salmonella following reports of salmonella cases among restaurant patrons. “We believe there is no longer a risk of salmonella transmission to the public,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County Health Officer. “All restaurant surfaces and equipment have been inspected, cleaned and…