The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed more details this week regarding the multistate outbreak of multi-drug resistant Salmonella which has infected 338 people in 20 states and Puerto Rico. At this time no deaths have been reported, however 40% of all the people who have contracted the illness have required hospitalization. Approximately 75% of all the cases have occurred in California.
The CDC began investigating cases during the first week of October 2013 and quickly traced the source of the infection to three separate facilities belonging to the same company.
Federal, State and local officials in cooperation with the company worked diligently to contain the infection and figure out just how the contamination began. Several cases in California were linked to cross-contamination of rotisserie chicken from one particular chain of stores.
Several strains of Salmonella were found on the contaminated chicken across locations where illness occurred. Several patients who were stricken with the Salmonella infection also developed blood infections as a result of the exposure. While Salmonella can be commonly found on any raw chicken, the multi-drug resistant strains are rare.
Thoroughly washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after handling meat, as well as bleaching countertops and scrubbing cutting boards with hot soapy water, are all important steps to preventing contamination.
The CDC also recommends thoroughly cooking poultry to an internal temperature of 165˚ Fahrenheit (74˚ Celsius) and putting all leftovers into a refrigerator within two hours, or sooner if the air temperature is warm.
Salmonella infection typically occurs within 12 to 72 hours of initial exposure accompanied by fever, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Generally, people recover without treatment in approximately one week. The most susceptible people include the very young and the elderly along with anyone who suffers from a weakened immune system. Salmonella strains that are resistant to antibiotics can complicate treatment for patients and may necessitate hospitalization.
The CDC maintains an informative website that provides information for clinicians and other healthcare workers interested in any disease outbreak. Identifying the warning signs of Salmonella can lead to better diagnosis and quicker reporting of cases.
Diagnosing and responding effectively to emergent diseases demands that professionals work together across disciplinary boundaries. For instance, in this recent Salmonella outbreak, while clinicians confirmed illness, IT professionals combed patient grocery store member cards to help confirm the day the tainted chicken was purchased and then traced the source of the chicken back through the supply chain.
From health professionals who work directly with patients to IT professionals charged with collecting and storing health and illness-related data, top training across disciplines is vital to mitigating the effects of an emerging illness and mobilizing the knowledge necessary to reduce possible loss of lives.
References:
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/heidelberg-10-13
http://www.fosterfarms.com
