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Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg Infections Linked to Chicken (Final Update)

Posted July 10, 2013 05:00 PM ET

This outbreak appears to be over. However, Salmonella is an important cause of human illness in the United States. More information about Salmonella, and steps people can take to reduce their risk of infection, can be found on the CDC Salmonella Web Page.

Highlights

  • Read the Advice to Consumers »
  • A total of 134 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg were reported from 13 states.
    • 31% of ill persons were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported.
    • Most of the ill persons were reported from two states, Oregon (40) and Washington (57).
  • Collaborative investigative efforts of local, state, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicated that Foster Farms brand chicken was the most likely source of this outbreak.
    • Testing conducted by the Washington State Public Health Laboratories identified the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg in four intact samples of chicken collected from three ill persons’ homes in Washington, which were traced back to two Foster Farms slaughter establishments.
  • The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) completed an investigation to determine the source of infections in this outbreak. As part of this investigation,
    • As part of this investigation, USDA-FSIS sent an incident investigation team to one Foster Farms slaughter establishment. The results of the investigation are being finalized.
  • The current outbreak appears to be over as the number of reported infections has returned to baseline levels. However, it is not unusual for raw poultry from any producer to have Salmonella. It is important for consumers to follow food safety tips when handling raw poultry to help protect themselves and others from foodborne illness.
  • Additional information about this outbreak investigation may be found in the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Outbreak Summary