Tomatoes eyed in salmonella cases
ATLANTA (AP) - June 3, 2008 Lab tests have confirmed 40 illnesses in Texas and New Mexico as
the same type of salmonella, right down to the genetic fingerprint.
An investigation by Texas and New Mexico health authorities and the
Indian Health Service tied those cases to uncooked, raw, large
tomatoes.
At least 17 people in Texas and New Mexico have been
hospitalized. None have died, according to the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention.
Another 30 people have become sick with the same Salmonella
Saintpaul infection in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Idaho,
Illinois and Indiana. CDC investigators are looking into whether
tomatoes were culprits there, too.
In Texas and New Mexico, raw large tomatoes - including Roma and
red round tomatoes - were found to be a common factor in the 40
illnesses. But no farm, distributor or grocery chain has been
identified as the main source, said Casey Barton Behravesh, a CDC
epidemiologist working on the investigation.
"The specific type and source of tomatoes is under
investigation," she said.
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that lives in the intestinal
tracts of humans and other animals. The bacteria are usually
transmitted to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal
feces.
Most infected people suffer fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps
starting 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness tends to last
four to seven days.
Many people recover without treatment. However, severe infection
and even death is possible. Infants, the elderly and people with
weakened immune systems are at greatest risk for severe infections.
In Texas and New Mexico, the patients ranged in age from ages 3
to 82. Of the 40, 38 were interviewed. Most said they ate raw
tomatoes from either stores or restaurants before becoming ill
between April 23 and May 27.
Another 17 cases are under investigation in New Mexico, CDC
officials said.
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On the Net:
The CDC: http://www.cdc.gov