Science

4 Georgians sickened in multistate salmonella outbreak

April 5th, 2012

At least four Georgians have fallen ill as a result of a salmonella outbreak that is suspected of sickening people in 19 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are investigating the outbreak.

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black says investigators are examining several potential sources for the illnesses, but have yet to determine an official cause.

“We’re hopeful the tests will come back here pretty quickly, and once we know what the food source is we’ll be able to identify to consumers exactly what’s going on, and we’ll be able to communicate that to the public.”

In the meantime, Black says Georgians should be aware of any symptoms that could be linked to the outbreak.

“There are some symptoms that you need to be concerned with: stomach cramps, diarrhea. If they’re concerned they should seek medical attention immediately.”

Black says Georgians can monitor the situation by visiting the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Twitter page on food safety.

According to a memo distributed internally to FDA staff, the outbreak may be linked to sushi and has caused at least seven hospitalizations. But an FDA spokesman would not confirm or elaborate on the contents of the memo.

The CDC says 93 have been sickened by the outbreak. According to the CDC, among 51 ill persons for whom information is available, 69 percent reported consuming sushi, sashimi, or similar foods in the week before illness onset. The CDC says 10 people have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak.