Salmonella outbreak affecting 11 states, 3 hospitalizations linked to flour

(NEXSTAR) – A salmonella outbreak that has sickened people in 11 states updates the call from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Stop eating raw cookie dough.

agency Confirmed Last week, we began investigating the outbreak, noting that 12 illnesses have been reported. Three required hospitalization.

“The number of people actually getting sick in this outbreak is likely much higher than reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to states with known illness,” the CDC said. I’m warning you. these states California, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, and Virginia have reported one individual case of salmonella infection. Illinois has reported two cases of him.

CDC investigators say the illness was confirmed between early December 2022 and mid-February 2023.

Of the seven people state and local public health officials were able to talk to, six said they had eaten raw dough or batter in the week before they became ill. The only ingredient was wheat flour.

The CDC is currently trying to identify the specific brand of flour that is causing the disease.

“Although flour doesn’t look like raw food, most flour is raw,” the agency explains. “This means it has not been treated to kill the bacteria that cause food poisoning.”

These bacteria can include salmonella, which is killed when the flour is cooked or baked.

To avoid getting sick, the CDC not only avoids eating raw dough and batter, but also uses heat-treated flour, cleans surfaces and utensils that come in contact with raw flour, and cooks raw flour. We encourage you to keep it away from unhealthy foods.

Salmonella infections are commonly associated with diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, according to the CDC. Symptoms may appear 6 hours to 6 days after ingesting the bacteria. Most people recover within 4-7 days without treatment.

The illness can be more serious for young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Some may need treatment or hospitalization, the CDC explains.

Infections can only be diagnosed by laboratory examination of a person’s stool, body tissues, or body fluids.

Salmonella every year cause about 1.35 million illnesses and 420 dead. Other recent salmonella outbreaks include alfalfa sprouts, raw salmonand bearded dragon – All CDC investigations into these outbreaks have ended.

Eating raw dough or batter can also lead to E. coli infection. CDC I warn you.