Drug-Resistant Salmonella Outbreak From Raw Turkey Hits Illinois

ILLINOIS — A salmonella outbreak linked to turkey has sickened 90 people in 26 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The "multidrug-resistant" strain of salmonella has sickened nine people in Illinois.

According to the CDC, a total of 40 people have been hospitalized in the outbreak but no deaths have been reported.

The outbreak has also sickened people in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The CDC says they have found evidence that indicates raw turkey products from a variety of sources are contaminated with salmonella. Ill people have reported eating different types and brands of turkey products from many different locations, the CDC says. Two ill people live in the same household where where raw turkey pet food was given to animals.

A single supplier or raw or live turkeys has not been identified but officials said the outbreak strain has been identified in samples taken from raw turkey pet food, raw turkey products and live turkeys.

No recall has been issued as a result of the outbreak.

The CDC says the strain of salmonella related to the outbreak may be widespread in the turkey industry.

These tips can help prevent the spread of salmonella, the CDC says:

• Wash your hands. Salmonella infections can spread from one person to another. Wash hands before and after preparing or eating food, after contact with animals, and after using the restroom or changing diapers.
• Cook raw turkey thoroughly to kill harmful germs. Turkey breasts, whole turkeys, and ground poultry, including turkey burgers, casseroles, and sausage, should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill harmful germs. Leftovers should be reheated to 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check, and place it in the thickest part of the food.
• Don’t spread germs from raw turkey around food preparation areas. Washing raw poultry before cooking is not recommended. Germs in raw poultry juices can spread to other areas and foods. Thoroughly wash hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils with warm, soapy water after they touch raw turkey. Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey and other raw meats if possible.
• CDC does not recommend feeding raw diets to pets. Germs like Salmonella in raw pet food can make your pets sick. Your family also can get sick by handling the raw food or by taking care of your pet.

You can read more about the outbreak from the CDC here.

Photo via Shutterstock

Feroze Dhanoa, Patch National Staff, contributed to this report.