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Multi-State Outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg Infections Linked to Foster Farms Poultry

According to a warning issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [1], a total of 634 people infected with 7 rare strains of Salmonella Heidelberg were identified in 29 states and Puerto Rico from March 1, 2013 to July 11, 2014. Nearly 40% of those sickened required hospitalization to treat their illness, and no deaths were reported.

Investigations performed by local, state, and federal health authorities have determined that Foster Farms chicken was the source of this outbreak. The strains of Salmonella Heidelberg in question were found to be resistant to antibiotic medications. The DNA fingerprints of the bacteria associated with this outbreak include the strain that was linked to a multi-state salmonella outbreak caused by Foster Farms poultry in 2012-2013.

Persons Infected by State

Of the 634 food poisoning illnesses, most of the cases (77%) were reported in California. The total number of illnesses in each state was as follows:

Alaska (1), Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), Arizona (25), California (490), Colorado (9), Connecticut (1), Delaware (1), Florida (4), Georgia (1), Hawaii (1), Idaho (5), Illinois (4), Kentucky (1), Louisiana (1), Michigan (4), Missouri (5), Montana (1), Nevada (11), New Mexico (2), North Carolina (1), Oregon (17), Tennessee (1), Texas (13), Utah (6), Virginia (4), Washington (20), West Virginia (1), and Wisconsin (1); one illness was reported from Puerto Rico.

Of the 528 victims for whom information was available, 200 (38%) required hospitalization. Approximately 15% of patients developed blood infections as a result of their illness.

What is Salmonella Heidelberg?

According to the CDC, Salmonella Heidelberg accounts for less than 4% of all confirmed salmonella cases in the U.S. annually. This makes Salmonella Heidelberg the 4th most commonly reported salmonella strain behind serotypes Typhimurium, Enteritidis, and Newport. Poultry and poultry products are the most common food associated with salmonella poisoning, but if conditions and food preparation equipment are unsanitary, any food can harbor the bacteria.

Signs of Food Poisoning

Symptoms of Salmonella Heidelberg may include:

• abdominal pain
• cramping
• tenderness
• chills
• diarrhea
• fever
• muscle pain
• nausea
• vomiting

Salmonella Food Poisoning Treatment

In most cases, symptoms of food poisoning resolve within a few days without medical treatment. Occasionally, hospitalization is required if symptoms are severe, or if complications develop. The following steps should be taken to treat salmonella food poisoning until symptoms ease:

• Drink plenty of fluids - The aim is to prevent dehydration, or to treat the condition if it has already developed. As a rough guide, drink at least 200 mls after each bout of diarrhea.
• Eat as normally as possible - It used to be advised to 'starve' for a while in order to treat salmonella food poisoning. However, now it is advised to eat small, light meals whenever possible. Let your appetite be your guide.
• Medications - Anti-diarrheal medicines are not usually necessary with most cases of salmonella food poisoning. However, you may wish to reduce the number of trips you make to the restroom. You can buy anti-diarrheal drugs at your local pharmacy. The safest and most effective is loperamide.

Related articles:

• Chicken Poisoning Litigation
• Chicken Nugget Poisoning Illness Litigation
• Chicken Salad Poisoning Illness Litigation
• Raeford Farms Chicken Breast Poisoning Litigation

Do I Have a Foster Farms Chicken Recall Lawsuit?

The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Foster Farms Chicken Recall Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new salmonella food poisoning cases in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one developed symptoms of food poisoning after eating Foster Farms chicken, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit and we can help.