United States: CDC tracks five active foodborne outbreaks, with oysters, raw milk cheese and sprouts among the recalled products

United States — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking five active multistate foodborne outbreaks, with 168 reported illnesses combined and no deaths to date, according to a roundup published on Saturday by the specialized outlet Contagion Live based on the CDC's official notices. Four of the outbreaks have products under recall.

The newest outbreak is Salmonella linked to raw oysters: 27 cases across 12 states, with five hospitalizations, tied to oysters from the Little Wicomico Oyster Company, of the Little Wicomico River in Virginia. The company voluntarily recalled on October 9 whole oysters harvested between September 18 and October 8, and the Virginia Department of Health temporarily closed the harvest area.

The state tally, however, is higher: Virginia counts 55 illnesses across 19 states, according to its October 23 update, and all eight samples taken on October 13 from oysters still in the river tested positive for Salmonella, although genetic results are still pending to confirm whether it is the outbreak strain.

The other active outbreaks are E. coli linked to raw milk cheese from Sierra Nevada Cheese Company, with 13 cases in nine states, eight hospitalizations and three cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome, more than half in children aged five or younger; Salmonella in broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, with 32 cases in six states; E. coli and Salmonella in alfalfa sprouts, with 76 cases in 16 states; and Salmonella linked to pet turtles, with 20 cases in 12 states, half in children younger than five.

Authorities advise against eating, selling or serving recalled products, throwing them away, and washing with hot, soapy water any surfaces and utensils that touched them. Anyone with diarrhea, fever or cramps after eating a recalled product should contact a health professional.

Photo: Archivo A Lo Claro

Source: Contagion Live / CDC