The Summer of Salmonella: Outbreaks You Should Know

We’ve compiled a list of Salmonella outbreaks declared in the United States during the summer of 2018. Read on to learn more.

1. Drug-Resistant Strains of Salmonella Found in Outbreaks Related to Contact with Live Chickens

Multistate outbreaks of Salmonella infections related to contact with chickens in backyard flocks sprung up in 44 states. The outbreaks include 6 different strains of Salmonella: Seftenberg, Montevideo, Infantis, Enteritidis, Indiana, and Litchfield.

As of July 13, 2018, 212 individuals have been reported ill; 26% of them are <5 years of age, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thirty-four individuals have required hospitalization for their infections but no deaths have been reported so far.

For their investigation, health officials conducted interviews with 138 ill individuals. As reported by the CDC, 100 of those interviewed reported having been in contact with chicks or ducklings prior to the onset of their illness. A common source of the poultry has not been identified.

A total of 22 isolates were found to contain genes expected to cause resistance to all or some of the following antibiotics: ampicillin, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, gentamicin, ceftriaxone, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, and Fosfomycin.

The investigation is ongoing.

To view the most recent case counts in all affected states, take a look at the Contagion^® Outbreak Monitor.

2. Multistate Salmonella Adelaide Outbreak Linked with Pre-Cut Melon

Melon is a popular fruit consumed at a variety of events during the summer months, but in early June, the seasonal fruit became dangerous. A Salmonella outbreak tied to pre-cut melon was announced by the CDC on June 8. Early epidemiological evidence traced the outbreak to melon products supplied by Caito Foods, LLC of Indianapolis, Indiana.

On the same day, Caito Foods issued a voluntary recall for melon products produced at the Indianapolis facility. The list of recalled products included watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and fruit medley products.

A total of 77 individuals across 9 states fell ill in this outbreak. Thirty-six hospitalizations were reported and no deaths were linked to this outbreak. The onset of illness dates ranged from April 30 to July 2. Affected individuals ranged in age from <1 year to 97 with a median age of 67.

The outbreak was deemed resolved by the CDC on July 26.

For state-by-state case counts, be sure to consult our Outbreak Monitor.

3. Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal Tests Positive for Salmonella Mbandka

A popular breakfast cereal, Kellogg’s Honey Smacks, was the next to be connected to a Salmonella outbreak after 73 individuals fell ill between March 3 and May 28. An outbreak was declared on June 14, after whole genome sequencing indicated that all of the individuals who had fallen ill had a common strain of Salmonella Mbandka.

On June 12, Kellogg’s issued a voluntary recall for 15.3 oz and 23 oz packages of Honey Smacks containing “best if used by dates” of June 14, 2018, through June 14, 2019.

Health officials discovered the Salmonella strain present in a sample of unopened cereal from a retail location in California and in samples of cereal that had been opened and consumed by those who fell ill in New York, Montana, and Utah.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated their advisory statement to indicate that all Honey Smacks products should be avoided, regardless of the package size and expiration date. Furthermore, the FDA has issued a statement that it is illegal to continue to sell the recalled product.

As of July 12, 100 individuals have fallen ill with Salmonella across 33 states. No deaths have been reported but 30 individuals have required hospitalization.

The investigation is ongoing at this time.

For a full list of states affected by this outbreak, check out our Outbreak Monitor.

4. Pasta Salad Sickens Individuals with Salmonella in 9 States

The CDC announced another Salmonella outbreak in July, this time, infections were linked to pasta salad produced and sold at Hy-Vee grocery stores. The outbreak was first reported on July 18 in 5 states but has since spread to 4 more states.

A total of 71 cases of Salmonella Sandiego have been reported as of July 30. Additionally, 6 individuals have been infected with a strain of Salmonella enterica subspecies IIIb; two individuals have been infected with both strains. A total of 18 individuals have required hospitalization for their illnesses but no associated deaths have been reported.

On July 16, Hy-Vee removed all Spring Pasta Salad products from stores after being notified of the situation. The following day, the company voluntarily recalled all Spring Pasta Salad products in states where Hy-Vee stores are located due to potential contamination.

The recall included Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad packaged in 1-lb (16 oz) and 3-lb (48 oz) pre-packaged plastic containers. The recalled products contain an expiration date between June 22 and August 3.

The investigation is ongoing.

To see a full list of states affected by this outbreak, be sure to check out our Outbreak Monitor.

5. Multistate and Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella Outbreak Tied to Raw Turkey Products

The CDC continues to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Reading linked to raw turkey products. Illnesses began as early as November 20, 2017, with 90 individuals across 26 states falling ill to date.

As part of the investigation, health officials conducted interviews with 61 individuals who had fallen ill. The investigators found that 37 of the 61 interviewed individuals (61%) reported preparing or consuming turkey products that were purchased raw—including ground turkey, turkey pieces, and whole turkeys. Additionally, 2 individuals reported that they fell ill after pets in their home consumed raw ground turkey pet food. Only 3 of the 61 individuals reported working in a facility that raises or processes turkeys or living with someone who did.

The strain of Salmonella Reading has been identified by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) in samples collected from 19 slaughter facilities, 6 processing facilities, and from live turkeys.

A total of 33 isolates from ill individuals and 49 isolates collected from turkeys at facilities contained genes for resistance to antibiotics; however, the antibiotics the bacteria are resistant to are not typically used to treat Salmonella infections.

This is an ongoing investigation.

To learn more about this outbreak, be sure to visit our Outbreak Monitor.