Salmonella Outbreak Poisons Dozens in 22 States

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that a Salmonella outbreak across 22 states has poisoned dozens.

The CDC announced this week that it is investigating 64 cases resulting in 22 hospitalizations. No deaths have been reported, and no recall has been issued. According to the agency, those affected by this outbreak have reported eating raw oysters.

"[The] CDC and FDA [Food and Drug Administration] are working to determine if a common source of oysters can be identified. Raw oysters can be contaminated with germs at any time of year," the agency announced.

What CDC Says You Should Do

The agency says you should cook oysters before eating to reduce risk of food poisoning.

"Do not let raw seafood, its drippings, or its juices contaminate other foods," the notice dated Dec. 23 states. "You cannot tell if an oyster has germs by looking at it [and] hot sauce and lemon juice do not kill germs."

To cook an oyster, boil it until the shells are open, or add it to a steamer that is already steaming and cook for 4 to 9 minutes. Consumers are warned to only eat shellfish that open during cooking.

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To cook oysters out of their shells, boil them for at least 3 minutes; fry in oil for at least 3 minutes at 375 degrees; broil 3 inches from the heat for 3 minutes; bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes; cook seafood until the inside reaches temperatures of 145 degrees for at least 15 seconds.

Symptoms of Salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, and the symptoms usually start 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria. The CDC states that "most people recover without treatment after 4 to 7 days."

Where Sick People Live