Texas
Department of State Health Services (DSHS) officials said today that
federal, state and local authorities are investigating a multi-state
outbreak of the Saintpaul strain of the
Salmonella bacteria. DSHS health officials have confirmed 21
cases in Texas since mid-April, including cases in Harris, Fort Bend,
Dallas, Tarrant, Hays and Cameron counties. No deaths have been reported.
Health authorities say the investigation is in its early stages but that
consumption of raw tomatoes has been implicated as the likely source of
infections. Specific types and source of tomatoes remain under
investigation.
Until
the specific source of the illnesses is determined, health officials advise
that:
·
People with increased risk of severe infection including
infants, the elderly and those with impaired immune systems not eat any
raw Roma or full-sized round tomatoes other than those sold attached to
the vine or grown at home.
·
People who want to
reduce their risk of
Salmonella infection avoid
eating raw Roma or full-sized round tomatoes other than those sold
attached to the vine or grown at home.
Consumers also are advised to:
·
Cook
tomatoes at 145 degrees F. for at least 15 seconds to kill
Salmonella.
·
Avoid purchasing bruised or damaged tomatoes and discard
any that appear spoiled.
·
Thoroughly wash all tomatoes under running water.
·
Refrigerate within two hours or discard cut, peeled or
cooked tomatoes.
·
Keep tomatoes that will be eaten raw separate from raw
meats, raw seafood and other raw produce items.
·
Wash
cutting boards, dishes, utensils and counter tops with hot water and
soap when switching between types of food products.
·
Wash your
hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water especially after
going to the restroom, before preparing or serving food and after
changing a diaper.
Symptoms of Salmonella
infection include headache, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea and sometimes
vomiting. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover
without treatment. In some cases people with severe diarrhea may need to be
hospitalized. People with symptoms should drink plenty of water, get extra
rest and visit a doctor as soon as possible.
