19 August 2010

United States: Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Enteritidis Infections

As of 16 August 2010, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported a nationwide increase in the number of infections due to a particular strain of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE). This was first identified in May 2010 and has resulted in an ongoing investigation by the CDC, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, to identify potential sources of SE infection, particularly eggs [1].

CDC received approximately 200 SE reports every week during late June and early July 2010; this was approximately a four-fold increase compared with the previous five years [1].

In addition to individual case reports, restaurant clusters with the same strain of SE, have been identified during investigations conducted by public health officials in the states of California, Colorado, and Minnesota [2-4].

As of 13 August 2010, a nationwide voluntary recall of specific batches of shell eggs (hens eggs), has been undertaken by one major egg supplier [1, 5]. Eggs affected by this recall were packaged under several brand names and distributed to food wholesalers, distribution centres and foodservice companies in California, Illinois, Missouri, Colorado, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. These companies distribute nationwide [5].

Salmonella infection

The signs and symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps that usually begin 12 to 72 hours following consumption of contaminated food. Symptoms typically last four to seven days and most people make a full recovery without treatment. Infants, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions are more likely to suffer complications. In cases of severe illness or illness in those with medical conditions, antibiotic therapy may be necessary.

Advice for Travellers

Travellers should not buy or eat eggs or egg products packaged under the brand names: Lucerne, Albertson, Mountain Dairy, Ralph’s, Boomsma’s, Sunshine, Hillandale, Trafficanda, Farm Fresh, Shoreland, Lund, Dutch Farms and Kemps. An extensive description of egg brands affected by this recall has been published by the FDA [5].

The following advice has been issued by CDC:

•  Do not eat eggs or egg products under the brand names that have been recalled. These should be discarded.
•  Individuals who are unwell following eating recalled eggs should consult their health care providers.
•  Always keep eggs refrigerated at ≤ 7°C; discard cracked or dirty eggs.
•  Wash hands, cooking utensils, and food preparation surfaces with soap and water after contact with raw eggs.
•  Eggs should be cooked until both the white and the yolk are firm and eaten promptly after cooking. Do not eat raw eggs.
•  Refrigerate unused or leftover egg-containing foods promptly.
•  Do not eat restaurant dishes made with raw, undercooked, or unpasteurised eggs.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  Investigation Announcement: Multistate outbreak of human Salmonella Enteritidis infections associated with shell eggs. 16 August 2010. [Accessed 19 August 2010], Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/enteritidis/

2. Minesota Department of Health. News Release: Seven Salmonella cases in Minnesota linked to multistate egg recall. 16 August 2010. [Accessed 19 August 2010]. Available at:

http://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2010/salmonella

081610.html

3. California Department of Public Health. CDPH warns consumers not to eat various brands of Wright County shell eggs. 17 August 2010. [Accessed 19 August 2010]. Available at:

http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/NR10-58.aspx

4. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. News: Several egg brands recalled sue to Salmonella contamination. 16 August 2010. [Accessed 19 August 2010]. Available at:

http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/release/2010/081610.pdf

5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Recall – Firm press release. Wright County Egg conducts nationwide voluntary recalls of shell eggs because of possible health risk. 13 August 2010. [Accessed 19 August 2010]. Available at:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm222501.htm

Links

CDC Salmonella Enteritidis website

NaTHNaC Health Information Sheet on Prevention of Food and Water Borne Diseases

Health Protection Agency: Salmonella – General Information

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)