The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says a salmonella outbreak has reached Kentucky and 28 other states.
Officials say the strain is resistant to multiple antibiotics typically used to fight the food-borne illness. So far, the illness has infected 92 people with 21 of those victims being hospitalized.
The CDC said lab evidence points to raw chicken being the source of contamination, with victims reporting eating different types and brands of chicken products purchased from different locations. The strain was identified in samples taken from raw chicken pet food, raw chicken products and live chickens.
The CDC has not pinpointed the common supplier at this time.
Consumers are recommended to thoroughly wash their hands when handling raw chicken and cook chicken to 165-degrees.
According to the CDC, most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps between 12 and 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. In some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites. In these cases, salmonella can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to experience a severe illness.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
