Harrisburg, PA - The state Health Department today reported a Salmonella outbreak in parts of Pennsylvania, believed to be the result of eating a particular brand of toasted oat cereal. The investigation of the outbreak by federal and state Health officials is continuing.
Working closely with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state epidemiologists have identified 20 cases in Pennsylvania of Salmonella serotype Agona linked to the cereal.
CDC identified the cereals as having been produced by Millville brands and sold through Aldi stores in Pennsylvania and 10 other states in the region.
The cereal, according to CDC, is sold in plastic or cellophane bags, rather than in cardboard boxes, under the brand name Millville Toasted Oats. No other cereal products produced by the same manufacturer have been linked with the illness.
The CDC advises people who purchased this cereal since April or May of this year not to consume it and to return it to the store where it was purchased.
The counties where cases were reported since April are Philadelphia (two cases), Delaware (one), Lackawanna (two), Luzerne (three), Lehigh (one), Northampton (two), Erie (two), Mercer (one), and one each in Snyder, Mifflin, Fayette, Westmoreland, Butler and York.
Symptoms from Salmonellosis include the sudden onset of abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever. Persons with severe illness should consult their physician. Symptoms usually begin 12 to 36 hours after eating contaminated food and last several days.
Although most people recover from Salmonellosis on their own, some may require fluids to prevent dehydration. More complicated cases may require antibiotics.
Persons who have salmonellosis and work as food handlers or in day care centers or patient-care facilities can inadvertently transmit the disease to others and should not work while ill.
Fact Sheet: Salmonellosis
What is Salmonellosis?
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection that generally affects the intestinal tract, and, occasionally, the bloodstream and other organs. It is one of the more common causes of gastroenteritis with about 2,000 cases reported each year in Pennsylvania. Most cases occur in the summer months and are seen as single cases, clusters or outbreaks.
Who gets Salmonellosis?
Any person can get Salmonellosis, but it is recognized clinically more often in infants and children.
How are Salmonella bacteria spread?
Salmonella bacteria are spread by either eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by contact with infected people or animals and subsequent poor personal hygiene.
What are the symptoms of Salmonellosis?
People with Salmonellosis may experience mild or severe diarrhea, fever and, occasionally, vomiting. Some people may be infected but not show symptoms. Bloodstream infections can be quite serious, particularly in the very young or elderly.
How soon after exposure do symptoms appear? The symptoms generally appear 1 to 3 days after exposure.
Where are Salmonella bacteria found?
Salmonella bacteria are widely distributed in our food chain and environment. The organisms often contaminate raw meats, eggs, unpasteurized milk and cheese products. Other sources of exposure may include contact with infected pet turtles, pet chicks, dogs and cats.
How long can an infected person carry the Salmonella bacteria?
The Salmonellosis carrier stage varies from several days to many months. Infants and people who have been treated with oral antibiotics tend to carry the germ longer than others.
Do infected people need to be isolated or excluded from work or school?
Since Salmonella bacteria are shed in the feces, only people with active diarrhea who are unable to control their bowel habits (infants, young children, certain handicapped individuals, for example) should be isolated. Most infected people may return to work or school when their stools become formed provided that they carefully wash their hands after toilet visits. Food handlers, health-care workers, and workers and children in day care must obtain the approval of the local or state health department before returning to their routine activities.
What is the treatment for Salmonellosis?
Most people with Salmonellosis will recover on their own, or may require fluids to prevent dehydration. Antibiotics and antidiarrheal drugs are generally not recommended for typical cases with intestinal infections. Antibiotics may be indicated for more complicated cases.
How can Salmonellosis be prevented? 1. Always handle raw poultry, beef and pork as if they are contaminated: a. Wrap fresh meats in plastic bags at the market to prevent blood from dripping on other foods. b. Refrigerate foods promptly; minimize holding at room temperature. c. Wash cutting boards and counters used for preparation immediately after use to prevent cross contamination with other foods d. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats. e. Ensure that the correct internal cooking temperature is reached, particularly when using a microwave. 2. Avoid eating raw eggs, and don't undercook foods containing raw eggs. 3. Avoid using raw milk. 4. Wash your hands carefully before and after preparing food. 5. Make sure children, particularly those who handle pets, properly wash their hands.
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