Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak Continues

As of July 18, Michigan had 24 confirmed cases in the outbreak, with one in Washtenaw County. 

On July 17, the FDA lifted all restrictions on domestic tomatoes.  Consumers may now enjoy all types of fresh tomatoes available on the domestic market, without concern of becoming infected with Salmonella Saintpaul.   

Consumers, especially the elderly and immunocompromised, should continue to avoid eating fresh jalapeno and serrano peppers.

Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections particularly in young children, frail or elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.  Healthy persons often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.  In rare circumstances, the organism can get into the bloodstream and produce more severe illnesses.  Consumers who have recently eaten raw jalapeno or serrano peppers and are experiencing any of these symptoms should contact their health care provider.  All Salmonella infections should be reported to the Washtenaw County Public Health Department at (734) 544-6770. 

For more information, please visit the CDC web site at http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/saintpaul/

FDA’s Consumer Web page on the outbreak can be found at www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/tomatoes.html.