Salmonella Outbreak Possible Reason

Recently, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report about new cases of salmonella outbreak.

Five people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Duisburg have been reported from three states. Two people were hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. Interviews with ill people and traceback information suggest that Jule’s cashew brie is the likely source of this outbreak.

On April 22, Jule’s Foods recalled all their productsexternal icon. This includes: Jule’s cashew brie (classic), Jule’s truffle cashew brie, Jule’s black garlic cashew brie, Jule’s artichoke spinach dip, and Jule’s vegan ranch dressing. All expiration dates were recalled. Products were available online nationwide and were also sold in stores in many states.

Salmonella Infection

Salmonella are bacteria that make people sick. They were first discovered by an American scientist named Dr. Daniel E. Salmon in 1885. Most people with Salmonella infection have diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.

Symptoms usually begin six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days. However, some people do not develop symptoms for several weeks after infection and others experience symptoms for several weeks. Salmonella strains sometimes cause infection in urine, blood, bones, joints, or the nervous system (spinal fluid and brain), and can cause severe disease.

Antibiotic treatment is recommended for:

• People with severe illness
• People with a weakened immune system, such as from HIV infection or chemotherapy treatment

• Adults older than 50 who have medical problems, such as heart disease
• Infants (children younger than 12 months).
• Adults age 65 or older

Most people with diarrhea caused by Salmonella recover completely, although some people’s bowel habits (frequency and consistency of poop) may not return to normal for a few months. Some people with Salmonella infection develop pain in their joints, called reactive arthritis, after the infection has ended. Reactive arthritis can last for months or years and can be difficult to treat. Some people with reactive arthritis develop irritation of the eyes and pain when urinating.

Recent Salmonella Outbreak Case

To date, The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has preliminary confirmation of Salmonella in brie products containing cashews. CDC are working with the FDA to isolate the source of the pathogen in samples which were collected by the California Department of Public Health. Jule’s Foods is issuing this recall in connection with a Salmonella outbreak under investigation by the FDA and CDC.

Products were distributed to primarily independently owned grocery stores in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas as well as direct to consumer. Jule’s Foods Brie products are 6 ounces and wrapped in white cheese paper.

“Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating a contaminated product. Most people recover without treatment. In rare circumstances, infection can produce more severe illness and require hospitalization. Older adults, infants, and persons with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop a severe illness. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their health care provider,” – FDA said.