The Food and Drug Administration is investigating dozens of new outbreaks of infections caused by Salmonella Newport.
As of November 22, authorities reported 40 confirmed cases of the outbreak. The FDA has begun tracking efforts, but has not reported what foods are being tracked.
The FDA did not report the patient’s residence or age.
About salmonella infection
Food contaminated with Salmonella usually does not change in appearance, smell, or taste. Anyone can get a salmonella infection. According to the CDC, infants, children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe illness because their immune systems are weaker.
People who develop symptoms of salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Special tests are needed to diagnose salmonellosis, so people who are sick should tell their doctor that they may have been exposed to salmonella. Symptoms of Salmonella infection can mimic other illnesses, often leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of salmonella infection may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever within 12 to 72 hours of eating contaminated food. Otherwise healthy adults are usually sick for 4 to 7 days. However, in some cases, diarrhea can become very severe and require hospitalization.
People with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and cancer patients, are more likely to develop serious and sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people who are infected do not get sick and do not show any symptoms. However, you can still spread the infection to others.
The FDA continues to investigate several other outbreaks. For FDA pages with links to specific outbreaks, see click here.
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