Salmonella Came to Our Sausage in Italian, According to CDC
On warm summer evenings, you need quick, light, and minimal-cooking dinners – like salad, bread, and a board of meat piled high with your favorite cold meats. If that’s what’s on your menu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests a little modification: heat this meat.
Why? There is currently an outbreak of Salmonella associated with Italian meat, but the source is unclear at this time. Here’s what you need to know about the CDC investigation , including how to take antipasto safely.
What do we know about the salmonella outbreak
There are currently two outbreaks of Italian-style meat-related Salmonella in the United States, with 36 reported illnesses and 12 hospitalizations in 14 states, according to the CDC .
Those who got sick informed the researchers about what they ate before they got sick, and it was the same during both outbreaks: salami, prosciutto, and “other meats that can be found in an assortment of snacks or cold cuts,” the CDC reported. It is unclear at this point if the two outbreaks are related to the same food source.
How to Eat Meat Safely in Italian
While CDC researchers are working to pinpoint exactly which Italian meat is causing these outbreaks, the agency is instructing consumers at higher risk of contracting severe Salmonella disease to heat all relevant meats to an internal temperature of 165 ° F or until “Will not become hot steam.” Before meals. This group includes people aged 65 and over, children aged four and under, and people with weakened immune systems. More information about Salmonella can be found on the CDC website.
What if you suspect you have salmonella?
According to the CDC, if you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to call your doctor right away:
- Diarrhea and fever above 102 ° F
- Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days that does not go away.
- Bloody diarrhea
- Vomiting so violent that you cannot contain the fluid
- Signs of dehydration, such as: little writing, dry mouth and throat, dizziness when standing up.