A Salmonella outbreak in 11 states across the country is linked to sushi, the ones made with frozen raw tuna.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the outbreak is caused by Salmonella Paratyphi B variant L (+) tartrate (+), or what was formerly known as "salmonella java."
CDC reports that as of July 20, 2015, there have been 62 reported salmonella infection cases located in 11 different states across the country. Of the 62 reported cases, 11 have been hospitalized and no deaths have occurred.
The victims have been found to have consumed some food that has been made using frozen raw tuna meat, and the symptoms began showing only the week after consumption.
The symptoms include diarrhea, fever, vomiting and abdominal cramps. These usually occur 12 to 72 hours after exposure.
The tuna, found to have been containing salmonella, has been produced from a processing plant located in Indonesia owned by the Osamu Corporation. As a result of this outbreak, the corporation voluntarily issued two recalls for the return of the tuna it has distributed to different purchasers.
According to the CDC, one recall is for all tuna meat sold to grocery stores and restaurants from May 9, 2015 to July 9, 2015. The recalled tuna meat includes loin, saku, chunk, slice, and ground market forms. Affected products show four-digit purchase order numbers 8563 through 8599 on the box.
According to the FDA, the other recall is for a lot of tuna chunk meat identifiable by lot number 68568, which is sold to AFC Corporation in Rancho Dominquez, Calif., and is retailed nationwide. The product can be found in different establishments including grocery stores and sushi counters.
The CDC further warns restaurants and other food retailers to not sell or serve any of the recalled tuna products. Stocks should be checked for recalled products, and if found, they are to be returned for a refund.
"When in doubt," CDC says regarding salmonella-infected tuna, "don't sell or serve it."
CDC also gave a breakdown of the states with reported cases: Arizona (11), California (34), Illinois (1), Michigan (1), Minnesota (4), Mississippi (1), New Mexico (6), South Dakota (1), Virginia (1), Washington (1) and Wisconsin (1).
Salmonella affects people of all ages, most especially youngsters and the elderly. Those with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for salmonella-related illnesses than healthy individuals. Salmonella cause an approximately 1.2 million illnesses, and around 450 deaths annually.
As of the moment, the CDC cautions people to stay away from eating raw fish or shellfish while the outbreak is still ongoing.
