At least three Coloradans have been infected by a national salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“This outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses, and the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported,” CDC officials stated on a website dedicated to the outbreak. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.”
As of Dec. 24, federal officials had confirmed 64 cases across 22 states, including three people in Colorado.
No deaths had been reported at that time, but 20 people had been hospitalized, according to a news release from the CDC.
“People in this outbreak are being hospitalized at a higher rate than expected when compared to other Salmonella outbreaks linked to oysters,” CDC officials stated in the release.
Investigators with the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration are working to identify a common source of oysters for the disease outbreak, according to the agencies. As of Thursday, no recall had been announced.
Raw oysters can be contaminated with germs at any time of year, according to the CDC. People should cook them before eating to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
“Hot sauce and lemon juice do not kill germs,” CDC officials stated in the release. “You cannot tell if oysters have germs by looking at them.”
According to the CDC, symptoms of salmonella start between six hours and six days after ingesting the bacteria and include:
- A fever higher than 102 degrees,
- Diarrhea that lasts longer than three days or that is bloody,
- Stomach cramps,
- Vomiting and not being able to keep liquids down,
- And signs of dehydration, including dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing and lack of urination.
Most people recover without treatment after four to seven days, according to the CDC. Children younger than 5, adults older than 65 and people with weak immune systems “may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization,” officials said.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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