The folks from CDC’s Outbreak Response Team (a.k.a Outbreaknet) are having a busy few weeks.

Del Monte SalmonellaSalmonella Cantaloupes

As of March 22, 2011, 12 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Panama have been reported from Oregon (5 cases), Washington (4 cases), California (2 cases), and Maryland (1 case). Reported dates of illness onset range from February 5, 2011, to February 23, 2011. Ill persons range in age from less than 1 year old to 68 years old, with a median age of 12 years old. Sixty-six percent are male. Among ill persons, two have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

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On March 22, 2011, Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. voluntarily recalled 4,992 cartons of cantaloupes, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella Panama. The cantaloupes were distributed through warehouse clubs in Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.  See also, History of Salmonella Lawsuits and Litigation.  To learn more about Salmonella, visit www.about-salmonella.com.  Complication like Reactive Arthritis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome may occur.  For information on prior Salmonella Outbreaks and Litigation, see Marler Clark.

Screen shot 2011-03-23 at 10.47.46 PM.pngE. coli O157:H7 Bologna

As of March 22, 2011, 14 persons infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli serotype O157:H7 have been reported from Maryland (3 cases), New Jersey (2 cases), North Carolina (1 case), Ohio (2 cases) and Pennsylvania (6 cases). Reported dates of illness onset range from January 10, 2011 to February 15, 2011. Ill persons range in age from 1 to 70 years, with a median age of 13.5 years. Seventy-nine percent are male. Among 13 ill persons for whom information is known, 3 or 23%, reported being hospitalized, and none have reported hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure that is associated with E. coli O157:H7 infections. No deaths have been reported.

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Palmyra Bologna Company, of Palmyra, PA, is recalling approximately 23,000 pounds of Lebanon bologna products that may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7.  See also, History of E. coli Lawsuits and Litigation.  To learn more about E. coli, visit www.about-ecoli.com.  Complication like Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome,  Reactive Arthritis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome may occur.  For information on prior E. coli Outbreaks and Litigation, see Marler Clark.