CDC and FDA Investigate Papaya Salmonella Outbreak
Papaya Salmonella Outbreak Alert. – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced that along with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state and local public health officials, they are investigating a multistate out break of Salmonella Uganda food poisoning illnesses linked to eating whole, fresh papayas imported from Mexico. The CDC stated that the papayas were sold in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
Papaya Salmonella Outbreak Information
The CDC reported that 62 people were infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Uganda across 8 states. The numbers of confirmed illnesses by state is as follows: Connecticut (14), Florida (1), Massachusetts (5), New Jersey (12), New York (24), Pennsylvania (4), Rhode Island (1), and Texas (1). Twenty-three people have required hospitalization as a result of their illness. Illness onset dates range from January 14, 2019 to June 8, 2019, with most of the illnesses occurring since April 2019.
Papaya Salmonella Outbreak Advice From The CDC And FDA
Although the CDC and FDA have not released specific brand information at this time, the agencies stated that the imported papayas were sold in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.
Consumers, restaurants, retails, and suppliers/distributors are cautioned as follows:
- Do not eat whole, fresh papayas imported from Mexico. Throw the papayas away, even if some of the papayas were eaten and no one became ill.
- Do not eat fruit salads or any other dishes that contain papayas from Mexico.
- Not sure where your papayas came from? Ask the place of purchase, and when it some to food safety remember…when in doubt, throw it out!
- Wash and sanitize areas where papayas were stored or prepared, including refrigerator drawers and shelves, and countertops.
- Importers, distributors, suppliers, retailers, restaurants, and other food service providers should hold papayas imported from Mexico.
Salmonella Food Poisoning Symptoms
Symptoms of Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) may include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and joint pain. Symptoms usually appear within 12-72 hours after the ingestion of contaminated food. While most people recover within 4-7 days, symptoms may become so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.
In more severe cases, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream and other body sites. This can result in death, unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to suffer severe illness.
Diagnosis of Salmonella Infection
If you suspect that you have contracted Salmonella or are experiencing food poisoning symptoms, contact your doctor. He or she can order a stool culture to confirm Salmonella infection. Let your doctor know that you consumed papayas or a papaya containing product.
Contact The Weinberg Law Firm for a Free Papaya Lawsuit Evaluation
If you or a loved one are diagnosed with salmonellosis, are awaiting medical confirmation of infection, or have a question regarding your legal rights, you can request a free legal case evaluation by submitting the easy to use form found on this page. You can also call us toll free at 877-934-6274 – our phones are answered 24/7!
The NJ Personal Injury Lawyers at The Weinberg Law Firm believe that the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones during an outbreak is to stay informed. Please visit our firm site at NJ Food Poisoning Lawyers for food poisoning lawsuit help.
