LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) – An outbreak of salmonella related to eating Italian-style meat has sickened more than half a dozen people in California and is now being investigated by the CDC.
Two salmonella outbreaks have killed at least seven people in California and dozens more in 16 more states. Twelve of those cases have sent people to the hospital, according to the CDC.
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Each person from the two outbreaks reported eating salami, prosciutto and other meats that can be found in assortments of antipasto or charcuterie. However, no specific contaminated products have yet been identified and the CDC is trying to determine if the two outbreaks are related to the same food source.
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According to the CDC, children under the age of 5, the elderly, and people with heart disease or a compromised immune system have a higher risk of developing severe salmonella disease. Symptoms of salmonella include widespread and / or bleeding diarrhea, fever above 102 degrees, vomiting, and dehydration.
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The CDC says that until they identify which Italian-style meats are the source of the outbreak, all of these products must be heated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees or until steamed before eating. , to help kill the potential presence of salmonella.