09 April 2014
The investigation continues into Salmonella Heidelberg infections likely related to Foster Farms chicken. Ongoing surveillance identified in February that infections from some of the previously rare outbreak strains again exceeded the number of infections expected to be reported to PulseNet during this time of year. As of April 7, 2014, a total of 524 persons infected with seven outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 25 states and Puerto Rico, since March 1, 2013. 37% of ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported. Most ill persons (76%) have been reported from California. Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations conducted by local, state, and federal officials indicate that consumption of Foster Farms brand chicken is the likely source of this outbreak ofSalmonella Heidelberg infections. The outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg are resistant to several commonly prescribed antibiotics.