01.08.2014

A total of 634 persons infected with seven outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg were reported from 29 states and Puerto Rico from March 1, 2013 to July 11, 2014.
38% of ill persons were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported. Most ill persons (77%) were reported from California. The current outbreak appears to be over as the number of reported infections has returned to the expected number for this time of year.
Epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback investigations indicated that consumption of Foster Farms brand chicken was the source of this outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections.
The outbreak strains of Salmonella Heidelberg were resistant to several commonly prescribed antibiotics. Although these antibiotics are not typically used to treat Salmonella blood infections or other severe Salmonella infections, antibiotic resistance can be associated with increased risk of hospitalization in infected individuals.