Salmonella outbreak linked to turkey hits N.J., 25 other states

An ongoing Salmonella outbreak linked to raw turkey has sickened 90 people in 26 states, including New Jersey, health officials said.

Raw turkey products from "a variety of sources" were making people sick with the strain of Salmonella Reading, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"In interviews, ill people report eating different types and brands of turkey products purchased from many different location," the CDC said.

No single products, brands or suppliers have been identified as a source of illnesses, officials said. The outbreak began in November and has sent 40 people to hospitals. No deaths have been reported.

"The outbreak strain has been identified in samples taken from raw turkey pet food, raw turkey products, and live turkeys," the CDC said in a statement.

Minnesota reported the highest number of people infected from the outbreak at 13, according to CDC data. New Jersey logged five people sick while New York reported eight cases.

"The outbreak strain of Salmonella Reading is present in live turkeys and in many types of raw turkey products, indicating it might be widespread in the turkey industry," the CDC said.

The agency and federal food safety officials alerted the turkey industry and questioned what steps they may take to reduce the spread of the contamination, according to officials.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service said it was monitoring the outbreak and has not identified a single source for this outbreak.

Symptoms of Salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after being exposed. Salmonella causes about 1.2 illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 450 deaths every year nationwide.

The CDC posted on its website a range of tips for avoiding the bacteria.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahycFind NJ.com on Facebook.

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