Salmonella Outbreak Hits Georgia

Federal and state health officials are investigating a multistate salmonella outbreak that has left 10 people hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On April 5, the CDC reported that 93 people in 19 states and the District of Columbia were infected with a strain of salmonella called Bareilly. Four individuals in Georgia are included in the count. 

Initial investigations show that there may be a possible link to sushi, as many of those sick reported eating sushi, sashimi, or similar foods in the week before becoming ill. The illness onset dates range from January 28 to March 23, 2012.

Officials, however, have not not conclusively identified a food source, and they continue to investigate.

An infection of salmonella bacteria causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and the illness usually lasts four to seven days, according to the CDC. Most peeople recover without treatment.

(Editor's Note: Information here is from a CDC announcement on April 4, 2012.)