Salmonella Outbreak in Southeast Michigan Linked to Consumption of Raw Ground Beef

LANSING - The Michigan departments of Community Health (MDCH) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) are investigating a cluster of nine cases of laboratory-confirmed Salmonella Typhimurium infection. Six of the nine people have reported eating raw kibbeh on Dec. 7 and 8, 2012. Kibbeh is a Middle Eastern dish made from ground meat. Not all of the Michigan cases have reported eating kibbeh, and the source of their exposures is still under investigation.

The dates of illness onsets range from Dec. 9, 2012 to Jan. 7, 2013. The cases range in age from 2 to 87 years, including five females and four males. More than half of the cases were hospitalized. Most of the cases reside in southeast Michigan (Huron, Macomb, Delta-Menominee, Oakland, and Wayne counties).

MDCH and MDARD are working closely with local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to determine the source of the outbreak. In addition to the Michigan cases, nationally there are eight other cases.

On Jan. 24, 2013, out of an abundance of caution, 500 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium was recalled by Jouni Meats, Inc., located in Sterling Heights, Mich. The recall can be found online at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_008_2013_Release/index.asp. The beef products were produced between Dec. 4 and 9, 2012 and were distributed to a Macomb County restaurant and sold directly to consumers. These products were sold without a label. The investigation is still ongoing.

Most individuals infected with Salmonella bacteria often experience diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after infection. The duration of illness is typically 4-7 days and most people recover without treatment. Sometimes a Salmonella infection can be more severe and may spread to the bloodstream and other body sites, resulting in hospitalization. Young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness from Salmonella infection.

Recommendations for the Public to Prevent Salmonella Infection:

•  Cook ground beef, poultry, and eggs thoroughly to recommended internal temperature using a food thermometer.
•  Do not eat or drink foods containing undercooked or raw eggs, or raw (unpasteurized) milk.
•  Don't handle raw meat or poultry, and an infant (e.g., feed, change diaper) at the same time.
•  Be particularly careful with foods prepared for infants, the elderly, and those with weak immune systems.
•  Wash hands, kitchen work surfaces, and utensils with soap and water immediately after they have been in contact with raw meat or poultry.

As this is an evolving investigation, consumers are advised to monitor recall information as it becomes available, at www.michigan.gov/foodsafety; click on Food Recalls.

# # #