Recent Salmonella outbreak in USA raw tomatoes!

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 145 to 150 people in USA who were suspected to had consumed raw red tomatoes, have been sickened by salmonellosis. 25 hospitalizations were reported but there is no death. The microbe strain that cause this crisis is Salmonella Saintpaul. So far, the source of contaminated tomatoes has not yet been found. FDA is collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in order to work on traceability.

Salmonellosis in healthy people can cause fever, diarrhea (which can be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps 6 to 72 hours after infection. Generally, the illness lasts 3 to 7 days. However, dehydration may occur following severe diarrhea . To get hydrated, the victims may receive intravenous fluids and medication may be given to provide symtomatic relief. In severe cases, antibiotics are needed for treatment if Salmonella infection spread from intestine to the blood stream nad eventually cause death. The elderly, infants, and people with impaired immune system are more prone to Salmonellosis. Some people afflicted with it later experience reactive arthritis, which can have long-lasting, disabling effects.

References :
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1814553,00.html
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-06-08-tomatoes_N.htm