An outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul has affected 9 states in the US. Test results confirm that 40 cases of the same strain of salmonella have been recorded in Texas and New Mexico. The tainted food to watch out for are uncooked, raw, large tomatoes.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that so far no deaths have occurred though at least 17 people in Texas and New Mexico have been hospitalized.

The same strain of Salmonella Saintpaul has also caused 30 infections in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, Kansas, Idaho, Illinois and Indiana. The source of the infected tomatoes has not been found yet, but is currently under investigation.

The Symptoms of Salmonella

Salmonella is a bacterial infection that lives in the intestinal tracts of humans, hence the associated stomach distress, including diarrhea and abdominal cramps and high fever. The symptoms of salmonella usually start 12 to 72 hours after infection and will last 4 - 7 days.

Salmonella can be serious and even cause death, though many people make complete recoveries without treatment. At greatest risk for serious infections are infants, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

Salmonella poisoning in tomatoes is not unheard of and there have been many outbreaks due to contaminated uncooked tomatoes.

Salmonella prevention steps you can take

The state health department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta recommend taking these steps:

• Eat only tomatoes attached to the vine, or grown at home, especially if you are in the increased risk group.
• Choose only firm unbruised tomatoes.
• Wash tomatoes before eating them.
• Cut tomatoes should be refrigerated or discarded after 2 hours.
• Store and keep tomatoes away from meats. Extra precaution should be taken if tomatoes are to be eaten raw.
• Wash cutting boards and all utensils and dishes with hot water and soap before switching to food group.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often.
• Cooking tomatoes will kill salmonella. Cook at 145 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 15 seconds.

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