The Centers For disease Control (“CDC”) is collaborating with public health officials in multiple states, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA/FSIS) to investigate two national outbreaks of Salmonella infections, each involving a different Salmonella serotype: Hartford and Baildon. Both of these Salmonella serotypes are rare, and ill persons in both outbreaks have a similar age and geographic distribution.
Over 155 individuals nationwide have been sickened in these outbreaks.
Epidemiologic studies comparing foods eaten by ill and well persons were conducted for both outbreaks. In each study, analysis indicates that eating at a particular Mexican-style fast food restaurant chain (the name of which has not yet been released) was associated with illnesses.
Salmonella Hartford Outbreak Investigation
As of August 1, 2010, a total of 75 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Hartford have been reported from 15 states since April 1, 2010. The number of ill people identified in each state with this strain is as follows: CO (1), GA (1), IL (5), IN (11), KY (23), MA (2), MI (3), MT (1), NC (1), NH (1), NY (1), OH (19), PA (1), SC (1) and WI (4). Illnesses began between April 30, 2010 and July 18, 2010. Case-patients range in age from <1 to 80 years old, and the median age is 39 years. Among the 47 patients with available hospitalization information, 15 (32 %) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Salmonella Baildon Outbreak Investigation
As of August 1, 2010, a total of 80 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Baildon have been reported from 15 states since May 1, 2010. The number of ill people identified in each state with this strain is as follows: CT (1), GA (1), IA (1), IL (20), IN (4), KY (5), MA (1), MI (4), MN (5), NJ (6), NY (2), OH (6), OR (1), WA (1) and WI (22). Among those for whom information is available about when symptoms started, illnesses began between May 11, 2010 and July 19, 2010. Case-patients range in age from 1 to 82 years old, and the median age is 47 years. Seventy-four percent of patients are female. Among the 68 patients with available hospitalization information, 27 (40 %) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
About Salmonella Hartford and Salmonella Baildon
Since 1997, the CDC has reported a national average of 22 cases of Salmonella Baildon per year, and an average of 167 cases of Salmonella Hartford per year. These numbers reflect exceedingly rare incidences of both serotypes, and would account for far less than 0.5% of all confirmed salmonella cases.
I tested positive for Salmonella Hartford or Salmonella Baildon – Do I have a case?
Persons who tested positive for Salmonella Baildon or Salmonella Hartford after consuming Mexican food have been contacted by their county or state health departments and questioned about the foods they ate prior to becoming ill.
If you tested positive for one of these strains of salmonella, and were contacted by your county or state health department, then it is highly likely that you are one of persons sickened in this national outbreaks. If so, you are entitled to a salmonella settlement – i.e. full compensation for all of your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering you endured.
Simon & Luke Can Help
The salmonella lawyers at Simon & Luke are currently investigating these outbreaks. We have represented over 2000 victims of food poisoning, filing hundreds of salmonella lawsuits and recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. We currently represent hundreds of familes sickened by salmonella contaminated foods, and we are happy to answer your questions free of charge.
Just call us toll-free at 1-888-335-4901 or email us online – we are here to help.
