Jun 20, 2008 9:50 pm US/Eastern
Mass. Announces 12 Cases Of Tomato-Salmonella
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
There have been 12 cases of salmonella in Massachusetts that have been linked to the nationwide outbreak associated with certain types of raw tomatoes, the Department of Public Health announced Friday.
There have been more than 550 cases linked to certain tomatoes nationwide. Health officials in New Hampshire and New York have also linked cases to the outbreak.
There have been no deaths in the Massachusetts cases but at least two of the victims had to be hospitalized, the state Public Health Department said.
The DPH said eight women and four men ranging in ages of 5 to 39 have become ill from salmonella in Massachusetts. The cases are spread throughout the state. There were four victims from Middlesex and Norfolk counties, two from Suffolk County, and one each from Worcester and Plymouth counties.
The cases were identified by DNA matching of the outbreak strain with samples submitted by doctors throughout Massachusetts.
All of the cases were reported between May 30 and June 8.
Three types of raw tomatoes have been linked to the salmonella cases, including raw red plum, raw red Roma, and raw red round tomatoes. The FDA has advised consumers to avoid eating these tomatoes.
Tomatoes that are safe to eat include cherry, grape, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached, and tomatoes grown at home.
Central and southern Florida and parts of Mexico are being investigated as the possible start of the outbreak because they supplied the vast majority of tomatoes sold when the outbreak began in April.
The most common symptoms of Salmonella infection are stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Symptoms usually begin 12 to 36 hours after the germs are swallowed, but can start as late as three days after exposure. Symptoms generally last for several days.
Anyone who thinks they may have been exposed to Salmonella should contact their health care providers.
(© 2008 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
