Jul 8, 2008 8:56 pm US/Eastern
Salmonella Cases In Mass. Rise To 24
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Public health officials say the number of people in Massachusetts sickened by salmonella linked to tomatoes has climbed to 24.
The state Public Health Department said Tuesday that three more cases have been linked to the nationwide outbreak associated with certain types of raw tomatoes. Federal investigators also are testing other types of fresh produce.
At least five of the 24 people were hospitalized because of their illness.
State health officials believe all of the cases were people who became ill from late May through mid-June.
Federal health officials continue to warn consumers to avoid certain raw red plum, red Roma, red round tomatoes and products containing those tomatoes.
Approximately 1,000 cases have been reported nationwide.
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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.)
