UPDATE: Case Counts Rise in JBS Beef Salmonella Outbreak

Just this afternoon, the CDC has reported that the Salmonella outbreak linked to ground beef is now up to 120 confirmed cases in 22 states. The CDC reports that the investigation is still ongoing, and they will provide updates when more information is available. The CDC further reminds the public that some illnesses might not yet be reported due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported – which takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks. Here’s what you need to know about the JBS Beef Salmonella Outbreak update.

The Outbreak & Recall Information

On October 4, 2018, the CDC announced its investigation into Salmonella Newport illnesses linked to JBS Tolleson ground beef products. The same day, the USDA announced the recall of raw, non-intact beef items, including ground beef, were packaged on various dates from July 26, 2018 to Sept. 7, 2018 produced by JBS Tolleson. The products were sold under the brand names: Walmart, Showcase/Walmart, Kroger, Cedar River Farms Natural Beef, Cedar River Farms Sirloin Trimmings, Comnor Perfect Choice, Gourmet Burger, Grass Run Farms Natural Beef and JBS Generic. The products are marked with establishment number ‘EST. 267’ inside the Department of Agriculture (USDA) mark of inspection. Check out the full list of all the products recalled and their labels on the FSIS website.

Illnesses started on dates ranging from August 5, 2018 to September 28, 2018. Ill people range in age from less than one year to 88, with a median age of 42. Fifty-nine percent are male. Of 95 people with information available, 33 (35%) have been hospitalized.

A list of the states and the number of cases is as follows:

State	Ill People
Arizona	21
California	27
Colorado	23
Hawaii	1
Idaho	2
Iowa	1
Illinois	1
Indiana	1
Kansas	1
Kentucky	1
Minnesota	1
Montana	5
New Mexico	1
Nevada	3
Ohio	2
Oklahoma	4
Oregon	1
South Dakota	6
Texas	2
Utah	9
Washington	3
Wyoming	4
Total	120

Investigation Ongoing

According to the CDC’s latest notice, the state and local health departments continue to investigate snd ask ill people questions about the foods they ate and other potential exposures in the week before they became ill. The stats show that sixty-six (93%) of 71 people interviewed reported eating ground beef at home – which is higher than the 40% of respondents reported eating any ground beef at home in the week before they were interviewed.

About Salmonella

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of food poisoning in US. It sickens 1.2 million people in US each year. 450 among them lose their lives. Salmonella infections can cause Salmonellosis.  Salmonellosis symptoms can include: diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.  Symptoms typically start 12 to 72 hours after eating a food product contaminated with salmonella.  Most illnesses last 4 to 7 days.  However, severe cases can lead to hospitalization or worse.

The strain of bacteria implicated in the outbreak is Salmonella Newport, an antibiotic-resistant strain that is more difficult to treat. The resistance of this strain to various kinds of antimicrobials is growing day by day which makes this outbreak a little more alarming.

Infants up to young children, the elderly, and pregnant women are at a higher risk for illness and difficult recover.  Those who have a compromised immune system are also at a higher risk for complications as a result of infection.  Those in these categories should seek medical attention as soon as symptoms arise, particularly if you have consumed the ground beef products indicated in the outbreak.

No deaths have been reported at this time. But more cases can emerge considering the incubation period of Salmonella and presence of recalled products in markets. Vigilance is the only way to assure that it doesn’t affect you or your family.

What can you do?

It is important to show extreme caution with the growing numbers of contamination. The CDC and USDA recommend those who believe they have purchased the infected products to check their homes. Check your freezers and fridges for meats associated with the abovementioned labels. Return the product to the store for refund or toss it out with the trash. It is a good idea to take a picture of the recalled food item and keep your receipt, in case you find out you have gotten sick. It is a good idea to play it safe, rather than risking you or your family’s health.

The good news is that there have been no reported deaths associated with this Salmonella Newport outbreak at this time. But, that does not mean consumers are in the safe zone yet. The outbreak is still ongoing and the infected products are likely still in people’s homes. Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning often show within 12 to 72 hours of exposure, and time taken for health care professionals to diagnose, verify, and report often causes a lag to public notification. Continuing vigilance is recommended.

Those showing signs of illness should immediately seek medical help as Salmonella infections effect each individual at varying degrees. Early medical attention can help reduce the risk of long-term complications and growing severity of illness.

Our Salmonella Lawyer is Here to Help You

If you believe you have developed a Salmonella infection from eating contaminated ground beef products, we want you to know that a Salmonella Lawyer at the Lange Law Firm, PLLC is currently investigating this matter and offering free legal consultations. Our lawyer, Jory Lange became a lawyer to help make our communities and families safer.

If you or a loved one have become ill with Salmonella after eating ground beef products, you can call (833) 330-3663 for a free consultation or complete the form here.

By: Candess Zona-Mendola, Editor (Non-Lawyer)