CDC investigating salmonella outbreak in 23 states

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is investigating an outbreak of salmonella across 23 states, with reports of hundreds of people being sickened.

The federal agency announced in a release on Friday an additional 87 illnesses, and eight new states had been affected since the last update on the matter Tuesday.

The statement added that as of July 23, a total of 212 people have been infected with the salmonella strain, and 38 of the infections stemmed from new states: Arizona, Florida, Idaho, Maine, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota and Virginia.

The agency noted that a specific source for the salmonella strain has not been identified, and there are currently no advisements against eating or consuming particular foods, nor are there any links to specific retailers that might be supplying contaminated goods.

Infected persons reported illnesses starting between June 19 and July 11. According to the CDC, Salmonella symptoms can take up to two to four weeks to show in patients.

Public health officials are interviewing patients to investigate the origin of the recent outbreak. Thirty-one patients have been hospitalized as a result of infections, and zero fatalities have been reported.

According to CDC state data, Oregon had the most cases of salmonella with 51 reported infections. Utah followed close behind with 40 reported cases.

The agency said symptoms of a salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. People sickened by the bacteria typically have symptoms six hours to six days after being exposed.

The CDC advises anyone who might be experiencing symptoms to call a health care provider and report what they ate a week before becoming ill.

In rare instances, salmonella infections can be fatal. People with weakened immune systems, children under the age of 5 and adults over 65 are more likely to have severe illness symptoms.