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Persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, by state

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A total of 134 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg were reported from 13 states.
- 31% of ill persons were hospitalized, and no deaths were reported.
- Most of the ill persons were reported from two states, Oregon (40) and Washington (57).
Collaborative investigative efforts of local, state, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicated that Foster Farms brand chicken was the most likely source of this outbreak.
- Testing conducted by the Washington State Public Health Laboratories identified the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg in four intact samples of chicken collected from three ill persons’ homes in Washington, which were traced back to two Foster Farms slaughter establishments.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) completed an investigation to determine the source of infections in this outbreak.
- As part of this investigation, USDA-FSIS sent an incident investigation team to one Foster Farms slaughter establishment. The results of the investigation are being finalized.
The current outbreak appears to be over as the number of reported infections has returned to baseline levels. However, it is not unusual for raw poultry from any producer to have Salmonella. It is important for consumers to follow food safety tips when handling raw poultry to help protect themselves and others from foodborne illness.

Persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, by state

Since June 4, 2012, a total of 128 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 13 states.
- 31% of ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
- Most of the ill persons have been reported from two states, Oregon (39) and Washington (56).
State public health officials are interviewing ill persons to obtain information regarding foods they might have eaten and other exposures in the week before illness.
- Information available to date indicates that consumption of chicken is the most likely source of infection for many of the ill persons.
- Oregon and Washington have identified Foster Farms brand chicken as the most likely source of the infections in their states.
Testing conducted by the Washington State Public Health Laboratories identified the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg in four intact samples of chicken collected from three ill persons’ homes in Washington.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) is currently conducting an investigation to determine the source of infections in this outbreak.
It is not unusual for raw poultry from any producer to have Salmonella. This underscores the importance for consumers to follow food safety tips to help protect themselves and others from foodborne illness.