Salmonella Cases from Raw Tuna Sushi in CA

Raw tuna used in sushi has been linked to 25 cases of Salmonella infection with most of the cases occurring in California.

By regulation, fish sold to be used for sushi, must be frozen for a set period of time to get rid of parasites, but this will not destroy bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella.  To prevent this, processors must utilize good handling techniques including sanitation.


LA Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-raw-fish-sushi-linked-to-salmonella-outbreak-in-california-20150420-story.html
Raw fish linked to Salmonella outbreak in California
April 20, 2015
 Public health officials say raw fish could be responsible for Salmonella outbreak in California. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
By Veronica Rocha contact the reporter

Raw tuna in sushi could be to blame for a Salmonella outbreak that has already sickened 25 people from California and elsewhere.

The particular strain had not been seen in humans or animals until last month, which makes the outbreak particularly challenging, according to the Ventura County Public Health Department.

"We are not flying with the experience that we would normally have with this organism," county Health Officer Robert Levin said.

More than 80% of the affected patients reported eating raw tuna as well as sushi, the health department said.

Eighteen cases have been confirmed in California, including seven in Los Angeles County, four in Orange and Ventura counties, two in Riverside County and one in Santa Barbara County.

The other seven victims live outside California but have visited the state.

One-fifth of the victims had to be hospitalized, health officials said. The illness is treatable with antibiotics but can be deadly.

The California Department of Public Health determined that the strain in question is closely related to another strain responsible for a 2010 outbreak, county officials said.

That outbreak, in California and Hawaii, was linked to raw tuna imported from Indonesia. The two strains, however, appear to be genetically different.

People who have experienced fever, abdominal pains, nausea and diarrhea in the last week and have eaten raw fish should seek the care of a physician, Levin said.

Salmonella has been found in uncooked meat, eggs, chicken unpasteurized milk, cheese, fruits, vegetables and nuts. It is transmitted by pets or through improper food handling.