We have some bad news for sushi-lovers: The CDC has just announced that an outbreak of salmonella, most likely from sushi prepared with raw tuna, has sickened 53 people across nine states. The bacterial infection causes fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after exposure. The large majority of the cases, 31 ill people, are in California; the rest are spread across Arizona, Illinois, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
No one has died, but 10 hospitalizations due to salmonella infection have been reported. The CDC took its announcement as an opportunity to issue a reminder that certain groups should avoid all raw fish and shellfish, whether or not there's an ongoing salmonella outbreak. Children under 5, adults over 65, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to the harmful bacteria that may lurk in uncooked food. Unfortunately, the source of the raw tuna in question is unknown. At least for now, it may be safer to choose another vehicle for your soy sauce and wasabi.
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