Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Sushi Rolls On, 258 Sickened

ATLANTAThe Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) has confirmed more cases of a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to the consumption of frozen raw yellowfin tuna commonly used in sushi. The latest numbers reveal 258 persons in 24 states and the District of Columbia are infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Bareilly or Salmonella Nchanga.

According to CDC, new cases have been confirmed in California, Nebraska and Tennessee. No deaths have been reported, but 32 people have been hospitalized. Illness onset dates range from Jan. 28 to April 20, 2012.

According to the CDC, the outbreak strains of Salmonella Bareilly or Salmonella Nchanga have sickened 258 people in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont and Wisconsin.

Health officials believe the source of the outbreak is from Moon Marine USA Corp.s frozen raw yellowfin tuna product labeled as Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA sold through distributors to restaurants and grocery stores that make sushi, sushi, sashimi, ceviche or similar dishes. The company issued a recall of the products in April.

Investigation is ongoing into individual food items and their sources. CDC, FDA, and state and local public health partners are continuing surveillance to identify and interview other ill persons about the foods they ate.