Arizona, New Mexico report Salmonella cases tied to raw tuna

Tuna sushi
Tuna sushi

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Authorities in Arizona and New Mexico are investigating a total of 15 Salmonella Paratyphi infections that are suspected of being caused by eating raw fish, and similar cases are under investigation in other states, according to state and local health agencies.

In Phoenix, the Maricopa County Health Department said on May 15 it was investigating nine cases of a rare strain of Salmonella Paratyphi associated with raw minced or ground tuna in sushi. The patients, three of whom were hospitalized, fell ill between Apr 3 and 16.

Bob England, MD, director of the health department, said the cases are linked to multiple restaurants, suggesting that the tuna was contaminated before it reached the restaurants.

In New Mexico, six Salmonella Paratyphi infections are suspected of being caused by eating raw fish, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDH) reported in a May 15 announcement.

The agency said the six confirmed cases had onsets between Apr 4 and May 1, and one patient was hospitalized. Five of the six people reported eating sushi containing raw fish; an investigation into the source of the cases is ongoing.

Federal officials investigating

"Federal agencies including the CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] and other states are also involved in the investigation following additional illnesses associated with the same Salmonella Paratyphi strain in their respective jurisdictions," the NMDH said.

Likewise, the Maricopa County statement said "several other states" are investigating Salmonella Paratyphi cases linked to raw ground tuna.

NMDH Cabinet Secretary Retta Ward, MPH, said those at risk for severe illness with Salmonella Paratyphi, including the elderly, the very young, and the immunocompromised, should not consume any raw seafood.

Symptoms akin to typhoid fever

Salmonella Paratyphi causes an illness similar to typhoid fever, which can last a month if untreated, according to the CDC. It is an uncommon disease in the United States, with about 100 cases a year, most of them in returning travelers, the CDC said. It can sometimes cause serious complications, such as intestinal bleeding.

In late April California officials reported 25 cases of Salmonella Paratyphi that appeared to be linked to raw tuna, 18 of which involved Californians. All 10 patients who completed a food questionnaire said they had recently eaten sushi, in most cases containing raw tuna.

See also:

May 15 Maricopa County Health Department news release

May 15 NMDH statement

Apr 22 CIDRAP News item on California cases

CDC information on typhoid and paratyphoid fever

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