You might want to avoid that charcuterie board for now.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating two Salmonella outbreaks linked to Italian-style meats.
People in both outbreaks report eating salami, prosciutto and other meats that can be found in antipasto or charcuterie assortments before getting sick.
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Investigators are working to identify specific contaminated products and determine if the two outbreaks are linked to the same food source.
The CDC has received at least 36 reports of illness across 17 states. This includes 23 people who are part of the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak and 13 people who are part of the Salmonella Infantis outbreak. Twelve people were so sick, they had to be hospitalized. Sick people range in age from one- to 91-years-old. Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 9 to July 27.
The CDC said the true number of sick people in the outbreaks is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreaks may not be limited to the states with known illnesses. This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.
States included in the outbreak are Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Until the CDC can identify which Italian-style meats are making people sick, health officials say all Italian-style meats should be heated to an internal temperature of 165°F or until steaming hot before eating. Heating food to a high enough temperature helps kill germs like Salmonella.
You are at higher risk for severe Salmonella illness if you are 65 years or older, or if you have a health condition or take medicines that lower your body's ability to fight germs. Children younger than 5 years are also more likely to get very sick from Salmonella.
Most people infected with Salmonella experience diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually start six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment after four to seven days.
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