WASHINGTON — Health officials announced Wednesday new Washington state cases in a salmonella illness outbreak linked to pork.
The case count continues to grow with the number now at 134 in 10 counties: Clark (two residents), Cowlitz (one resident), Grays Harbor (one resident), King (84 residents), Kitsap (one residents), Mason (two residents), Pierce (12 residents), Snohomish (24 residents), Thurston (two residents), and Yakima (five residents) counties.
Most of the illnesses have been confirmed with the outbreak strain of salmonella bacteria, and early testing shows a connection to a slaughter facility in Graham, Washington.
Samples were collected at Kapowsin Meats in Pierce County last week and testing confirms the outbreak strain was present.
The business, which is regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service, has cooperated with the investigation. There may be other sources and disease investigators are searching for the origin of the salmonella bacteria in the outbreak.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent its team of "disease detectives" to the state to help. Investigators are interviewing the most recent cases and comparing information to early cases.
Disease investigators are searching for possible contamination and exposure sources from a wide range of possible venues, including restaurants, markets, slaughter facilities and farms/ranches.
Salmonella bacteria are commonly found in animals used for food, and proper storage, handling and preparation. Consumers should cook pork thoroughly.
Exposure for many of the ill people apparently was whole roasted pigs, served at private events and restaurants.
Annually, 600-800 cases of salmonellosis are reported among Washington residents.
Click here for more information on the illness from the Department of Health's website.
KIRO
