Salmonella, often referred to as food poisoning, is a fairly common illness. And every year, the United States sees at least a few outbreaks stemming from various foods or drinks. Here’s every salmonella outbreak of 2018 so far.

Pre-cut melon

If you’re a pre-cut melon fan, you might want to double check where that melon is coming from. In June 2018, Caito Foods, LLC recalled all of its pre-cut melon products after several people reported getting salmonella from the foods. Pre-cut honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, and fruit medleys were recalled; they were sold in clear, clamshell containers and infected people in seven states — mostly in Michigan. Since June, 70 people have reportedly become sick from the fruit, and 34 people have been hospitalized.

Next: This cereal is one to avoid.

Kellogg’s cereal

As of mid-July 2018, more than 100 people have been infected with salmonella from Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Cereal. The outbreak has affected 33 states, and the CDC warns that nobody consume any Honey Smacks cereal, regardless of the store from which it came. If you purchased the cereal from the store, you can return it for a refund. Investigators have not figured out how the cereal became contaminated, but it should be off store shelves. Other Kellogg’s cereals are not a part of the outbreak and are safe to eat.

Next: These have always had a risk of spreading salmonella.

Shell eggs

Eggs have been known to carry the risk of salmonella, but it’s extremely uncommon to get the disease from a raw egg (only about 1 in 20,000 eggs are contaminated). However, a recent outbreak in April 2018 sickened 45 people in 10 states. The contaminated eggs came from Rose Acre Farms in Hyde County, North Carolina. The farm voluntarily recalled nearly two million eggs. The outbreak appeared to be over as of June 14. But the CDC stresses the importance of thoroughly cooking eggs before consuming them.

Next: This dried fruit was recently recalled.

Dried coconut

14 people in eight states became sick after consuming dried coconut products that were contaminated with salmonella. The product, Go Smiles Dried Coconut Raw, was recalled from store shelves, and the outbreak was over as of May 2018. However, dried coconut has a long shelf life, and the CDC warns that the coconut products could still be in people’s homes. You can check the CDC’s website to find a list of where the products were originally sold, but it’s best to throw away the product if it was purchased before May 2018.

Next: This frozen version of the fruit was recalled as well.

Frozen shredded coconut

In addition to dried coconut, frozen shredded coconut was also recalled. The product, Coconut Tree Frozen Shredded Coconut, was pulled from store shelves back in February. However, since frozen foods have a long shelf life, it’s possible consumers might still have the product in their home. Check the brand of your frozen coconut and warn friends and neighbors as well who may be unaware of the outbreak. In total, the outbreak sickened 27 people in nine states.

Next: This popular lunch food sickened hundreds of people.

Chicken salad

Chicken salad from Triple T Specialty meats was recalled in February after sickening several people with salmonella. In total, 265 people in eight states got sick. It resulted in 94 hospitalizations and one death. The meats were sold at Fareway grocery stores in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota during January and February 2018. The outbreak is presumed to be over.

Next: This veggie has been known to spread salmonella.

Raw sprouts

Although sprouts are a healthy food, they are also a known cause of foodborne illness. However, a larger-than-normal outbreak of salmonella came from eating sprouts, which prompted a CDC recall. 10 people from three states became sick after eating sprouts, but no deaths or hospitalizations were reported. The outbreak is presumed to be over, but restaurants should continue to use care when handling raw sprouts because they can carry salmonella at any time.

Next: The FDA never recommends consuming this herb.

Kratom

Kratom, a plant found in Asia, is a natural opioid that is used as an herbal supplement. Between January 2017 and May 2018, nearly 200 people were sickened with salmonella after consuming kratom. 41 states reported cases, but there were no deaths. The FDA does not recommend using kratom for any reason, since it can have the same addictive and potentially deadly effects as other opioids.

Next: This animal was at the root of a 2018 outbreak.

Live poultry

It’s not uncommon for live poultry, such as chickens, to be carrying salmonella. This is one reason why eggs pose a salmonella risk. And as of June 2018, 124 people in 36 states have gotten sick from touching live poultry. This is mostly due to people not washing their hands after interacting with the poultry. The CDC recommends that you always wash your hands after working with live poultry and never let live chickens, turkeys, etc. into your home.

Next: This pet has been known to carry salmonella.

Pet guinea pigs

There have been nine reported cases in eight states of pet guinea pigs giving people salmonella. As of March 6, there was still an advisory about the guinea pigs. But it’s possible for rodents, such as guinea pigs, mice, etc., to carry salmonella. It isn’t too common, however, so guinea pigs still make great household pets. But you should always wash your hands after handling animals.

Next: Here are some of the common signs of salmonella poisoning.

These are the most common signs of salmonella

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common signs of salmonella. But fever and chills often accompany the illness as well. It can take up to a week for symptoms of the illness to kick in, which makes it difficult to trace where the initial bacteria came from. Weakness and dehydration are also a sign, which is usually a result of constant vomiting or diarrhea.

Next: Here’s how common the illness is.

Salmonella illness is extremely common

Each year, millions of salmonella illnesses are reported around the world. It’s a fairly common illness because people often don’t use the best practices when working with food. For example, many people consume raw eggs in foods such as cookie dough, and people commonly prefer their burgers on the rare side. But the illness is very uncomfortable and can last up to one week — sometimes longer, depending on its severity.

Next: Can you die from salmonella?

In most cases, salmonella is not deadly

In most cases, salmonella lasts about four to seven days, and people usually get better at home without having to go to a hospital. Severe cases can sometimes require hospitalization. And in rare cases, the illness can spread to the blood stream and cause serious complications that can lead to death. But for the most part, the illness is common and doesn’t require any kind of intense medical treatment.

Next: How do most people get salmonella?

Salmonella is typically caused by animals

The most common causes of salmonella usually stem from animals. According to Web MD, touching certain animals, such as birds, lizards, and rodents can spread the disease. Also, the disease tends to hide in uncooked meats, such as chicken or beef. And while it is uncommon in eggs, it is still possible to get the disease from consuming raw eggs. In some cases, water can be contaminated with the disease and ultimately spread salmonella to fruits and vegetables, too.

Next: Here’s how to prevent the illness.

There are several ways to prevent salmonella illness

The best way to prevent salmonella poisoning is to always wash your hands. Wash your hands after touching an animal or handling raw eggs or meat. Always properly refrigerate perishable foods to help lessen the chance of the bacteria growing. Be sure to clean your kitchen properly after cooking raw meat. Also, make sure meat is cooked to its proper internal temperature, and wash all produce after you purchase it.

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