Multistate Outbreak of Human Typhoid Fever Infections Associated with Frozen Mamey Fruit Pulp

August 12, 2010 CDC announced they are collaborating with public health officials in two states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella infections, serotype Typhi.  Salmonella Typhi is the bacterium that causes typhoid fever. 

There has been a total of 7 confirmed and 2 probable individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella serotype Typhi since May 25, 2010.  The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain were California (3 confirmed and 2 probable) and Nevada (4 confirmed).

ADVICE TO COSUMERS:

• Until further notice, do not eat or drink Goya brand frozen mamey fruit pulp.
• Individuals who think they might have become ill from eating frozen mamey fruit pulp should consult their health care provider.

Clinical Features/Signs and Symptoms

Most persons infected with Salmonella Typhi develop high and sustained fever, headache, constipation, malaise, chills, and myalgia 2 to 5 weeks after infection.  Infection is usually diagnosed by a blood culture.  The illness can last from 3 to 4 weeks and infections may be severe or fatal if untreated.  Typhoid fever should be treated with appropriate antimicrobial medications.

To follow this outbreak visit: www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhoidfever/index.html