CDC Links 3 Salmonella Hospitalizations to Contaminated Flour

On March 30, 2023, the CDC issued an investigation notice on the Salmonella outbreak. The statement revealed 12 cases, causing 3 hospitalizations linked to contaminated flour. While the investigation is ongoing, data collected by health officials determined that most of the infected patients reported eating raw dough or batter that contained flour before falling ill.

While the outbreak is small, it spans the entire nation, with patients infected across 12 states. Although only 12 cases were identified, the CDC hypothesizes many unreported cases.

Excluding Illinois, which has two cases, each of the following states has one reported case: California, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, and Virginia.

The reported infected individuals were 12–18 years old, with a median age of 64. Most of the infected individuals were female, while only 8% of the patients were male. Only 10 patients provided race and ethnicity data, which reported that 80% of infected individuals are White and 20% are Asian.

Flour is a common source of Salmonella, as many people are unaware it is raw food. Before cooking, flour has not been heated enough to kill germs like Salmonella. After eating raw flour — in raw dough or batter — those infected with Salmonella may have a fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In the long term, Salmonella may also cause reactive arthritis and inconsistent stools.

Symptom onset varies from patient to patient; however, most infected individuals begin experiencing symptoms within six hours to six days of eating contaminated food. Most patients will recover on their own within one week. Conversely, specific patient populations may require antibiotics, including those with severe illnesses, immunocompromised individuals, concurrent medical conditions, infants, and older adults.

While the CDC continues investigating the outbreak, it recommends avoiding raw dough and batter or buying heat-treated flour. Keeping dishes and hands clean after handling raw flour and separating raw flour, dough, or batter can also help prevent infection.

Patients and parents are urged to contact a healthcare professional if they suspect Salmonella infection and have had diarrhea and a fever over 102, persistent diarrhea for over three days, bloody stools, vomiting, or signs of dehydration. Patients are also advised to drink fluids to minimize dehydration risk.