The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), in conjunction with other state and local health agencies, is currently investigating an outbreak of a rare strain of salmonella bacteria. So far at least 80% of the reported victims (and 25 have been confirmed so far) have identified eating sushi, and in particular sushi made with raw tuna, in the days leading up to the onset of salmonellosis. This particular strain of salmonella has not been found in humans or animals prior to this outbreak – as such, according to county Health Officer Robert Levin, “we are not flying with the experience that we would normally have with this organism.” Levine also warned that eating raw fish at this time, especially tuna, may be risky.
So far, 18 of the cases have been identified in California:
a. 7 cases in Los Angeles County
b. 4 cases in Orange County
c. 4 cases in Ventrura County
d. 2 cases in Riverside County
e. 1 case in Santa Barbara County
The other 7 cases have been reported from outside California. “The rarity of this strain should make it easy for health officials to match victims to this particular outbreak,” says Salmonella Lawyer Ron Simon, who led the charge against Sashimi-grade tuna importer Moon Marine in that last outbreak of salmonella linked to raw tuna. In that outbreak, victims had either Salmonella Bareilly or Salmonella Nchanga. In this outbreak authorities are not yet identifying this particular strain, but at least one health official has admitted that the salmonella strain in this outbreak is similar, though genetically unique, to one that that led to an outbreak in 2010 – in that outbreak, which was caused by raw tuna imported from Indonesia, most of the victims were also in California, though others were identified in Hawaii.
“In salmonella outbreak linked to raw tuna, or for that matter any raw fish,” says Simon, “we need to look carefully at the production processes and handing of the product.” Importers and restaurants are responsible for the quality of the food they serve, and bear the burden of making sure their suppliers follow carefully established guidelines for handling raw fish. They are also responsible for making sure the product is adequately tested prior to serving it to their customers.
In this outbreak no deaths have been reported, but at least 5 of the victims have been hospitalized so far. “In addition to being life threatening,” says Simon, “we also see victims who develop irritable bowel syndrome after suffering salmonellosis, a condition that can last for years.” As such, the salmonella lawyers at Ron Simon & Associates encourage anyone who has gotten sick after eating sushi to seek medical attention and be tested for salmonellosis. If you or a loved one test positive, feel free to call a salmonella lawyer at Ron Simon & Associates at 1-888-335-4901 to discuss filing a claim of bringing a salmonella lawsuit.
