WebMD Medical News Brunilda Nazario, MD Feb. 15, 2013 -- The CDC
is investigating an outbreak of salmonella linked to raw Foster
Farms chicken that has sickened 124 people in 12 states. No
deaths have been reported. Most of the people infected with the
illness, salmonella Heidelberg, live in Washington state and
Oregon. The illnesses were reported from June 4, 2012, to Jan. 6
of this year. More than half of those who came down with the
food-borne illness were female, and 31 were hospitalized. Foster
Farms says in a statement that it is not recalling any products.
“It is widely known that all raw chicken must be responsibly
handled and properly prepared to ensure safety and quality,” the
statement says. The company says consumers should cook raw
chicken to 165 degrees and avoid preparing other food on
surfaces touched by raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and
stomach cramps. It usually lasts about 4 to 7 days, and most
people get better without