Salmonella Update

The salmonella outbreak has expanded.

It is being called the SaintPaul outbreak and has spread to 19 people in several states.

Those suffering from the illness range between the ages of two and 78, ten of which are from the mid-Michigan area.

While evidence continues to link the illness to raw tomatoes, health officials now say the sickness could be linked to other fresh foods as well.

"Going back to figuring out the origin is so complex given that tomatoes are used for so many different things," said Michigan Department of Community Health spokesman, James McCurtis Jr.

Health officials are warning consumers jalepeno and serrano peppers along with cilantro may also be included in the outbreak.

They also warn the tomatoes involved in the salmonella outbreak can be used in the preparation of fresh salsa, guacamole and pico de gallo along with other dishes.

Officials continue to limit their tomato consumption to specific types of tomatoes and from specific sources.  These include locally grown tomatoes; cherry tomatoes; grape tomatoes; tomatoes sold with the vine still attached; tomatoes grown at home; and red plum, red Roma, and round red tomatoes from specific sources.

Health officials tell us salmonella can sometimes cause fatal infections mostly in young children or the elderly.

Symptoms to look for include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.  Consumers who have recently eaten raw tomatoes or foods containing raw tomatoes and are experiencing any of these symptoms should contact a health care provider immediately.