Personal Injury Law

Salmonella Newport Proving Resistant To Antibiotics Might Be Caused By Ground Beef Still Being Sold

By Marler Clark LLP

Colorado doctors and hospitals are combating Salmonella Newport infections that resistant to the most commonly used antibiotics.   Twenty-one people spread mostly up and down the Front Range are being treated for Salmonella Newport. Cases have been reported in eight other states as well.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and health departments in the other states are conducting an investigation into the illnesses.

Ground beef is the suspected source of the outbreak. It is unusual for ground beef to be contaminated with Salmonella. 'We can't be certain that ground beef is the source of these infections, but we are concerned enough that it might be and want consumers to be aware,' says Alicia Cronquist, a Colorado state epidemiologist.

The Colorado salmonella cases are found in these counties: Arapahoe (3); Broomfield (3); Denver (3); Douglas (1); Elbert (1); Garfield (1); Jefferson (4); Mesa (1); Pueblo (1); and Weld (3). Four people were hospitalized, and all are recovering. 

Most of the Colorado illnesses occurred during late June and early July with the most recent starting on July 13. 

Colorado health officials believe they are dealing with the second Salmonella outbreak of the summer related to ground beef, and that the contaminated product may still be for sale.

The earlier Salmonella outbreak related to ground beef may have been caused by ground beef recalled on July 22^nd by the Denver-based King Sooper's grocery store chain. June 23^rd was the latest 'sell-by' date on that meat, but it is always possible that it could be in home or even commercial freezers.

The Sooper's ground beef was believed responsible for 14 illnesses in Colorado from the Salmonella strain known as Typhimurium DT104.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which is not located far from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, is warning consumers to either not eat ground beef or make sure it is well done. 

Full post as published by Salmonella Blog on August 04, 2009 (boomark / email).