Personal Injury Law

Mustang Oklahoma Salmonella Outbreak now linked to Iowa and Nebraska

By Bill Marler, Esq.

It is more that a bit ironic that the state, where its Senator single handedly held up S. 510, The Food Safety Modernization Act, would now be the epicenter of yet another growing Salmonella Outbreak.

According to the Oklahoman this morning, the Oklahoma salmonella outbreak has risen to 15 identified cases in three counties. The state Health Department's investigation also determined the outbreak may extend into two other states. The department is monitoring the outbreak of a similar strain of salmonella identified in Iowa and Nebraska, said Laurence Burnsed, the Oklahoma Health Department's communicable disease division director.

Two additional cases were identified Friday among elementary-age children in the Mustang School District in Canadian County, for a total of 12 cases there. Also previously confirmed were two adult cases in Oklahoma County, including one person hospitalized. Carter County also has a young adult with a confirmed case of salmonella.

So far, they have not been able to identify sources or possible sources of the bacterial disease.  One wonders if the provisions of S. 510 had passed that calls for more robust surveillance if this outbreak would already be solved?  Counting bodies and time will tell.

Full post as published by Marler Blog on October 02, 2010 (boomark / email).