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Salmonella continues to be a common bacterial cause of gastroenteritis in the U.S.; infection can lead to serious illness and even death. An outbreak of illness caused by Salmonella enterica serotype Saintpaul occurred in 2008, prompting a collaborative investigation (including epidemiologic, environmental, and traceback studies) to define its scope and source.
The investigators identified 1500 cases in 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. In all, 308 (21%) of the case patients required hospitalization, and 2 died. Incidence rates peaked between mid-May and mid-June and were highest in New Mexico and Texas (58.4 and 24.5 cases, respectively, per 1 million population).
Jalapeño peppers, serrano peppers, and tomatoes were ingredient…