At Least 1 Mainer Sickened by Ground Turkey with Salmonella

At least one Maine resident has become sick from a ground turkey product that's at the heart of a salmonella outbreak.

The United State Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning about the packaged ground turkey, that's sold under three brand names. Health officials have released the product names and the dates that may have been infected with salmonella:

• Nature's Promise (94% lean, 6% fat) - 1 lb. packages with dates 1/1, 1/3, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10
• Wegman (94% lean, 6% fat) - 1 lb. and 3 lb. packages with dates 1/3, 1/4, 1/8, 1/10
• Plainville Farms (93% lean, 7% fat) - 1 lb. packages with date 1/10

The packages have the establishment number 'P-244' inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture's mark of inspection and were made on December 18-29, 2020. While the products are no longer available in stores, residents are encouraged to check their freezers for any potentially contaminated ground turkey.

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Anyone who has one or more of these packages of meat is instructed to either throw them away or return them to the store where they were purchased. CDC officials advise then washing your hands thoroughly, as well as any surfaces that may have come in contact with the product or packaging.

Investigators are working to determine if any other products may have been affected.

One person in Maine has reported getting sick, after eating the ground turkey. Several other states also have reports of illnesses, with the greatest number in Massachusetts. So far, the U.S. CDC reports 28 illnesses, 2 hospitalizations, and no deaths, across 12 states.

Most people infected with Salmonella will experience diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever, and will likely recover within 4 to 7 days. However, the very young and very old, as well as anyone with a compromised immune system, may have a more serious reaction. Health officials advise seeking medical care if you experience one or more of these severe Salmonella symptoms:

• Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees
• Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
• Bloody diarrhea
• So much vomiting that you can't keep liquids down
• Signs of dehydration: to include dry mouth and throat; not urinating much; dizziness upon standing.

Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning usually begin 6 hours to 6 days after swallowing the bacteria.