DOVER, Del. (March 16, 2021) – The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) is warning anyone who purchased turtles, specifically the red-eared slider turtle, between August 2020 and January 2021 to take extra precautions to prevent illness.

The CDC and officials from several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium linked to small turtles. As of February 20, 2021, a total of 22 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from seven states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Connecticut, North Carolina, Florida, and California. Eight individuals have been hospitalized, and one death has been reported from Pennsylvania. Currently, there are no confirmed cases in Delaware associated with this outbreak, but there is concern regarding the sale and distribution of red-eared slider turtles in Delaware.

Of the people interviewed by health officials, a majority reported having contact with a pet turtle, with reports of turtles with shells under 4 inches. Federal law prohibits the sale and distribution of turtles with shell lengths less than 4 inches, and this includes offering them for adoption or for free.

An exotic animal can be a live wild mammal, a hybrid of a wild mammal or a live reptile not native or generally found in Delaware. Most exotic animals are regulated in Delaware because they may pose a health or ecological threat to Delaware. Red-eared slider turtles are a non-native invasive species. They are sometimes mistaken as being native because they are so common in the wild. Since the red-eared slider is non-native, residents must obtain an exotic animal permit from the Delaware Department of Agriculture before purchasing by state law. In addition to state law, each county has regulations regarding the ownership of exotic animals.

One of the benefits of permitting exotic animals is that DDA can reach out to owners to alert them of potential health issues with their animals, such as this Salmonella outbreak. DDA asks all residents who have purchased a red-eared slider turtle in this timeframe to contact the Department to obtain a permit. More information on permitting exotic animals is online at https://agriculture.delaware.gov/poultry-animal-health/exotic-animals.

It is illegal for owners of red-eared slider turtles to release them into the wild because they are an invasive species in Delaware. Releasing non-native animals as well as any captive animal into the wild creates a risk of spreading diseases to the native population. Residents who have purchased turtles, specifically the red-eared slider turtles, and no longer want to keep their turtles can contact the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Fish and Wildlife at 302-739-9912 for guidance.

It is normal for reptiles, including turtles, to shed the Salmonella bacteria. It does not mean that the animal is sick; however, people who own or come in contact with turtles should take steps to stay healthy around their pet:

• Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching pets and other animals, cleaning, caring for the animal, or cleaning its habitat.
• Don’t put your hands in your mouth after petting or playing with animals. Keep other items that have come into contact with animals out of your mouth.
• Don’t kiss cats, dogs, chickens, turtles, lizards, or other pets or animals.
• Don’t let children younger than age 5, people with weakened immune systems, or older adults touch high-risk animals (like turtles, frogs, chickens, or ducks) or their belongings or habitats.
• Don’t eat or drink around high-risk animals or in areas where they live and roam. Don’t let turtles roam freely in areas where food is prepared or stored, such as kitchens.
• Clean your pet’s bed, cage, terrarium, or aquarium and its contents (such as food and water bowls) outdoors. If you must clean your pet’s habitat indoors, use a bathtub or large sink that can be cleaned and disinfected. Avoid using a kitchen sink, if possible.
• Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. By keeping your pet healthy, you also help to keep yourself and your family healthy.

Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps six hours to six days after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Children younger than five years, adults 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

Call your health care provider right away if you are exhibiting severe Salmonella symptoms. These symptoms can include: diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F, diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving, bloody diarrhea, so much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down, and signs of dehydration, such as not urinating (peeing) much, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up.
For more information regarding the outbreak, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/typhimurium-02-21/details.html.

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DOVER — La División de Salud Pública de Delaware (DPH por sus siglas en inglés) anunció hoy que hay 26 casos confirmados de Salmonella en niños y niñas de edad escolar en el condado de New Castle. Estos casos forman parte de un brote multiestatal de Salmonella Javiana vinculado a frutas cortadas que fueron retiradas del mercado. La Oficina de Protección de Alimentos de la DPH trabajó con distribuidores en Delaware para asegurarse de que las facilidades recibieran esta información y fueron advertidos a descartar y no servir el producto.

Es importante notar que a pesar de que la Salmonellosis es una enfermedad común, algunos síntomas se podrían parecer a los de la gripe.

El 11 de diciembre de 2019, los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC, por sus siglas en inglés) anunció que junto a la Administración de Alimentos y Medicamentos de los Estados Unidos (FDA, por sus siglas en inglés) y oficiales de regulación y salud pública, se encontraba investigando in brote multiestatal de Salmonella Javiana vinculado a frutas cortadas retiradas del mercado por “Tailor Cut Produce” en New Brunswick, Nueva Jersey.

DPH recientemente identificó 26 individuos en Delaware infectados con la cepa del brote de Salmonella Javiana. Los casos son niños y niñas de edad escolar entre las edades de 4 a 17 años. Estos son estudiantes de escuelas en los siguientes distritos escolares: “Red Clay Consolidated School District”, “Colonial School District”, y escuelas localizadas en el “Community EducationBuilding” en Wilmington. Las enfermedades ocurrieron desde la tercera semana de noviembre hasta la primera semana de diciembre.

Según el CDC, el 11 de diciembre de 2019 había 11 personas infectadas con la cepa del brote de Salmonella Javiana en dos estados, Pennsylvania y Minnesota. No se han reportado muertes asociadas a este brote. La evidencia epidemiológica indica que la mezcla de frutas con melón (“cantaloupe” y “honeydew”), piña y uvas de Tailor Cut Produce es una fuente potencial de este brote. El 7 de diciembre, la compañía retiró del mercado la mezcla de frutas llamada “Fruit Luau”, así como melones “cantaloupe” y “honeydew” cortados y piña cortada.

Los productos retirados del mercado fueron distribuidos en Pennsylvania, Nueva Jersey, Nueva York y Delaware entre noviembre 15 y diciembre 1 de 2019. Estos productos no fueron vendidos directamente a los consumidores en los supermercados sino que fueron vendidos solamente para uso en establecimientos de servicios de comida institucionales tales como hospitales, centros de cuidado a largo plazo, escuelas y hoteles. La DPH ha determinado que estos productos fueron distribuidos solamente a escuelas en Delaware.

Los casos en Delaware fueron asociados a el brote multiestatal mediante la secuenciación del genoma completo (WGS), un método de análisis estandarizado de laboratorio. Este proceso podría tomar entre dos a cuatro semanas en reportarse al estado, así que aunque el riesgo de enfermarse por frutas contaminadas haya pasado, casos adicionales podrían asociarse a este brote mediante WGS.
La investigación multiestatal continúa para determinar otras posibles fuentes de contaminación

Sobre Salmonella:
Salmonella son un grupo de bacterias que pueden causar una enfermedad gastrointestinal con fiebre llamada salmonelosis. La mayoría de as personas infectadas con Salmonella desarrollan diarrea, fiebre y dolor estomacal entre 12 a 72 horas luego de haber estado expuestos a la bacteria. La enfermedad, salmonelosis, usualmente dura de cuatro a siete días y la mayoría de las personas se recuperan sin tratamiento.
En algunas personas, la enfermedad puede ser tan severa que el paciente necesita ser hospitalizado. La infección con Salmonella podría dispersarse de los intestinos a la sangre y a otras partes del cuerpo. Niños y niñas menores de 5 años de edad, mujeres embarazadas, adultos de 65 años o mas y personas con sistema inmunológico débil tienen mayor riesgo de padecer enfermedad severa.

Los individuos que exhiben síntomas de infección por Salmonella deberían:
• Consultar con su médico.
• Tomar nota de los alimentos consumidos antes de enfermarse.
• Lavar bien sus manos luego de cambiar pañales, luego de ir al baño y antes de preparar alimentos para disminuir la posibilidad de infectar a los demás.

Para más información sobre este brote multiestatal, visite: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/javiana-12-19/index.html. Para más information sobre los productos retirados del mercado, visite: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/javiana-12-19/index.html.

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English: https://news.delaware.gov/2019/12/20/dph-confirms-salmonella-cases-linked-to-multi-state-outbreak-related-to-recalled-cut-fruit/

DOVER — The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced today that it has confirmed 26 cases of Salmonella in school-aged children in New Castle County that are associated with a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections linked to recalled cut fruit.

The DPH Office of Food Protection worked with distributors in Delaware to ensure that any facilities that may have received the recalled products were made aware of the recall and were instructed to not serve, and to discard, the impacted products. The shelf life of the potentially contaminated fruit products has expired and any products of concern are no longer in circulation. It is likely that anyone who would have become ill from consuming any of the contaminated products linked to this outbreak would have already become ill. There is currently no ongoing risk to the children in these school districts due to the recalled fruit, and no risk to the general public as the recalled items were not sold in grocery stores.

It is important to note that while Salmonella infection is a common illness, some symptoms may also mirror symptoms of the flu. Parents concerned about symptoms of ill children should contact their health care provider, but not assume they are caused by Salmonella.

On Dec. 11, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that it, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and public health and regulatory officials in several states, were investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Javiana infections linked to cut fruit recalled by Tailor Cut Produce of North Brunswick, New Jersey.

DPH recently identified 26 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Javiana in Delaware. The cases involve school-aged children between the ages of 4 to 17 years old. The children are students at schools served by Red Clay Consolidated School District, Colonial School District, and the Community Education Building in downtown Wilmington. DPH was not able to confirm school information for seven of the individuals, except that they reside in New Castle County. Illnesses started on dates ranging from the third week of November to the first week of December.

According to the CDC, as of Dec. 11, 2019, 11 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Javiana were initially reported from two states, including Pennsylvania and Minnesota. No deaths have been reported as part of this outbreak. Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicate that fruit mix with cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, and grapes from Tailor Cut Produce of North Brunswick, New Jersey, are a potential source of this outbreak. The company recalled the fruit mix, called Fruit Luau, as well as cut honeydew, cut cantaloupe, and cut pineapple products on Dec. 7, 2019.

The recalled fruit products were distributed in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware between Nov. 15 and Dec. 1, 2019. These products were not sold directly to consumers in grocery stores. These products were sold for use in institutional food service establishments such as hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, and hotels. In Delaware, DPH has determined the products were only distributed to schools.

Delaware’s cases were linked to the multistate outbreak through a standardized laboratory and data analysis method called whole genome sequencing (WGS). Final results linking individual cases of salmonella to the outbreak take approximately two to four weeks to be reported to the states, so although the risk of illness from consuming potentially contaminated fruit has passed, additional Delaware cases could be linked to this outbreak through WGS.

The multi-state investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and if other products are linked to illness.

About Salmonella:
Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness, salmonellosis, usually lasts four to seven days and most people recover without treatment.

In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other places in the body. Children younger than 5 years, pregnant women, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

Individuals who exhibit symptoms of a Salmonella infection should:

• Talk to your health care provider.
• Write down what you ate in the week before you started to get sick.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after changing diapers and using the toilet, and before and after preparing food
to lower the chance of infecting others.

For more information about the CDC’s multi-state outbreak investigation, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/javiana-12-19/index.html. For more information about the Tailor Cut recall, visit: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/tailor-cut-produce-recalls-cut-fruit-mix-because-possible-health-risk#recall-announcement.

Press Release in Spanish: https://news.delaware.gov/2019/12/20/la-division-de-salud-publica-confirma-casos-de-salmonella-asociados-a-brote-multi-estatal-vinculado-a-frutas-cortadas/

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The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

DOVER – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is advising Delawareans of a multi-state outbreak of Listeria infections linked to deli ham. Several companies have recalled ham products that could be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria and could make people sick. To date, there have been no confirmed cases reported in Delaware, but DPH urges consumers to take precautions to prevent illness. Listeria is particularly harmful to pregnant women.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), four people infected with the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes have been reported in North Carolina and Virginia. All four had been hospitalized and one death was reported by Virginia health officials.

Johnston County Hams, Inc. recalled the following ready-to-eat ham products:
• Johnston County Hams, Inc. Country Style Fully Cooked Boneless Deli Ham
• Ole Fashioned Sugar Cured The Old Dominion Brand Hams Premium Fully Cooked Country Ham with sell-by dates from April 10, 2018, to September, 27 2019
• Padow’s Hams & Deli, Inc. Fully Cooked Country Ham Boneless Glazed with Brown Sugar
• Premium Fully Cooked Country Ham Less Salt Distributed by Valley Country Hams, LLC. with sell-by dates from April 10, 2018, to September 27, 2019
• Goodnight Brothers Country Ham Boneless Fully Cooked

The recalled ham products were produced from April 3, 2017, through October 2, 2018. In addition, the recalled products are labeled with establishment number “EST. M2646” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Ladyfingers Gourmet to Go recalled the following ready-to-eat ham rolls:
• Signature Shaved Country Ham Rolls. The rolls are made with ham produced by Johnston County Hams and bear the UPC: 8 56149 00509 9.

Consumers who have any of these recalled products at home should not eat them, even if some of it was consumed and no one has gotten sick. If you do not know if the product has been recalled, do not eat it. Before purchasing deli ham at a grocery store or eating it at a restaurant, consumers should confirm with the store or restaurant that it is not one of the recalled products.

Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell any of the recalled products. Retailers should also clean and sanitize deli slicers and other areas where recalled deli ham was prepared, stored or served. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for sanitizer strength and application to ensure it is effective. For more information, visit: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/regulatory-compliance/compliance-guides-index/controlling-lm-retail-delicatessens.

If you believe you might have a recalled product, return it to the store for a refund or throw it away. If you do not know if the ham you purchased was recalled, ask the business where you purchased it or throw it away. If you have questions, contact the DPH Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 302-744-4990 or 24/7 at 888-295-5156.

People with invasive listeriosis usually report symptoms starting one to four weeks after eating food contaminated with Listeria. Pregnant women and their newborns, adults age 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick with listeriosis. The symptoms differ for pregnant women compared to non-pregnant individuals:

Women who are or may be pregnant: Pregnant women typically experience only fever and other flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue and muscle aches. However, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
People other than pregnant women: Symptoms can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, in addition to fever and muscle aches.

Anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately. Medical providers should report suspected cases of Listeria to the DPH Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 302-744-4990 or 24/7 at 888-295-5156.

For more information regarding the outbreak, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/countryham-10-18/index.html. For more information regarding the food recalls, visit https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-084-2018-release or https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm622719.htm. For additional information on Listeria infection, visit https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/index.html.

DPH Also Advises Residents of Multi-State Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Raw Chicken Products

DPH is also taking this time to make Delaware residents aware of a multi-state outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Infantis infections linked to raw chicken products. According to the CDC, 92 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Infantis have been reported in 29 states, including two cases in Delaware. Of the cases reported nationally, 22 people have been hospitalized (including two Delawareans). No deaths have been reported.

The CDC says the outbreak strain has been found in samples taken from raw chicken pet food, raw chicken products, and live chickens, and is resistant to multiple antibiotics, including first-line treatment options. This means if antibiotics are needed for severe infections, alternative or second-line treatments may need to be used. Advice to clinicians can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/infantis-10-18/advice.html.

A single, common supplier of chicken has not been identified. There is no need for consumers to avoid eating properly cooked chicken, and retailers are not being advised to stop selling raw chicken products. However, individuals should follow these steps to help prevent Salmonella infection from raw chicken:

• Always handle raw chicken carefully and cook it thoroughly to prevent food poisoning. This outbreak is a reminder that raw chicken can have germs that spread around food preparation areas and make you sick.

• Wash your hands. Salmonella infections can spread from one person to another if hands have Salmonella germs on them. Wash hands before and after preparing or eating food, after contact with animals, and after using the restroom or changing diapers.

• Cook raw chicken thoroughly to kill harmful germs. Chicken breasts, whole chickens, and ground poultry, including chicken burgers and chicken sausage, should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to kill harmful germs. Leftovers should be reheated to 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check and place it in the thickest part of the food.

• Don’t spread germs from raw chicken around food preparation areas. Washing raw poultry before cooking is not recommended. Germs in raw chicken can spread to other foods and kitchen surfaces. Thoroughly wash hands, counters, cutting boards and utensils with warm, soapy water after they touch raw chicken. Use two separate cutting boards for raw chicken, meats and seafood; and the other for fruits and vegetables. Wash boards completely with soap and warm water between each use to kill germs.

• CDC does not recommend feeding raw diets to pets (https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/publications/pet-food-safety.html). Germs like Salmonella in raw pet food can make your pets sick. Your family also can get sick by handling the raw food or by taking care of your pet.

For more information about this outbreak, visit https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/infantis-10-18/index.html. For more information about preventing Salmonella infection, visit https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/general/prevention.html.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.