DOVER, Del. (October 20, 2023) – The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) has been made aware that green iguanas, which are considered exotic animals in Delaware, were present at the Apple Scrapple Festival held in Bridgeville from October 13-14, 2023, and may have been distributed to the public as a prize by a private vendor.

“We are concerned because this is not a prize many people would look to win at a festival, and we don’t want individuals or families to feel that they have to keep an animal that they are not prepared to care for,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Karen Lopez. “While green iguanas do not require a permit, they are considered exotic, which means they are not native to Delaware. We absolutely do not want people releasing them into the wild. Not only could they cause ecological harm, but the climate and vegetation are unsuitable for their overall health.”

DDA works closely with several reptile rehabilitation and rescue groups that can ensure the care of these reptiles and rehome them to individuals who have experience raising and caring for them. Anyone who received a green iguana at the Apple Scrapple Festival and no longer wants it is encouraged to contact the Poultry and Animal Health Section at 302-698-4500.

It is normal for reptiles, including green iguanas, to shed the Salmonella bacteria, but it does not mean the animal is sick. They may also harbor other types of bacteria that may appear in the animal and make people sick. People who own or encounter reptiles should take steps to stay healthy around their pets:

• 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 iguanas 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.

Salmonella infections can be reported to the Delaware Division of Public Health Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology (OIDE). Cases can be reported by phone (302-744-4990, normal business hours from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; 1-888-295-5156, outside of normal business hours), fax (302-622-4194), or email reportdisease@delaware.gov.

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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) continues to advise Delawareans of a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Reading infections linked to raw turkey products. As originally stated Nov. 9, 2018, 164 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Reading have been reported in 35 states, including one person in Delaware. Of the cases reported nationally, 63 people have been hospitalized, according to the CDC. No Delawareans have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported from Delaware. One death was reported from California. Since Nov. 9, 2018, the outbreak strain has been identified in turkey products produced by Jennie-O.

On November 15, 2018, Jennie-O Turkey Store Sales, LLC, in Barron, Wisconsin, recalled approximately 91,388 pounds of raw ground turkey products. The recalled ground turkey was sold in one-pound packages labeled with establishment number “P-190.” This is found inside the USDA mark of inspection. The following products were recalled:
• “Jennie-O Ground Turkey 93% LEAN | 7% FAT” with “Use by” dates of 10/01/2018 and 10/02/2018.
• “Jennie-O Taco Seasoned Ground Turkey” with a “Use by” date of 10/02/2018.
• “Jennie-O Ground Turkey 85% LEAN | 15% FAT” with a “Use by” date of 10/02/2018.
• “Jennie-O Italian Seasoned Ground Turkey” with a “Use by” date of 10/02/2018

Consumers, retailers and food establishments are advised not to eat, sell, or serve recalled Jennie-O brand ground turkey products. For more information about this recall, visit https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/recalls-and-public-health-alerts/recall-case-archive/archive/2018/recall-112-2018-release.

A single, common supplier of raw turkey products or of live turkeys has not been identified that could account for the whole outbreak. Therefore, with the exception of the recalled Jennie-O brand ground turkey products, the CDC is not advising that consumers avoid eating properly cooked turkey products, or that retailers stop selling raw turkey products.

However, individuals should follow these steps to help prevent Salmonella infection from raw turkey:

Always handle raw turkey carefully and cook it thoroughly to prevent food poisoning. This outbreak is a reminder that raw turkey can have germs that spread around food preparation areas and will 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 turkey thoroughly to kill harmful germs. Turkey breasts, whole turkeys, and ground poultry, including turkey burgers, casseroles, and 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 turkey around food preparation areas. Washing raw poultry before cooking is not recommended. Germs in raw poultry juices can spread to other areas and foods. Thoroughly wash hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils with warm, soapy water after they are touched by raw turkey. Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey and other raw meats if possible.

CDC does not recommend feeding raw diets to pets. 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.

According to the CDC, the outbreak strain has been identified in samples taken from raw turkey pet food, raw turkey products and live turkeys. Of the 85 people interviewed, 44 (52 percent) reported preparing or eating turkey products that were purchased raw, including ground turkey, turkey pieces and whole turkey. People who were ill reported buying many different brands of raw turkey products from multiple stores. Additionally, three of the 85 people who were interviewed said they became sick after pets in their home ate raw ground turkey pet food. Another three people interviewed worked in a facility that raises or processes turkeys or lived with someone who did.

Most people with Salmonella infections develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. Children younger than 5, adults older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness. People who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention.

For more information about this outbreak, visit https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/reading-07-18/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.

The 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 Salmonella Reading infections linked to raw turkey products. According to the CDC, 164 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Reading have been reported in 35 states, including one person in Delaware. Of the cases reported nationally, 63 people have been hospitalized. No Delawareans have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported from Delaware. One death was reported from California.

The CDC says the outbreak strain has been identified in samples taken from raw turkey pet food, raw turkey products and live turkeys. Of the 85 people interviewed, 44 (52 percent) reported preparing or eating turkey products that were purchased raw, including ground turkey, turkey pieces and whole turkey. People who were ill reported buying many different brands of raw turkey products from multiple stores. Additionally, three of the 85 people who were interviewed said they became sick after pets in their home ate raw ground turkey pet food. Another three people interviewed worked in a facility that raises or processes turkeys, or lived with someone who did.

A single, common supplier of raw turkey products or of live turkeys has not been identified. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday period, the CDC is not advising consumers to avoid eating properly cooked turkey, and is not advising retailers to stop selling raw turkey products. However, individuals should follow these steps to help prevent Salmonella infection from raw turkey:

• Always handle raw turkey carefully and cook it thoroughly to prevent food poisoning. This outbreak is a reminder that raw turkey can have germs that spread around food preparation areas and will 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 turkey thoroughly to kill harmful germs. Turkey breasts, whole turkeys, and ground poultry, including turkey burgers, casseroles, and 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 turkey around food preparation areas. Washing raw poultry before cooking is not recommended. Germs in raw poultry juices can spread to other areas and foods. Thoroughly wash hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils with warm, soapy water after they are touched by raw turkey. Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey and other raw meats if possible.
• CDC does not recommend feeding raw diets to pets. 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.
• Thaw turkey (https://www.cdc.gov/features/turkeytime/index.html) in the refrigerator, in a sink of cold water that is changed every 30 minutes, or in the microwave. Never thaw your turkey by leaving it out on the counter.

Most people with Salmonella infections develop diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. Children younger than 5, adults older than 65, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.

People who experience these symptoms should seek medical attention.

For more information about this outbreak, visit https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/reading-07-18/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.

The 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.