2013 Outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium Infections Linked to Homemade, Unpasteurized Cheese, Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), the Minnesota Department of Agriculture and the City of Minneapolis investigated an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium infections linked to consumption of homemade unpasteurized cheese also known as queso fresco in May 2013. MDH confirmed 19 cases of infection with the same strain of Salmonella. An additional 7 cases of illness occurred among family members or other contacts of confirmed cases. The individuals became ill between March 28 and April 24. Of the 25 cases, 15 were hospitalized. All have recovered. Many cases reported eating unpasteurized queso fresco purchased or received from an individual who made the product in a private home. The individual made home deliveries and also may have sold the product on a street corner near the East Lake Street area of Minneapolis.

Overview

Outbreak began:March 2013
Affected country:US
States/territories:MN
Pathogen:Salmonella Typhimurium
Vehicle(s):Queso Fresco
Location(s):Private Home
Molecular test results:Not reported

Health impact

Total ill:26
Number hospitalized:15

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents