2016 Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Anatum Linked to Imported Hot Peppers

In June 2016, public health officials investigated an outbreak of Salmonella Anatum infections involving 32 patients residing in 9 states. Illness onset dates ranged from May 6-July 9, 2016. Eight people were hospitalized. There were no deaths. The outbreak strain was isolated from an imported Anaheim pepper. The combined epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback evidence indicated that fresh hot peppers were the likely source of infection, but a single pepper type or source farm was not identified.

Overview

Outbreak began:May 2016
Affected country:US
States/territories:GA, IL, KS, LA, MN, OH, OK, PA, TX
Pathogen:Salmonella Anatum
Vehicle(s):peppers
Location(s):Restaurant, Private Home
Molecular test results:JAGX01.0188

Health impact

Total ill:32
Number hospitalized:8

Sources & documents

Outbreak documents