Salmonella Outbreak: Cases Reported in Chelan and Douglas Counties

CDHD working with state and federal partners to investigate links to charcuterie meats

information released, image by Pixabay

Chelan-Douglas Health District is one of four Washington health jurisdictions working with Washington State Department of Health and Federal Partners in a multi-state salmonella outbreak investigation linked to charcuterie meats.

Washington currently has four cases included in this outbreak from four counties including Chelan (1), Douglas (1), King (1) and Spokane (1). Note: As of January 12th, 2024, two of the Washington cases have not been added to the CDC outbreak page.

The four Washington cases all report consuming some form of charcuterie meat prior to their illness. However, none of the cases consumed the recalled Busseto Charcuterie Sampler which was linked to the outbreak in other states. Washington State Department of Health officials are investigating additional charcuterie meat products.

CDHD recommendations:

Check your fridge for recalled products. Do not eat them. Throw them away or return them to where you bought them.
Wash surfaces and containers that may have touched the recalled product using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms, including:

Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
Bloody diarrhea o So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
Signs of dehydration, such as: Not peeing much Dry mouth and throat Feeling dizzy when standing up

Symptoms can last 4 to 7 days and usually resolve on their own with fluids and rest. Children younger than 5 years, adults 65 years and older, and people with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illnesses that require medical treatment or hospitalization.

Avoid eating high-risk foods, including raw or undercooked eggs, undercooked ground beef or poultry, and unpasteurized or raw milk.
Wash your hands after contact with animals, their food, or their living environment.

Chelan-Douglas Health District Response:

Investigate the persons that fell ill
Consult with treating physicians to ensure appropriate testing and treatment is done
Provide vital information on the investigation to state and national authorities
Conduct active surveillance to catch other possible cases
Review previous case logs for possible previously unknown cases
As needed, work with local food suppliers to ensure the safety of the public

Local, state and federal partners are continuing to investigate the source of illness for outbreak-related cases and additional products may be recalled.