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Stuffy summer evenings call for dinners that are fast, easy, and require minimal cooking—perhaps a salad, bread, and a charcuterie board piled high with your favorite cured meats. If that’s what’s on your menu though, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests a minor modification: Heat that meat.
Why? There is currently a Salmonella outbreak linked to Italian-style meats, but at this point, its source is unclear. Here’s what to know about the CDC investigation, including how to safely consume an antipasto platter.
What we know about the Salmonella outbreak
At present, there are two Salmonella outbreaks linked to Italian-style meats in the United States, with a total of 36 reported illnesses and 12 hospitalizations across 14 states, according to the CDC.
Those who have fallen ill informed investigators of what they ate prior to getting sick, and it was the same across both outbreaks: Salami, prosciutto, and “other meats that can be found in antipasto or charcuterie assortments,” the CDC reports. As of now, it’s unclear whether the two outbreaks are linked to the same food source.
How to safely consume Italian-style meats
While CDC investigators are working to identify exactly which Italian-style meats are responsible for these outbreaks, the agency is instructing consumers at higher risk of contracting severe Salmonella illness to heat all relevant meats to an internal temperature of 165°F or until “steaming hot” before eating. This group includes people aged 65 and above, children aged four and below, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Additional information about Salmonella can be found on the CDC website.
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What to do if you think you may have a Salmonella illness
According to the CDC, if you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms, it’s important to call your healthcare provider right away:
Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°FDiarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improvingBloody diarrheaSo much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids downSigns of dehydration, such as: Not peeing much, dry mouth and throat, and feeling dizzy when standing up
