Montgomery County, PA

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul. There have been several cases of Salmonella Saintpaul reported in Pennsylvania, including cases in Montgomery County. It is unclear whether the residents acquired the illness in Montgomery County. Health Department staff are still investigating the food history of the residents.

For updated state and county totals, click here:
http://www.dsf.health.state.pa.us/health/cwp/view.asp?a=186&Q=251065#Counties

The FDA is now updating its warning to consumers nationwide concerning the outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul. As of July 17, 2008, FDA officials believe that consumers may enjoy all types of fresh tomatoes available on the domestic market, without concern of becoming infected with Salmonella Saintpaul. The agency is removing the warning that has been in place since June 7, which states that consumers should avoid certain types of fresh tomatoes due to a potential connection to the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak.

Consumers may resume enjoying any type of fresh tomato, including raw red plum, raw red Roma, and raw red round tomatoes.

While they are changing the consumer guidance about tomatoes, they reiterate their guidance to consumers that those in vulnerable populations (infants, the elderly, and immune-compromised people) should avoid eating jalapeño and serrano peppers as the investigation continues. The CDC has found that many, but not all, of the people who have become ill during the outbreak also reported eating jalapeño or serrano peppers.

http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/saintpaul/