According to the Albany Oregon Tribune, in 2012, Oregon saw 56 cases of Salmonella Heidelberg, which is a marked increase over previous years. All people reportedly have recovered from their illnesses; there have been no deaths associated with the outbreak. During 2007-2011, there was an average of 27 annual reported cases in our state.
In 2012, 43 of the 56 confirmed human cases of infection by Salmonella Heidelberg bacteria in Oregon were caused by a particular strain linked to chicken processed by Foster Farms, according to patient reports and laboratory testing of randomly purchased chicken.
Oregon’s Public Health Division is working with Washington State Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention to track cases of salmonellosis and to promote food safety.
There has been no recall issued.