The CDC reports as of January 13, 2014, a total of 9 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from Tennessee.
Two (22%) of 9 ill persons have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
All of the ill persons were incarcerated at a single correctional facility located in Tennessee.
Epidemiologic and traceback investigations conducted by Tennessee and federal officials indicate that consumption of Tyson brand mechanically separated chicken is the likely source of the outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections at the Tennessee correctional facility.
On January 10, 2014, Tyson Foods, Inc. recalled approximated 33,840 pounds of mechanically separated chicken products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg.
Institutions that purchased recalled chicken products should not serve them.
The recalled products were not available for consumer purchase in retail stores.
This strain of Salmonella Heidelberg is commonly reported to PulseNet. Nineteen additional persons infected with this same strain have been identified from 12 other states.
Investigations are ongoing to determine if these cases are related to the outbreak at the Tennessee correctional facility.