Salmonella Cases Linked to Pork Increasing Across the County, State

Just weeks after Linda Derschang's Tallulah's was tied to sicknesses related to salmonella (likely linked to eggs), The Seattle Times reports that around 90 people in nine counties across Washington state have reported becoming ill by pork-related salmonella infections recently. Over half of these cases are in King County (55), and six people have been hospitalized so far.

Per The Times: "The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) late Friday issued a public-health alert because of concerns that the Washington salmonella infections might be tied to whole pigs used in pig roasts" at private events between April 25 and July 21. "Salmonella infections cause symptoms that include fever, diarrhea, chills, vomiting and abdominal cramps. Although most people recover quickly, the infections can be dangerous or even deadly for children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems."

Read The Times full coverage for more information on this particular strain of salmonella, and proper handling, cooking, and storage practices for raw pork and meat in general.