A salmonella outbreak has been detected in 22 states, with a total of 64 cases reported so far. At least 20 of those infected have required hospitalization, although no deaths have been recorded.
This was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. They are conducting research to identify a possible common origin of the oysters involved. To date, no recall warnings have been issued for these products.
Local and state authorities have begun interviewing sick patients, focusing on their eating habits in the week before symptoms appear. Of the 27 people surveyed, approximately 75% reported consuming raw oysters.
“People affected by this outbreak are being hospitalized at a higher rate than expected compared to other oyster-related salmonella outbreaks,” the CDC wrote in a news release.
Symptoms and treatments
Symptoms of salmonellosis usually begin between six hours and six days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Although the illness usually lasts four to seven days, some cases may require hospitalization.
People can become infected by eating contaminated food, drinking or coming into contact with contaminated water, or touching animals, animal feces or the places where animals live and roam, the federal health agency said. ABC News.
The CDC warns that certain groups, such as children under 5 years old, adults over 65, and people with compromised immune systems, are more susceptible to serious complications from the infection.
To minimize the risk of food poisoning, the CDC recommends cooking oysters before consuming them. Salmonella, a leading cause of foodborne illness in the US, may not always be diagnosed, with only one in 30 cases estimated to be reported.
States affected by the outbreak
The 22 states affected by the new salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters are: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
The infections occurred between June 21 and November 28, 2025, and the CDC estimates that the true number is higher due to undiagnosed cases.
Sequelae of salmonella infection
Most people recover completely from a Salmonella infection without long-term sequelae, but in some cases post-infectious complications may persist. These mainly affect 10-30% of adults and are rarer in healthy children.
Common complications. Reactive arthritis is a common sequel, causing pain and inflammation in joints such as hips, knees or Achilles tendons, weeks or months after diarrhea. Others include irritable bowel syndrome, which impairs bowel function.
rare complications. Serious problems such as meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis or appendicitis may arise in 10% of cases, especially if the bacteria spread. In children, myalgia, cerebellar ataxia or epididymitis have been reported, although they usually resolve without permanent sequelae.
Asymptomatic carriers. Some people shed the bacteria in feces for months or up to a year after recovery, being able to transmit it without symptoms. This is relevant for food handlers.
You may also be interested in:
