Raw oysters linked to salmonella outbreak, infecting 64 people in 22 states
Although the illness generally lasts four to seven days, some cases may require hospitalization
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 reported. This was reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. They are conducting an investigation to identify a possible common source for the implicated oysters. 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 prior to the onset of symptoms. Of the 27 people surveyed, approximately 75% reported having consumed raw oysters. “People affected by this outbreak are being hospitalized at a higher rate than expected compared to other salmonella outbreaks linked to oysters,” the CDC wrote in a press release. Symptoms and Treatments: Symptoms of salmonellosis typically begin between six hours and six days after exposure and include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Although the illness generally 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 places where animals live and roam, the federal health agency said, according to ABC News. The CDC warns that certain groups, such as children under 5, 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 eating them. Salmonella, a leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., may not always be diagnosed.since it is estimated that only one in 30 cases is 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 the actual number is higher due to undiagnosed cases.
Sequelae of salmonella infection
Most people recover fully from a Salmonella infection without long-term sequelae, but in some cases, post-infectious complications can persist. These mainly affect 10-30% of adults and are rarer in healthy children.
Common complications. Reactive arthritis is a frequent sequela, causing pain and inflammation in joints such as the hips, knees, or Achilles tendon, weeks or months after diarrhea. Others include irritable bowel syndrome, which disrupts bowel function.
Rare complications. Serious problems such as meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, or appendicitis can occur in 10% of cases, especially if the bacteria spread. In children, myalgia, cerebellar ataxia, or orchiepididymitis have been reported, although these usually resolve without permanent sequelae.
Asymptomatic carriers. Some people shed the bacteria in their stool for months or up to a year post-recovery and can transmit it without showing symptoms.