The CDC reported today that a total of nine persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg were reported from Tennessee. Two (22%) of nine ill persons were hospitalized, and no deaths were 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 indicated that consumption of Tyson brand mechanically separated chicken was the source of the outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections at the Tennessee correctional facility. On January 10, 2014, Tyson Foods, Inc. recalled approximately 33,840 pounds of mechanically separated chicken products that may be contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg.

This strain of Salmonella Heidelberg is commonly reported to PulseNet. Twenty-three additional persons infected with this same strain were identified from 15 other states. Investigations determined that these ill persons were not related to the outbreak in Tennessee. Sources of the infections in these 15 states were not identified.