Taco Bell Salmonella Baildon and Hartford Outbreak
Outbreaks of Salmonella in 21 states have been linked to Taco Bell restaurants. More than 150 people have been confirmed ill with two rare strains of Salmonella: Hartford and Baildon. The CDC has been tracking the outbreaks in conjunction with state health departments, and on August 4 revealed that total of 75 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Hartford have been reported from 15 states since April 1, 2010. The number of ill people identified in each state with this strain is as follows: CO (1), GA (1), IL (5), IN (11), KY (23), MA (2), MI (3), MT (1), NC (1), NH (1), NY (1), OH (19), PA (1), SC (1) and WI (4). Concurrently they posted information on the Baildon outbreak, in which a total of 80 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Baildon have been reported from 15 states since May 1, 2010. The number of ill people identified in each state with this strain is as follows: CT (1), GA (1), IA (1), IL (20), IN (4), KY (5), MA (1), MI (4), MN (5), NJ (6), NY (2), OH (6), OR (1), WA (1) and WI (22).
The specific food that may have made diners ill has not been determined. In fact, the link to Taco Bell was confirmed on August 5.
Salmonella is a bacterium that causes one of the most common intestinal infections in the United States – Salmonellosis. The symptoms of Salmonella can be abdominal cramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and fever. It is important to see a doctor for a stool test if you think you might be infected with Salmonella. Although many people can recover within a couple of weeks, in some patients Salmonella infections can be very dangerous. It is important to know what you are dealing with and if you are part of a larger outbreak.
On August 6, Marler Clark filed a Salmonella lawsuit on behalf of a Kentucky victim of the outbreak who was severely sickened by her Salmonella Hartford infection, and on August 17, filed a second lawsuit on behalf of an Ohio victim. On February 2, 2011 Marler Clark filed its third lawsuit in Muskegon County (Michigan) Circuit Court on behalf local man who contracted Salmonella Baildon after eating at Taco Bell.