(McKINNEY, Texas) -- A recent outbreak of salmonella bacteria in Texas and other states may be linked to raw tomatoes, prompting consumer warnings from federal, state and local health authorities about preparing and eating tomatoes until investigations shed more light on the source or type of tomatoes affected.

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) officials have confirmed 21 cases in Texas since mid-April, including cases in Harris, Fort Bend, Dallas, Tarrant, Hays and Cameron counties. No deaths have been reported.

Both the TDSHS and the Centers for Disease Control have posted advice on preparing and eating raw tomatoes while the health investigation continues.

According to the CDC, 40 people infected with Salmonella have been identified in Texas (21 cases) and New Mexico (19 cases) sine April. The New Mexico Department of Health is investigating 17 additional Salmonella Saintpaul illnesses. These were identified because clinical laboratories in all states send Salmonella strains from patients to state public health laboratories for characterization. Among 38 people who have been interviewed, illnesses began between April 23 and May 27.

About 30 other people with the Salmonella Saintpaul infection have been reported since late April in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and Utah.

For more information on preventative measures, please visit the two links above.

View Past Features