The Hawaii State Department of Health is investigating a Salmonella outbreak on the island of Oahu that is linked to raw fish called limu poke, or poke that contains limu. At least 14 people have been sickened in this outbreak. Patients include children and adults.
All of those sickened developed the illness in mid to late October, 2016. Four people have been hospitalized because their illnesses are so serious.
The investigation is ongoing, but public health officials think they have an answer to this outbreak. The raw fish that is the center of the investigation is called limu poke, or poke that contains limu, which is also called “ogo” or “seaweed”. This product is linked to a seaweed farm in Oahu. That facility was ordered by public health officials to stop operating and to tell its customers to remove its products from sale immediately.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Park said in a statement, ““Although our investigation is still ongoing, our preliminary investigation has implicated limu, also known as ogo or seaweed, produced at a particular farm on Oahu. To protect the public’s health, the department stepped in to make sure this product is no longer being put on the market pending further investigation. At the same time, we want the public to be aware of the situation so they may seek medical care if needed.”
Salmonella Symptoms
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea that may be bloody, fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain. These symptoms usually begin six to seventy-two hours after you have been exposed to the pathogenic bacteria.
People who are hospitalized for this infection may have dehydration or sepsis, which is a blood infection. This illness can be deadly, especially to the very young, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses and compromised immune systems.
Some people, even if they recover completely from this infection, can have complications years later. Reactive arthritis, high blood pressure, and irritable bowel syndrome are all long-term complications of a Salmonella infection.
Salmonella Lawsuit
If you have been sickened with a Salmonella infection and your illness can be linked to a specific product or facility that served that food, such as a restaurant, you can file a lawsuit. Our attorneys at Pritzker Hageman are experienced in food safety litigation and have represented hundreds of clients sickened with Salmonella food poisoning. Call 1-888-377-8900 to request a free consultation or fill out our online consultation form to help protect your legal rights.
