Most salmonellosis cases appear to be sporadic rather than outbreak-related. In recent years, California patients have been involved in Salmonella outbreaks due to contaminated eggs, poultry, peanut butter, ground beef, and a variety of fresh produce, including onions, cucumbers, coconut, papayas, and mangoes. Non-food vehicles, such as turtles, live poultry, bearded dragons, and pig ear dog treats, have also caused widespread outbreaks of illness.
Healthcare providers are required to report cases of salmonellosis to the local health department (LHD) within one working day of identification. Clinical laboratories are required to submit clinical Salmonella isolates to a local public health laboratory or the California Department of Public Health Microbial Diseases Laboratory for definitive identification. Per California Code of Regulations, Title 17, LHDs may need to restrict the activities of persons with salmonellosis from certain work or activities (such as food handling, health care, or day care) until they have been examined and cleared by their LHD. All patients with salmonellosis should be educated regarding disease transmission and appropriate infection control measures.