The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a salmonella outbreak traced back to ground beef with 16 cases in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts.

According to the CDC's report, the agency interviewed 14 of the 16 cases and six of those required hospitalization. Nine out of the 14 interviewed said they consumed ground beef purchased from different ShopRite stores in the four states. Specifically, seven of those nine patients mentioned purchasing 80 percent lean ground beef products while two others could not recall the specific type.

The CDC noted in a statement that the investigation will take time, as it usually takes three to four weeks to determine if an individual case is linked to a wider outbreak.

The infections were reported between April 27 and June 16. The CDC warned that the actual number of infected individuals may be higher, as some cases might have gone unreported due to people recovering without seeking medical attention or testing for salmonella.

"Ground beef is a known source of salmonella illnesses. Salmonella germs live in the intestines of people and animals and can be spread through contaminated food, water, food preparation surfaces and unwashed hands," noted the CDC in its statement. "Salmonella germs are killed when ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Eating raw or undercooked ground beef can make you sick."

"It is important to note that nine of the reported 16 cases purchased ground beef at different ShopRites and the source of the remaining seven cases has not been determined. The CDC’s investigation is ongoing and the [U.S. Department of Agriculture] USDA has not recommended a recall," Wakenfern Food stated in an email.

"The purpose of the CDC announcement was to ensure that customers who may have purchased ground beef product in or around the April 27 to June 16 time frame and may still have product in their freezers are aware of the situation," said WakeFern Food spokesperson Karen O'Shea.

Nevertheless, the CDC advises the public to exercise extra caution when preparing and consuming ground beef. (Related: Prevent FOOD CONTAMINATION and food poisoning with these simple steps.)

The CDC estimates that salmonella causes about 1.45 million human infections, 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths annually in the United States. The most common source of the infections is from tainted food.

Recently, a salmonella outbreak linked to the cookie dough of the Washington-based pizza company Papa Murphy's caused at least 18 illnesses in six states, with two hospitalizations. Similarly, a salmonella outbreak linked to contaminated poultry spread nationwide and caused over 100 illnesses in 31 states.

Visit Outbreak.news for more news about disease outbreaks.

Watch this video demonstrating the possible effects of chlorine dioxide as a supplement that could be taken to help the body heal faster from almost any disease or infection, including salmonella and e. coli.

This video is from the Molecular Medicines channel on Brighteon.com.

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