Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Ground Turkey; 1 Case Reported in Will County

Seven cases of salmonella have been reported in Illinois, including one in Will County, in what's part of a national outbreak apparently linked to ground turkey.

State and national health authorities made a public announcment of the outbreak Aug. 2, saying that a total of 77 cases in 26 states have been identified.

A California man died as a result of the illness, and in Illinois at least one person has been hospitalized. Reports of illness started on March 21, with the last case becoming ill on June 29, according to the state health department. Cases range in age from 3 to 60 years and were reported in Cass, Cook, DuPage Madison, Peoria, Will and Williamson counties.

No recall has been issued yet, as authorities continue to investigate ground turkey samples and product information. The U.S. Department of Agriculture released a public health alert for frozen or fresh ground turkey products that doesn't necessarily advise against consumption, but rather reminds the public to follow cooking instructions.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ground turkey should be cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit on a food thermometer. Go here for more advice from the CDC.

Most people infected with salmonella bacteria develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection, according to the CDC.