SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - State health officials say 30 New Mexico residents have been identified as being diagnosed with salmonella after preparing raw ground beef at home since late August.
The Department of Health said Tuesday the illness duration averaged 13 days and that about one in four patients were hospitalized.
Department spokesman Paul Rhien said officials were still investigating the source of the New Mexico infections.
Meat producers in several states in the West have recently recalled varying amounts of ground beef for health reasons.
The department says salmonella can be spread through cross-contamination from raw meats to counter tops, utensils and cutting boards, and it urges washing hands and utensils after handling raw meat
Early symptoms of salmonella include fever, diarrhea and stomach pain. Other symptoms may include nausea, chills or headaches.
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