DALLAS — State health officials believe the outbreak of a rare form of Salmonella bacteria poisoning may be linked to the consumption of raw tomatoes.

Dallas County Health and Human Services said it is assisting in a multi-state investigation of the outbreak of the Saintpaul strain of Salmonella.

Since late April, 40 persons infected with Salmonella Saintpaul have been identified, ranging in age from 3 to 82. At least 17 victims have been hospitalized, but no deaths are reported.

"DCHHS epidemiologists are coordinating our efforts with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), Texas Department of State Health Services and local health departments from across Texas to pinpoint the exact source of the implicated tomatoes," said DCHHS Director Zachary Thompson in a statement issued Tuesday.

CDC

The Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak has spread to Texas and eight other states.

While most of the 21 Texas cases have been reported in the Houston area, DCHHS Chief Epidemiologist Dr. Wendy Chung said there have been four cases in Dallas County.

Consumers are urged to use precautions when handling tomatoes:

• Persons with increased risk of severe infection, including infants, elderly persons, and those with impaired immune systems, should not eat any uncooked full-size round or Roma tomatoes other than those attached to the vine or grown at home.

• People who want to reduce their risk of Salmonella infection should avoid eating raw Roma or full-sized round tomatoes other than those sold attached to the vine or grown at home or cooked at 145 degrees F. for at least 15 seconds to kill Salmonella.

• Avoid purchasing bruised or damaged tomatoes and discard any produce that may appear spoiled.

• Keep tomatoes that will be consumed raw separate from raw meats, and raw seafood, and raw produce items.

• Refrigerate within 2 hours or discard cut, peeled, or cooked vegetables, including tomatoes,

• Thoroughly wash all raw vegetables under running water,

• Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and counter tops with hot water and soap when switching between types of food products.

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often with soap and warm water especially after going to the restroom, before preparing or serving food and after changing a diaper.

Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Most people recover within four to seven days without treatment.