CDC investigating multi-state outbreak of salmonella

WASHINGTON, D.C. (CNN) -- The CDC is investigating a multi-state outbreak of salmonella that could be linked to ground beef -- including three cases from Wisconsin.

A total of 16 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from five states. The number of ill people identified in each state with the outbreak strain is as follows: Arizona (1), Illinois (2), Iowa (1), Michigan (9), and Wisconsin (3).

Among 16 persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from December 9th, 2012 to January 7th, 2013.

Ill persons range in age from two years to 87 years, with a median age of 48 years.

43% percent of ill persons are female. Among 13 persons with available information, seven (53%) reported being hospitalized.

No deaths have been reported.

Preliminary results of antibiotic susceptibility testing indicate that this strain of Salmonella Typhimurium is susceptible to commonly prescribed antibiotics.

Initial investigations focused on six ill persons in Michigan and one ill person in Arizona who reported eating at the same restaurant before their illness began. All seven of these ill persons reported eating raw ground beef kibbeh (a dish typically made of finely ground red meat, usually beef, minced onions, and bulghur wheat) at this restaurant before becoming ill. Investigations are ongoing to determine if the additional nine ill persons may be linked to the recalled products.

Illnesses that occurred after January 3, 2013 might not be reported yet due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 3 weeks.