Two Maine residents were hospitalized after a salmonella outbreak linked to crabmeat from Hardie’s Crabmeat in Deer Isle, state health officials report.   Maine CDC is investigating at least five cases linked to the outbreak.

Four Maine residents and someone from New Hampshire are among the confirmed cases in the outbreak.

Maine CDC and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry discovered the crabmeat was likely contaminated during preparation and packaging. Maine officials recommend packages of Hardie’s Crabmeat purchased between June 15 and Aug. 15 be thrown away.

Freezing doesn’t destroy the bacteria that causes salmonella.

Hardie’s Crabmeat addressed concerns from investigators about the contaminated food, and Maine CDC said there’s no evidence crabmeat currently being sold poses a risk if eaten.

Crabmeat from Hardie’s was sold at multiple places across Maine, but packages should be clearly labeled as from that company.

About SALMONELLA

Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has eaten any recalled products and developed symptoms of Salmonella food poisoning should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.

Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions. Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.