While 22 states have had residents sickened with salmonella, some after eating raw oysters, Alabama is not one of those states.
A December 23 report issued by the Center for Disease Control stated that 64 people have been infected with the disease. The situation is referred to as an “outbreak” in many news media and social media posts.
However, details in the CDC report point to a less severe situation. Some illnesses were first reported as early as June 21, 2025, with a second wave of cases starting in late November. All of this information was combined and first released on December 23.
20 people have been hospitalized, with none in Alabama. No deaths have been reported anywhere.
74% of the interviewed patients reported eating raw oysters. The report does not identify what may have triggered the remaining 26% of salmonella cases.
A common harvest area or oyster brand has not been identified. No recall has been issued.
Cases have been confirmed in the following 22 states:
West: Arizona, California, Colorado
Midwest: Illinois, Missouri, South Dakota
South: Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia
Northeast: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania
Most of the states with salmonella cases are not oyster-producing states. Only those states on the Gulf of America and the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are oyster-producing. The remaining states are consumers of oysters through restaurants and seafood markets.
Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in children, the elderly and others with weakened immune systems.
Most people infected with salmonella start developing symptoms 12 to 72 hours after eating a contaminated product. Diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps are the main symptoms.
The CDC has not issued a recall, but they advise the following:
Cook oysters: Oysters should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F for at least 15 seconds to kill bacteria.
Avoid raw consumption: Raw consumption is higher risk, especially during this active investigation.
Misconceptions: Using hot sauce or lemon juice does not kill Salmonella germs.
At-risk groups: Children under 5, adults over 65, and those with weakened immune systems should avoid raw oysters.
The CDC investigation of the salmonella cases is on-going.
Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected]
