13 Sickened In Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Ramona Deli

RAMONA, CA — A Salmonella outbreak linked to the deli at Ramona Family Naturals Market has sickened 13 people and hospitalized four, San Diego County health officials said.

The county has identified 13 confirmed and probable cases of Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis, since June 21. Those who became ill range in age from 27 to 60.

Subscribe

Investigators believe the outbreak is connected to mayonnaise made with raw, unpasteurized eggs served at the market's deli. The owner has been cooperating with the county's Department of Environmental Health and Quality and Public Health Services and has stopped using raw, unpasteurized eggs in all food products, officials said.

County health officials said the outbreak is not related to the Salmonella outbreak tied to shell eggs in the Midwest.

Salmonella infection can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea that may contain blood or mucus, abdominal cramps and fever. Symptoms typically begin 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food and can last four to seven days. Most people recover without treatment, but children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious illness.

Health officials urged anyone who ate food from Ramona Family Naturals Market or its deli and develops symptoms to contact a health care provider.

People who became ill after eating at the market, whether they have recovered or are still sick, are also encouraged to report their illness to the county's Department of Environmental Health and Quality by calling 858-505-6814, completing this form or emailing it to fhdepi@sdcounty.ca.gov.