Cases of salmonella poisoning were reported in nine states and have affected 53 people, health officials from the California Department of Public Health confirmed.
Most of the cases, totaling 31, were from California, health officials said, while the others affected were from Illinois, Arizona, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC said ten people were hospitalized while there were no reported deaths, the public should take precaution in consuming raw fish until the culprit has been identified.
Federal health officers could not confirm the exact cause, but they all reported eating raw tuna in sushi a week before becoming ill.
"At this time, a common brand or supplier of raw tuna linked to illnesses has not been identified, and there are no specific steps for restaurants, retailers, or consumers to take to protect their customers or themselves," the CDC said on its website.
The Salmonella bacteria is one of the key causes of food poisoning in the United States. The CDC said the salmonella strain found in the patients does not cause typhoid fever, but could include the following symptoms: diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps
The federal agency reminded that the elderly, pregnant women, very young children and people with weak immune systems should not eat raw fish and shellfish.
Dr. Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health, said in a statement that this should remind of the risks of eating raw or undercooked meats, fish and poultry, according to Fox News.
