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Today in History: Rajneesh followers unleash first US Salmonella attack

8/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On August 29, 1984, a faction of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh’s followers, led by Ma Anand Sheela, laced salad-bar foods at ten The Dalles restaurants with Salmonella. The attack sickened 751 residents, aiming to cripple voters and secure Rajneesh-backed candidates in Wasco County elections—marking the United States’ first and largest bioterrorist incident.

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Story summary

On August 29, 1984, a faction of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh’s followers, led by Ma Anand Sheela, laced salad-bar foods at ten The Dalles restaurants with Salmonella. The attack sickened 751 residents, aiming to cripple voters and secure Rajneesh-backed candidates in Wasco County elections—marking the United States’ first and largest bioterrorist incident.