Eggs Linked to Salmonella Outbreak

Eggs contaminated with salmonella have been linked to an outbreak across nine states, sickening 65 people and leading to 24 hospitalizations.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a notice Friday, advising consumers to avoid eating any recalled eggs, to thoroughly clean items and surfaces that may have come into contact with them and to consult a doctor if experiencing severe symptoms of a salmonella infection.

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The recalled brands

Milo’s Poultry Farms of Bonduel, Wisconsin, has recalled all eggs branded with “Milo’s Poultry Farms” and “Tony’s Fresh Market” distributed in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. The recall covers all carton sizes, egg types and expiration dates.

The recall was initiated after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered that samples taken from a packing facility and an egg-laying house matched the salmonella strain in a multistate outbreak investigation.

The company stopped all production and distribution of its products and will conduct testing and sanitation of its farms and processing equipment.

Outbreak details

Salmonella infections linked to this outbreak were reported from May 23 to Aug. 10, affecting individuals ages 2 to 88, with a median age of 55, according to the CDC.

Interviews by public health officials revealed that several of the sick individuals had eaten at the same restaurants before falling ill.

The CDC noted that the strain involved is resistant to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin, two commonly used antibiotics, which may complicate treatment and require alternative antibiotics.

Cases have been recorded in California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. The highest number of infections (42) occurred in Wisconsin.

The CDC says the number of infections is likely higher than the confirmed 65, as many people recover without seeking medical attention or salmonella testing. It can take three to four weeks to confirm whether a case is part of an outbreak.

Symptoms of a salmonella infection

Salmonella is a bacteria that causes illnesses in 1.35 million people every year, according to the CDC. Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older and people with weakened immune systems may have more serious illnesses that require medical treatment.

Common symptoms of a salmonella infection, known as salmonellosis, include diarrhea, fever and stomach pains. In severe cases, an infection could result in a high fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and dehydration, and it could be fatal. Most people infected will exhibit symptoms six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria. Typically, people recover in four to seven days without needing treatment.

Most people can recover without an antibiotic, but treatment is recommended for anyone with severe illness. Infected adults over age 65 (or over 50 if an underlying condition such as heart disease is present), infants and those with a weakened immune system are advised to take an antibiotic.