Salmonella outbreak tied to eggs has sickened 98 people in 17 states since November, FDA says
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs has sickened 98 people across 17 states since November, according to the FDA.
- The illnesses began between November 21 and June 30, with 26 individuals requiring hospitalization.
- Midwest Poultry Services has recalled eggs produced from June 6 to July 3, sold under various brand names, with sell-by dates between July 20 and August 17.
Federal health officials have reported that a salmonella outbreak connected to recalled eggs has affected 98 individuals in 17 states since last November. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stated that the illnesses began between November 21 and June 30.
Of the 98 people who fell ill, 26 required hospitalization, though no deaths have been reported. Investigators have identified shell eggs recalled by Midwest Poultry Services as a likely source of the germ. However, the Indiana-based company's recalled products do not account for all the reported illnesses.
Midwest Poultry Services previously recalled eggs produced and distributed from farms in Texas between June 6 and July 3. These eggs were sold under several brand names and had sell-by or best-by dates ranging from July 20 to August 17. Retailers that received these recalled eggs include Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana, and Brookshire Grocery stores in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Mississippi.
Salmonella was detected in samples collected by Midwest Poultry from Texas farms. Genetic testing confirmed that some samples matched the strain of bacteria that sickened people. Consumers are advised to check their refrigerators for recalled eggs, discard them, or return them to stores for a refund. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning typically include diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration, and stomach cramps. While most individuals recover within a week, infections can be severe for young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems, potentially necessitating hospitalization.
Consumers should check their refrigerators for recalled eggs and throw them away or return them to stores for a refund.
Originally published by PBS NewsHour. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.