The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control have been investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to alfalfa sprouts, reports the CDC website. Although there is no connection between this Salmonella outbreak and European E. coli outbreak, the basic symptoms are the same and the dangers are still present.
As of June 27, 2011, a total of 21 people infected with the strain of Salmonella Enteritidis have been reported from 5 states, including Idaho, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota and Washington. The illnesses evidently began between April 12 and June 7, 2011. Ill persons range in age from 12 years to 77 years old, with a median age of 35 years old. No deaths have been reported so far.
Agencies have linked this outbreak to Evergreen Produce brand alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts that were distributed by Evergreen Produce. The alfalfa sprouts were packaged in 4-ounce and 16-ounce plastic bags with pre-printed labels. They were also packaged in 1-pound and 5-pound plastic bags with stick-on labels. The spicy sprouts are packaged in 4-ounce plastic bags with pre-printed labels and 1-pound plastic bags with stick-on labels.
The symptoms of Salmonella are usually diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection, with the illness typically lasting a week or less. Most of those infected recover without treatment. But in some, the diarrhea may be so severe that they need to be hospitalized. Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
Customers who purchased this product should return it to the place of purchase for a refund or dispose the sprouts in a closed plastic bag placed in a sealed trash can to prevent people or animals from eating them.
If you think you or someone you love has been exposed to a form of this bacteria, the Doan Law Firm, P.C., led by Houston personal injury attorney Jimmy Doan, has extensive experience in personal injury litigation. Contact the Doan Law Firm, P.C. at 1 Riverway, Suite 2055, Houston, Texas 77056, (713) 869-4747 or (800) 910-FIRM.