Alfalfa sprouts have been linked to a nine-state Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 30 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many of those sickened reported eating the contaminated sprouts at restaurants, but health officials have not released the names of those establishments. Five people have been hospitalized.
Epidemiologic and traceback evidence indicates that alfalfa sprouts from Sprouts Extraordinaire of Denver are the likely source of this outbreak, according to the CDC. The company today issued a recall for the sprouts which were sold in 5-pound boxes labeled “Living Alfalfa Sprouts.” Health officials say restaurants and other retailers should not serve the recalled sprouts.
The outbreak includes two strains. Twenty four people have been sickened by Salmonella Reading, one has been sickened by Salmonella Abony and five have been sickened by both.
Onset of illness dates range from May 21 to July 20. Case patients, who range in age from less than 1 year to 72, have a median age of 30. Fifty-three percent of those sickened are female.
By state, cases have been reported from the following states: Colorado (13), Kansas (8), Minnesota (1), Missouri (1), Nebraska (2), New York (1), Oregon (1), Texas (1) and Wyoming (1).
Symptoms of a Salmonella infection include nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea that can be bloody. Anyone who ate sprouts at a restaurant and develops these symptoms should see a doctor and mention possible exposure to Salmonella.
