A multisite outbreak of Salmonella Montevideo infections is associated with sprouts sold at Jimmy John’s restaurants in Illinois and Wisconsin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC statement reads, “Epidemiologic evidence indicates that raw sprouts served at Jimmy John’s restaurants are a likely source of this multistate outbreak.” Those sickened in this outbreak reported eating raw sprouts on sandwiches served at Jimmy John’s restaurants in those two states.
Eight people are sick in those states. The case count by state is: Illinois (2), Minnesota (1), and Wisconsin (5). There have been no hospitalizations and no deaths reported. Illnesses started on dates ranging from December 20, 217 to January 3, 2018. The patient age range is from 26 to 50. All of the patients in this Salmonella Montevideo outbreak are female. Officials are conducting traceback investigations to find out where the sprouts were distributed and where they were produced. Officials are asking Jimmy John’s restaurants in those two states to stop serving raw sprouts until this investigation is complete.
Public health officials interviewed the eight patients in this outbreak. Seven of them said they ate at multiple Jimmy John’s locations. Of those seven, all seven said they ate raw sprouts on a sandwich from Jimmy John’s in Illinois and Wisconsin. Two ill persons in Wisconsin ate at a single Jimmy John’s location in that state.
There are six specific Jimmy John’s locations in those two states where ill persons ate sprouts. Investigators want to find out the potential route of contamination and if other stores have the sprouts that may be contaminated with Salmonella Montevideo.
Raw and lightly cooked sprouts are a known source of foodborne illness and have been linked to several outbreaks and many recalls in the past. People in high risk groups, including children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems and chronic diseases should avoid eating raw or lightly cooked sprouts of any kind, including alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean sprouts. Ask food workers not to add raw or lightly cooked sprouts to your meal.
If you do choose to eat sprouts, cook them thoroughly to reduce the risk of a serious illness. Heat (160 to 165°F) is the only thing that kills harmful bacteria.
Public health investigators are using the PulseNet system to identify any more people who may be part of this outbreak. DNA fingerprinting is performed on the outbreak strain using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and whole genome sequencing. The database at PulseNet is then searched for matches.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection include fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that may be bloody. The symptoms usually begin 6 to 72 hours after eating food contaminated with the bacteria. Most people get better within a few days, but some do become so ill, usually through dehydration or sepsis, that they must be hospitalized. If you ate raw sprouts or ate at a Jimmy John’s restaurant in Illinois or Wisconsin and have been experiencing these symptoms, see your doctor.
Pritzker Hageman law firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota helps people sickened by contaminated food get answers, compensation and justice. Our attorneys have represented patients and families of children in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits against food manufacturers, restaurants, retailers, schools, and others. Attorney Fred Pritzker recently won a $7.5 million judgment on behalf of a young client whose kidneys failed because he developed hemolytic uremic syndrome after an E. coli infection. If you have a question about this outbreak, ask us about it and leave a comment about this story. We will keep you informed as more information is released.
