(RxWiki News) Health officials are investigating a Salmonella outbreak that appears to be linked to salad greens.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that, as of publication time, 11 people had been infected with Salmonella in this outbreak. Most confirmed that they had bought or eaten BrightFarms brand Sunny Crunch salad.
The cases were identified in Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan. None of those infected had died, and two had been hospitalized.
BrightFarms brand Sunny Crunch salad has been recalled due to this outbreak. The affected products are packaged in clear plastic clamshell containers. They were distributed to at least five states, the CDC noted: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Because of this apparent outbreak, the CDC was advising people not to eat or serve BrightFarms brand Sunny Crunch salad. If you have purchased this product, the CDC advised throwing it away or returning it to the store.
The strain of Salmonella identified in this outbreak is Salmonella Typhimurium. Symptoms of Salmonella include fever, diarrhea and stomach cramps. Symptoms usually develop within six hours to six days after exposure to Salmonella bacteria, the CDC noted.
While most people recover from Salmonella without treatment in four to seven days, the very young, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems could face severe risks from infection.
Because most people recover without treatment, the true number of those who have become sick in this outbreak is likely higher than reported, the CDC said. That means the outbreak could be happening in other states that have yet to be identified.
The CDC said it was working to find out whether other products might also be contaminated with Salmonella.
If you have purchased any of the affected products, wash any containers, utensils and surfaces that touched the salad with hot, soapy water.
If you believe you are experiencing severe Salmonella symptoms, contact your health care provider.
