Discover the States Affected by the Situation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked a recent salmonella outbreak to recalled eggs. The CDC, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is actively investigating the situation.

So far, there have been 65 reported cases of salmonella across nine states, all connected to eggs supplied by Milo’s Poultry Farms, LLC. The illnesses occurred between May 23 and August 10, according to an FDA alert issued on Friday. Among those infected, 24 individuals required hospitalization, although no fatalities have been reported.

The CDC has noted that the actual number of cases may be much higher than the reported figures. Many individuals recover without seeking medical help and are not tested for salmonella. Further complicating the investigation, it can take three to four weeks for illnesses to be confirmed as part of an outbreak. As such, new cases may still be unreported.

The CDC’s analysis of the 65 reported cases revealed a wide age range among those infected, from two years to 88 years old. Additionally, 56% of the cases were female, while 46% were male. The vast majority of those affected—92%—identified as white, with smaller percentages being African-American (5%) or Asian (3%).

Milo’s Poultry Farms, located in Bonduel, Wisconsin, about 29 miles north of Green Bay, has voluntarily recalled all eggs distributed from their facilities due to this outbreak. The FDA confirmed that the recalled products reached retailers and food service distributors in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.

The eggs involved in the recall are branded as either Milo’s Poultry Farms or Tony’s Fresh Market. Tony’s Fresh Market issued a statement confirming their cooperation with the investigation. Marisa Kutansky, a spokesperson for Heritage Grocers Group, which owns Tony’s Fresh Market, emphasized the importance of customer safety. “We are fully cooperating with the FDA and have taken immediate action by removing all affected products from our shelves,” she said. “We will continue to monitor this situation closely for the safety of our customers.”

Those concerned about potentially possessing the recalled eggs should take specific precautions. The CDC advises consumers, restaurants, and retailers to refrain from consuming or selling any chicken eggs sourced from Milo’s Poultry Farms. Additionally, surfaces or containers that may have come into contact with these eggs should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

If eggs are suspected to be part of the recall, the CDC recommends disposing of them. Areas that may have been contaminated should be washed with hot, soapy water, and individuals should wash their hands and any cooking utensils used during the handling of raw eggs. It is essential to contact a healthcare provider if symptoms of a salmonella infection arise after consuming the recalled eggs.

Common symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. These symptoms may develop within six hours to six days following exposure and generally last for four to seven days. The CDC warns that certain populations, including children under five, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, are more susceptible to severe infections.

A detailed review of the cases indicates that the reported infections span various states including California, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Wisconsin alone accounts for 42 of the reported cases, with the outbreak affecting residents across multiple age groups.

This salmonella outbreak serves as a crucial reminder for consumers to be vigilant regarding food safety practices, especially when it comes to handling raw eggs. By following guidelines for proper sanitation and cooking, the risks associated with foodborne illnesses can be significantly reduced.

As the investigation progresses, further updates are expected from health authorities. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about the situation and take the necessary precautions to protect their health.

Source: USA Today