Dozens of people have been hospitalized as federal health officials investigate two Salmonella outbreaks that have sickened hundreds across the United States.
One outbreak is linked to recalled eggs, while the larger one involves jalapeno peppers served at popular restaurant chains.
What’s happening?
CDC figures cited by Rolling Out put the combined total at 443 illnesses in 30 states, with 62 hospitalizations.
One investigation involves eggs produced by Midwest Poultry Services after nearly 1.6 million cartons, about 19 million individual eggs, were recalled over contamination concerns. The CDC has connected that outbreak to 98 reported illnesses, including 26 hospitalizations.
Consumers in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Mississippi, and New Mexico bought the recalled eggs under brand names such as Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire’s, Cal-Maine, and Country Morning.
The bigger outbreak has been tied to jalapeno peppers served at Chipotle Mexican Grill, Qdoba, and other restaurants. In that cluster, the CDC has identified 345 illnesses across 27 states and 36 hospitalizations.
The peppers originated in Sinaloa, Mexico, and were distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors, which agreed to a recall. The highest case counts are in Minnesota and Colorado, with 110 cases each.
Why does it matter?
Diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps are common Salmonella symptoms, and they may start anywhere from six hours to six days after exposure. For many people, the illness passes, but it can be much more serious for young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Eggs are a staple in many households, and peppers can be chopped, mixed, and served across multiple restaurant locations before a problem is identified.
Health agencies are also responding to a separate cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to lettuce served at Taco Bell that has topped 22,000 suspected or confirmed illnesses.
What’s being done?
Public health officials are tracing both outbreaks, and companies tied to the suspected products have already taken action. Midwest Poultry Services’ eggs were recalled, and Coast Citrus Distributors agreed to recall the jalapeno peppers connected to the restaurant-chain outbreak.
Check egg cartons at home, especially if they were purchased under the recalled brands in the six affected states. If a carton matches a recall notice from a retailer or health agency, do not eat the eggs.
Throw them away or return them, and clean any surfaces or containers they touched.
People who ate at affected restaurants and develop symptoms should pay close attention to how severe those symptoms become. Anyone with prolonged illness, signs of dehydration, or a higher-risk health condition should contact a medical professional.
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