A widespread salmonella outbreak linked to a Wisconsin farm has infected 65 people across nine states, with more than half of cases reported in Wisconsin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Since the outbreak was reported on Sept. 6, 48 salmonella cases have occurred in Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). Nationwide, 24 individuals have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
“Interviews with sick patients indicated that they all ate at the same restaurant in the week prior to their illness,” Elizabeth Goodsitt, communications specialist at the Wisconsin DHS, told The Daily Cardinal.
The outbreak was first detected in July when local health departments alerted the DHS about a cluster of salmonellosis cases and hospitalizations in one Wisconsin county. The CDC says the first infection was on May 23.
Further investigation revealed that eggs were the potential source of contamination. Genomic sequencing of salmonella samples from geographically distant patients confirmed a common strain, prompting a larger, statewide investigation.
In response, the Wisconsin DHS partnered with local, state and federal departments and agencies such as the CDC and FDA to trace the eggs back to their origin. Environmental samples collected from the restaurant and other locations and analyzed to further confirm the contamination source.
Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC issued a sweeping recall of all their eggs on Sept. 6. The recall covers all types, sizes and expiration dates of eggs produced by the company. These eggs, sold under the brands “Milo’s Poultry Farms” and “Tony’s Fresh Market,” were distributed to stores and restaurants in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.
“In addition to the recall of all eggs, no distribution is occurring from Milo’s Poultry Farms until such time that safe food can be assured,” Goodsitt said.
The DHS is advising Wisconsin residents to check their refrigerators for the recalled eggs and, if they have any, to throw them away and wash surfaces that may have come in contact with the eggs with hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Signs and symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and vomiting that lasts for several days.
