December 17, 2010

Salmonella Outbreak Investigation

Dozens of illnesses being linked to alfalfa sprouts  

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), working in conjunction with local health departments and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is investigating a Salmonella outbreak (Serotype I 4,5,12,i-). Many people who have become ill reported eating alfalfa sprouts at Jimmy John’s restaurants in nine counties in Illinois - Adams, Champaign, Cook, Kankakee, McHenry, McLean, Peoria, Will and Winnebago. The Department has received reports of 46 Illinois resident becoming ill with this serotype of Salmonella since November 1, 2010.

In the course of this ongoing investigation, the Department is investigating alfalfa sprout producers and suppliers. Produce testing for Salmonella is ongoing.

If you have eaten alfalfa sprouts and become ill with diarrhea and fever, call your physician and your local health department.

Symptoms of Salmonellosis (illness caused by Salmonella bacteria) include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and/or stomach cramps. Illness usually develops within six to 72 hours after being exposed to Salmonella bacteria and generally lasts three to seven days. Some individuals who are infected may have no symptoms at all but may still transmit the Salmonella bacteria to others. The spread of Salmonella from person to person may be avoided by careful hand washing with soap and water, particularly after using the restroom.

For more information about Salmonellosis, log onto http://www.idph.state.il.us/public/hb/hbsam.htm.