The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared an end to a dual outbreak of E. coli and Salmonella traced to alfalfa sprouts and the seeds used to grow them.
The outbreak traced to Everything Sprouts of Minneapolis, MN, and Berlin Seeds of Millersburg, OH, was unusual because it included more than one pathogen — Salmonella Agona and E. coli O26:H11, O103:H25 and O168:H8. Both companies recalled their products.
The outbreak caused at least 77 illnesses in 16 states. There were six hospitalizations but no deaths.
The Food and Drug Administration knows the name of the seed supplier, but refuses to publicly reveal it. Instead, the agency merely reported alfalfa seed lot SAL2-24JB with an expiration date of Dec. 31, 2029 as being behind the outbreak. As of Nov. 9 the FDA closed its investigation into the outbreak.
“Sprout growers should check their inventory for this recalled seed lot and discard any remaining seed,” the FDA said in its announcement.
Sixty-four outbreak patients were infected with E. coli, 10 people were infected with Salmonella, and three people were infected with both Salmonella and E. coli. Illnesses started on dates ranging from May 31 to Oct. 19. Of the 52 patients interviewed, 41 reported eating sprouts before becoming ill.
There were likely many more sick people in this outbreak than are included in the official patient count. This is because some people do not seek medical treatment and others are not tested for pathogens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for every patient identified in a Salmonella outbreak there are 29 who go undetected. For E. coli the multiplier is 26.
About E. coli infections
Anyone who has eaten any of the implicated sprouts or handled any of the implicated seeds and developed symptoms of E. coli infection should seek medical attention and tell their doctor about their possible exposure to the bacteria. Specific tests are required to diagnose the infections, which can mimic other illnesses.
The symptoms of E. coli infections vary for each person but often include severe stomach cramps and diarrhea, which is often bloody. Some patients may also have a fever. Most patients recover within five to seven days. Others can develop severe or life-threatening symptoms and complications, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
About 5 to 10 percent of those diagnosed with E. coli infections develop a potentially life-threatening kidney failure complication, known as a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Symptoms of HUS include fever, abdominal pain, feeling very tired, decreased frequency of urination, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor.
Many people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent injuries or death. This condition can occur among people of any age but is most common in children younger than five years old because of their immature immune systems, older adults because of deteriorating immune systems, and people with compromised immune systems such as cancer patients.
People who experience HUS symptoms should immediately seek emergency medical care. People with HUS will likely be hospitalized because the condition can cause other serious and ongoing problems such as hypertension, chronic kidney disease, brain damage, and neurologic problems.
About Salmonella infections
Food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria does not usually look, smell, or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection. Infants, children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile.
Anyone who has eaten any of the implicated sprouts or handled any of the implicated seeds and developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization.
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.
Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others.