The FDA has concluded its investigation into an outbreak of Salmonella infections traced to organic and cage-free eggs and the CDC has declared the outbreak to be over.
The outbreak sickened 134 people across 10 states, hospitalizing 38 and killing one, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The most recent person to develop symptoms became ill on June 6.
The implicated eggs are past their expiration dates and should no longer be available for sale at retail stores, according to the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA first posted information about the outbreak on April 23.
Federal officials determined that the source of the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritis was brown cage-free eggs and brown certified organic eggs supplied by August Egg Company, of Hilmar, CA.
Dozens of eggs brands were included in a recall related to the outbreak, including Marketside brand eggs sold by Walmart stores. For a complete list of the recalled eggs, please click here.
During its investigation into the outbreak, the FDA inspected cage-free laying houses at August Egg Company. Environmental samples collected at the operation came up positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella.
Anyone with the recalled eggs still on hand in their homes is urged to throw them out.
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, according to the CDC.
Anyone who has eaten any of the recalled eggs 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.
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