Another outbreak of Salmonella infections related to fresh sprouts is under investigation, this time in Washington and Montana.
The implicated broccoli sprouts are produced by Evergreen Sprouts LLC of Idaho.
As of Sept. 2, there were 13 confirmed patients infected with Salmonella Bovismorbificans. Their illness onset dates run from July 7 through Aug. 18. Of the 12 people interviewed, eight reported eating sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC. Seven ate broccoli sprouts.
The sprouts were purchased from grocery stores, food co-ops and restaurants. There are three additional people infected with the same strain of Salmonella, two from Montana and one from Idaho.
Sprouts samples from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts and other suppliers are currently undergoing testing at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory. As of Sept. 3 there was no recall reported.
This Salmonella outbreak appears unrelated to the recent multistate Salmonella and E. coli outbreak traced to alfalfa sprouts produced by Everything Sprouts LLC in Minnesota.
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 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.