Salmonella outbreak in 4 states linked to alfalfa sprouts from Kansas farm

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13 people over four states have become ill with the outbreak strain Salmonella Muenchen that has been linked to alfalfa sprouts produced by Kansas-based Sweetwater Farms. Five of the people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. The states affected are Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas and Pennsylvania.

One of the ill people reported purchasing alfalfa sprouts of the Sweetwater Farms brand from a grocery store. Ten out of the remaining 12 who are ill reported eating sprouts in the week before they became ill. State and local health officials were able to trace back the illnesses to sprouts at five different restaurants. All five locations were supplied with alfalfa sprouts by Sweetwater Farms.

A recent inspection at Sweetwater Farms isolated Salmonella through laboratory testing in irrigation water and alfalfa sprouts. Ongoing testing will attempt to determine the specific type and DNA fingerprint of the Salmonella found in the samples.

The Kansas Department of Health issued a press release on Feb. 19 that warned consumers not to eat sprouts that came from Sweetwater Farms. The CDC is recommending that consumers not eat alfalfa sprouts from that source, and that restaurants and other retails not sell or serve them.

Illnesses began between the dates Dec. 1, 2015 through Jan. 21, 2016. The ill people range from 18 years of age to 73. They became sick between 12 and 72 hours after exposure. Symptoms include fever, abdominal crams and diarrhea lasting from four to seven days.

Salmonella is responsible for 1 million cases of food borne illness in the U.S. every year. This includes 19,000 hospitalizations and 380 deaths. Particularly at risk are children, pregnant women, the elderly and people who have compromised immune symptoms.

Anyone who has symptoms causing them to believe they may be infected with Salmonella should contact their healthcare provider.