The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is working with state health officials and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections linked to the consumption of raw alfalfa sprouts.
As of May 21, 2010, a total of 22 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Newport have been reported from 10 states since March 1, 2010. The number of ill people identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AZ (1), CA (11), CO (1), ID (1), IL (1), MO (1), NM (1), NV (2), OR (1), and WI (2). Among those for whom information is available about when symptoms started, illnesses began between March 1, 2010 and May 2, 2010. Case-patients range in age from <1 to 57 years old, and the median age is 26 years. Fifty-five percent of patients are female. Among the 20 patients with available hospitalization information, 6 (30%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
The Investigation
Collaborative investigative efforts of many local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies have linked this outbreak to eating raw alfalfa sprouts. Interviews of case-patients found that most reported eating raw alfalfa sprouts before becoming ill. Some case-patients reported eating sprouts at restaurants; others purchased sprouts at grocery stores. The initial investigation traced the implicated raw alfalfa sprouts to J. H. Caldwell and Sons, Inc. in Maywood, California.
J.H. Caldwell and Sons, Inc. Issues a Sprout Recall
On May 21, 2010, J.H. Caldwell and Sons Inc. recalled several brands of alfalfa sprouts distributed to wholesale distributors, restaurants, delicatessens, and grocery stores.
Signs and Symptoms of Salmonella Infections
Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12–72 hours after infection. Infection is usually diagnosed by culture of a stool sample. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days. Although most people recover without treatment, severe infections can occur. Infants, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely than others to develop severe illness. When severe infection occurs, Salmonella may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.
I became sick after eating alfalfa sprouts – Do I have a case?
Persons who tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been or will
be contacted by their county or state health departments and questioned about the foods they ate prior to becoming ill.
If you tested positive for Salmonella, and were contacted by your county or state health department and questioned about the consumption of sprouts, then it is highly likely that you are one of persons sickened in this national outbreak. If so, you are entitled to a Salmonella settlement – i.e. full compensation for all of your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering you endured.
Simon & Luke Can Help
The Salmonella lawyers at Simon & Luke have represented over 2000 victims of food poisoning, filing hundreds of salmonella lawsuits and recovering hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients. Call us toll free at 1-888-335-4901 or contact us by email at ron@simonluke.com – we are happy to answer your questions free of charge.
