Federal health officials reported Saturday that a salmonella outbreak connected to a major egg recall has sickened at least 79 people across seven U.S. states. Of those affected, 21 have been hospitalized.
The outbreak has been traced to eggs distributed by August Egg Company, which has issued a recall for approximately 1.7 million brown organic and brown cage-free eggs. These eggs were sold in grocery stores from February to May and may be contaminated with salmonella, according to a notice posted on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website.
The recall impacts multiple states, including Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming. Details about affected brands, plant numbers, and Julian dates are available on the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites.
Salmonella infection can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, severe vomiting, and dehydration. Most people recover without medical treatment within a week, but the illness can be more serious for young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The CDC urges consumers to check if they have any of the recalled eggs at home. If so, they should discard them immediately or return them to the place of purchase. Additionally, any surfaces or utensils that came into contact with the eggs should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to prevent further spread of the bacteria.
