Dozens sickened across 17 states in salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs: What to know

Key Points:

• Nearly 1.6 million cartons of white and cage-free brown eggs produced in Texas were recalled due to possible salmonella contamination, with distribution across multiple states including Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, New Mexico, and Mississippi.
• The CDC and FDA have linked an ongoing salmonella outbreak to the recalled eggs, with 98 reported cases across 17 states, though the actual number of illnesses is likely higher.
• The outbreak has resulted in at least 26 hospitalizations, affecting individuals from infants to elderly adults, with Texas having the highest number of cases and some cases reported as far away as Michigan and New York.
• The FDA stated that while the recalled eggs are a common source of illness, they do not explain all cases, and investigations are ongoing to identify other potential sources.
• Salmonella infection symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically resolving in four to seven days, but can be severe or require hospitalization in young children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.