Local salmonella outbreak tied to raw eggs grows to 21 cases, 7 hospitalized

Key Points:

• A salmonella outbreak linked to Ramona Family Naturals Market in Ramona, California, has expanded to include 21 cases and seven hospitalizations, up from 13 cases and four hospitalizations reported earlier.
• The outbreak is connected to mayonnaise made with raw, unpasteurized eggs supplied by local egg producer Happy Hens, prompting the market to stop using raw eggs in deli products.
• San Diego County officials have contacted retail food facilities receiving eggs from Happy Hens to reinforce proper egg storage, grading, and handling practices to prevent further infections.
• Salmonella symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, typically appearing 12 to 72 hours after exposure; vulnerable groups include young children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals.
• The county advises thorough cooking of eggs, discarding suspicious or broken eggs, and strict hygiene to reduce cross-contamination risks, and encourages symptomatic individuals to seek medical care and report illnesses to local health authorities.