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

What the report says

The Hill, citing federal health officials, reported that a salmonella outbreak affecting 17 states has been tied to a recall of nearly 1.6 million cartons of eggs produced in Texas. The recalled products include white and cage-free brown eggs sold through Kroger stores in Texas and Louisiana; Brookshire Grocery locations in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Mississippi; and some foodservice and retail customers in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana.

According to the report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration have linked the outbreak to the recalled eggs, but investigators have not ruled out other sources. As of the CDC’s most recent update cited by The Hill, 98 illnesses had been reported, including 26 hospitalizations and no deaths. Texas accounts for most of the known cases, with 73, while cases have also been reported as far away as Michigan and New York. The FDA said illnesses range from late November to June 30.

The agencies cautioned that the real number of infections is likely higher because some people recover without seeking care or being tested. The FDA said the recalled eggs were identified as a shared source among some sick people, but that the producer does not explain every illness under investigation.

Salmonella infection commonly causes diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, usually beginning within hours to several days after exposure, according to CDC guidance summarized by The Hill. Most people recover without treatment, but young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems face a higher risk of severe illness.