CDC Announces Salmonella Outbreak

Salmonella linked to sprouts

Although no deaths have been reported, 20 of the 89 individuals reportedly sickened by a salmonella had to be hospitalized. The CDC in Atlanta recently reported that the outbreak which has reached some fifteen states in the U.S. appears to be lnked to alfalfa sprouts.

The CDC has linked the sprouts to the Jimmy Johns sandwich chain of resturaunts by tracing back the common eating habits of the victims. However, so far, testing of sprouts from both the supplier as well as local stores have come back negative for the virus. As a precaution the resturaunt has pulled the suspect sprouts from their menu.

Working with the FDA the CDC has identified the strain as Salmonella serotype I 4,[5],12:i:-. This common strain of the virus is responsible for much of the reported 40,000 cases of salmonella poisioning reported to the CDC each year. While common symptoms, including cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea are unpleasent, most people ususally recover without any medical treatment in about 4 days to a week.