Pennsylvania salmonella outbreak linked to recalled eggs; 95 sick nationwide since January

(NewsNation) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has declared a salmonella outbreak after 95 people became ill after eating recalled cage-free eggs distributed in California and Nevada.

The Food and Drug Administration issued a recall on Wednesday for large brown “Sunshine Eggs” by the company Country Eggs. The CDC on Thursday confirmed the outbreak, which has impacted 14 states.

“CDC, FDA, and public health officials in several states are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to eggs,” the CDC said.

Individual cartons were labeled with the brands Nagatoshi Produce, Misuho and Nijiya Markets, all with code No. CA 7695. The eggs were distributed to grocery stores and food service distributors in California and Nevada between June 16 and July 9.

The majority of cases are located in California, with 73 people affected, and three cases were reported in Nevada. The remaining cases are spread across Washington state, Minnesota, Arizona, New Mexico, Nebraska, Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Hawaii.

Eighteen people have been hospitalized.

“The true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported,” the CDC alert said. “This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella.”

Production of the eggs has been suspended, and the FDA is investigating the source of the salmonella.

Consumers who purchased the eggs should return them to the store where they were bought for a refund or dispose of them. Businesses should not sell or serve the recalled eggs. The CDC recommends cleaning surfaces the eggs may have touched with hot soapy water.

Salmonella is a bacterial infection caused by eating raw or uncooked meat or eggs. Symptoms, which begin six hours to six days after swallowing the bacteria, include:

• Fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit
• Diarrhea for more than three days without improvement
• Bloody diarrhea
• Excessive vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Signs of dehydration, such as infrequent urination and dry mouth

Most people recover without treatment after four to seven days.