A salmonella outbreak traced to contaminated eggs has impacted nine states, leading to 65 reported illnesses and 24 hospitalizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning to consumers, urging them to avoid recalled eggs, clean any potentially contaminated surfaces, and seek medical attention if severe symptoms of salmonella infection appear. The recall stems from eggs distributed under the “Milo’s Poultry Farms” and “Tony’s Fresh Market” brands, sold primarily in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.
The source of the contamination was identified after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found a matching salmonella strain in samples from a packing facility and egg-laying house. Following these findings, Milo’s Poultry Farms halted production and distribution of its products and is undertaking extensive testing and sanitation efforts. According to the CDC, illnesses linked to this outbreak occurred between May 23 and August 10, with affected individuals ranging in age from 2 to 88 years old.
Public health officials conducting interviews discovered that several of those infected had dined at the same restaurants before falling ill, suggesting a potential link between food preparation at these establishments and the outbreak. Compounding concerns, the salmonella strain involved has shown resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics, such as nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin. This resistance could complicate treatment and necessitate alternative antibiotics for some patients.
The outbreak has been most severe in Wisconsin, where 42 of the confirmed cases were reported. Other affected states include California, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Utah, and Virginia. However, the CDC warns that the true number of infections is likely higher than the confirmed 65 cases, as many people recover without seeking medical attention or undergoing testing. It often takes several weeks to confirm whether a case is part of an outbreak, further obscuring the scope of the problem.
Salmonella is a bacteria responsible for an estimated 1.35 million illnesses annually in the United States. While most people experience symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, vulnerable groups—like young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems—are at a greater risk of severe complications. Symptoms typically appear six hours to six days after infection and last four to seven days. Although most recover without medical intervention, severe cases can result in dehydration, high fever, or even death, highlighting the importance of preventing exposure and adhering to food safety guidelines.
