More people have been sickened in an outbreak of Salmonella linked to broccoli sprouts, new federal data has revealed.
Ten more cases were reported in a Thursday update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bringing the total illness count up to 32.
Salmonella infections can lead to a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, bloody diarrhea and diarrhea for more than two days without improvements, vomiting to the point people can’t keep liquids down and dehydration. In rare instances, cases can be fatal.
Cases have been reported in six states, with three people hospitalized, two of whom were in Washington state. The majority - 24 - of the cases are in Washington and four are in Montana.
But illnesses have also been confirmed in Oregon, Minnesota, Idaho and Utah. No deaths have been reported.
The outbreak has been traced to broccoli sprouts produced by Idaho’s Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC. Evergreen Fresh Sprouts could not be reached for comment on Friday.
The now-recalled sprouts were sold to restaurants, co-ops, restaurants, grocery stores and food service customers in Washington, Idaho, Montana and Utah, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
The agency said that the affected products may have been shipped to other states.
Illnesses were first reported in July, but reports have continued through September 3.
Still, the CDC says that the true number of cases may actually be higher than reported.
“This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella, the agency explained. “In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”
The recall affects broccoli sprouts sold in plastic bags or clam shell containers with expiration dates of September 7, 9, 11, 14 and 16.
People who believe they may have these products in their homes should throw them away or return them and wash items or surfaces the sprouts may have touched using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
People should call a healthcare provider immediately if they experience any symptoms of salmonella.
Most people recover on their own after a week - or when treated with fluids and antibiotics - but adults over age 65, young children and people with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness.
