(KTVX) – After more than 60 salmonella cases were linked to eggs sold by Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC, the brand has ordered a recall of all egg products, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC, of Wisconsin, sold its products to restaurants and stores in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, but illnesses connected to the same strain of salmonella were reported in six other states, including California, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Utah and Virginia.
Of the 65 reported illnesses, 24 people were hospitalized. Most of the cases — 42 — were reported in Wisconsin. Illinois reported 11, the second-highest number of cases for a single state.
Fewer cases were reported in the other states, but the CDC acknowledged that “the true number of sick people is likely much higher than the number reported,” and the outbreak may not be confined to the nine states reporting illnesses as of the agency’s latest update.
“This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella,” reads the outbreak alert. “In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”
There had been no reported deaths as of Friday. The CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are actively investigating.
On Sept. 6, Milo’s Poultry Farms LLC recalled all types of chicken egg products that were labeled with “Milo’s Poultry Farms” or “Tony’s Fresh Market,” according to the CDC.
The CDC warned businesses not to sell or serve the recalled eggs, and customers were urged to throw them away. Any surfaces the eggs touched should also be washed and sanitized, the CDC said.
What are the symptoms of salmonella infection?
The CDC said infections caused by salmonella bacteria can cause fever, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. These symptoms may begin as early as six hours after ingestion, or as long as six days afterward.
“Transmission usually occurs from eating contaminated foods (e.g., dairy, eggs, meat, raw produce); drinking contaminated water; or from contact with people who have a diarrheal illness,” the CDC said in its 2024 Yellow Book.
While most people recover after four to seven days, the CDC encouraged consumers to call their healthcare providers if they experienced severe salmonella symptoms, such as prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, high fevers, dehydration and dizziness, among other symptoms.
Elderly people, children younger than 5 years old, and those with weakened immune systems are most susceptible to more severe symptoms, the CDC warned.