The CDC reports as of December 15, 2014, a total of 111 people infected with the outbreak strains of Salmonella Enteritidis have been reported from 12 states. Connecticut (8), Maine (4), Maryland (5), Massachusetts (35), Montana (1), New Hampshire (6), New York (21), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (17), Rhode Island (7), Vermont (3) and Virginia (1). Twenty-six percent of ill persons have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
Collaborative investigation efforts of state, local, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicate that bean sprouts produced by Wonton Foods, Inc. are the likely source of this outbreak. On November 21, 2014, Wonton Foods Inc. agreed to destroy any remaining products while they conducted a thorough cleaning and sanitation and implemented other Salmonella control measures. On November 24, the firm completed the cleaning and sanitation and resumed production of bean sprouts. The firm resumed shipment on November 29, 2014.
CDC recommends that consumers, restaurants, and other retailers always practice food safety for sprouts. Children, older adults, pregnant women, and persons with weakened immune systems should avoid eating raw sprouts of any kind (including alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean sprouts). Cook sprouts thoroughly to reduce the risk of illness. Cooking sprouts thoroughly kills any harmful bacteria
Symptoms of Salmonella Infection
Symptoms of Salmonella infection begin anywhere from 6 to 72 hours after a person ingests Salmonella bacteria and typically last 3 to 7 days, though in some cases Salmonella infection can last longer and is sometimes fatal. Symptoms include abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, and dehydration. In some cases they may include vomiting, headache, and body aches.
Reactive Arthritis
Reactive Arthritis occurs in 2 to 15 percent of Salmonella victims, and causes inflammation of the joints, eyes, urinary, or reproductive organs. Usually these symptoms ensue 18 days after the initial Salmonella infection with recovery time usually lasting from 2 to 12 months.
Contact the Marler Clark Salmonella Attorneys
If you or a family member became ill with a Salmonella infection after consuming contaminated food and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, you can contact the Marler Clark Salmonella attorneys for a free case evaluation. Marler Clark is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of Salmonella outbreaks and other foodborne illnesses. The law firm has represented thousands of victims of Salmonella and other foodborne illness infections, and is the only firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation. You can fill out the contact form or call toll-free at 866-770-2032. There is no cost to you.