A salmonella outbreak has triggered a huge egg recall in nine states.
Health authorities linked the outbreak to specific egg brands after identifying a Wisconsin farm as the infection hotspot. Eggs from the brands ‘Milo’s Poultry Farms’ or ‘Tony’s Fresh Market’ have been recalled.
Rising Illness Counts
The health scare has affected at least 65 people, but the actual number might be higher as some individuals may recover without ever testing for the bacteria.
Fortunately, there have been no reported fatalities, though 24 consumers required hospitalization due to severe symptoms associated with the salmonella infection.
Wisconsin Takes the Brunt
The epicenter? Wisconsin, with a whopping 42 cases.
Locals there reported falling ill after eating eggs at various eateries.
Identifying the Source
The CDC pinpointed Milo’s Poultry Farms in Bonduel, Wisconsin, as the outbreak’s origin.
They found salmonella in both a hen house and a packing area, which led to a fast-tracked recall of all their eggs.
All Eggs Recalled
Milo’s has recalled every type of egg they produce, regardless of the expiration date.
This thorough approach underlines the severity of the outbreak, although it’s still unclear how many eggs have actually been returned.
Eggs Distributed Far and Wide
The recalled eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms reached beyond Wisconsin, making it to markets and food suppliers in Michigan and Illinois.
This wide distribution has complicated the recall process, prompting a call for consumers to double-check their eggs.
Outbreak Spreads Across States
The outbreak has not been confined to Wisconsin.
Reports of salmonella have come from as far as California, Colorado, and Virginia, with Illinois reporting 11 cases, making it the second most impacted state.
Minnesota’s Growing Concerns
Minnesota has confirmed three cases of salmonella, ranking it third in the outbreak’s spread.
This adds to the growing concern about the reach of this public health challenge.
Timeline of the Outbreak
The first case appeared in May, but most infections occurred between July and August.
This timeline has helped health officials chart the spread and intensify their response to the crisis.
Know the Symptoms
Symptoms like abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea show up within three days of eating tainted eggs, according to the FDA.
Most recover in about a week, but those with weaker immune systems need to be extra cautious.
A Firm FDA Warning
In light of the ongoing investigation, the FDA has explicitly advised against consuming any eggs from Milo’s Poultry Farms.
This precaution is aimed at preventing any new cases as they continue to get a handle on the outbreak.
A Summer of Food Scares
Following a scary listeria outbreak linked to deli meats that killed nine people, this salmonella scare adds another layer of caution to our food choices this year.
It’s been a rough season for food safety, prompting a rethink on how we handle and consume our food.
