Salmonella outbreak: 345 cases linked to jalapeños and more than 18 million eggs recalled, everything you need to know
More than 440 people in the U.S. have been affected by two separate outbreaks of the disease across several states.
A dozen eggs—File photo
A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Javiana linked to jalapeño peppers imported from Mexico has sickened 345 people in 27 U.S. states, according to the most recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 5.
Society
First deaths from Cyclosporiasis outbreak in Michigan: More than 11,000 suspected cases
Carlos Dominguez
Meanwhile, a second outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis linked to shell eggs has caused 98 cases in 17 states. In total, both outbreaks have affected more than 440 people, with dozens of hospitalizations and no deaths reported so far. Authorities have already ordered the recall of more than 18 million eggs from the market.
Health authorities warned that the actual number of cases is likely much higher, as many people recover without seeing a doctor or getting tested.
1. Jalapeño outbreak (the largest)
- Strain: Salmonella Javiana
- Cases: 345
- Hospitalizations: 36
- Deaths: 0
- States affected: 27 (Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming)
Source: Fresh jalapeños grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors.
As a precautionary measure in light of the suspected contamination, Chipotle and QDOBA have recalled the affected jalapeños, and health authorities assure the public that they currently pose no risk.
2. Egg outbreak (more than 18 million recalled)
- Strain: Salmonella Enteritidis
- Cases: 98
- Hospitalizations: 26
- Deaths: 0
- States affected: 17
Source: Eggs produced by Midwest Poultry Services at select farms in Texas. The company recalled more than 1.5 million dozen eggs (expiration dates between July 20 and August 17, 2026) sold under brands such as Kroger, Simple Truth, Brookshire's, Cal-Maine, and Country Morning.
Society
New York: Death toll from legionnaires' disease outbreak on the Upper East Side rises to five
Williams Perdomo
Symptoms of salmonellosis
- Most people experience:
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps or pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
Symptoms usually appear between 6 hours and 6 days after eating the contaminated food and typically last 4 to 7 days.
Who Is Most at Risk
- Children under 5 years of age
- Adults 65 years of age or older
- People with weakened immune systems
- People with chronic illnesses
How to prevent infection
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water.
- Avoid cross-contamination (use separate cutting boards and utensils).
- Cook eggs (firm yolk and white) and meats thoroughly.
- Refrigerate perishable foods promptly.
- If you have eggs or jalapeños from the affected brands/lots, discard them and do not consume them.
LATEST
