8 Sickened In Salmonella Outbreak Linked To Prepackaged Salads

Eight people from two states have fallen ill due to a Salmonella outbreak that has been linked to prepackaged salads.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a media statement Thursday regarding an ongoing outbreak that has so far affected eight people in Illinois and Wisconsin. None of the people who fell ill have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported.

Based on interviews conducted by Illinois and Wisconsin officials, all the people who got sick reported eating leafy greens in the week before falling ill, with seven saying that they ate prepackaged salads. Data and shopper card records further showed that "at least five" of them had consumed BrightFarms brand Sunny Crunch salad before getting sick.

"Although it is early in the investigation, epidemiological and traceback evidence from sick people indicate that this outbreak is linked to BrightFarms Sunny Crunch Salad produced in Rochelle, IL," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a news release.

"FDA conducted a traceback investigation and identified the farm in Rochelle, IL, as the likely source of the BrightFarms brand Sunny Crunch salad bought by people who became ill."

The salads were packaged in clamshell containers and had "fresh from Rochelle, IL" on the label. They were distributed in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Indiana.

"Distribution has been confirmed for states listed, but the product could have been distributed further, reaching additional states," the FDA said.

A recall has yet to be issued as of the Thursday Food Safety Alert, but authorities are urging those who may have bought the product not to eat it and throw it away instead, even if it's already been partially eaten. They can also take it back to where it was bought.

Those who may have bought or used the products should also be extra vigilant and clean and sanitize any surface or items that may have been in contact with the salad.

The agencies are encouraging those who develop symptoms of salmonellosis to contact a healthcare provider. Typically, those who get infected develop symptoms such as fever, diarrhea and stomach cramps within six hours or up to six days after the exposure.

"In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized," the CDC said. "Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other parts of the body."

Young children, adults who are aged 65 and people with compromised immune systems are among those who are more likely to have a severe illness from a Salmonella infection.