The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert regarding recalled eggs sold in Illinois and two other Midwestern states that have been linked to a Salmonella outbreak.
According to the CDC, 65 people from nine states have been sickened by the same strain of Salmonellawith 11 of those sickened from Illinois.
In addition to reports in the three states where the eggs were sold – Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin – individuals in California, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Utah and Virginia were also sickened by the same strain of Salmonella.
Of those who became ill, 24 people were hospitalized and no deaths have been reported, according to officials.
The CDC warned that the outbreak may be difficult to treat with commonly recommended antibiotics and may require a different antibiotic choice for those who need medication.
Laboratory tests of this strain showed that it is resistant to both nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin, potentially requiring different forms of treatment for those affected.
The eggs were supplied by Milo’s Poultry Farms, where the Food & Drug Administration confirmed the same strain of Salmonella was found in the packing plant and egg-laying house at Milos poultry farms.
In addition to the “Milo’s Poultry Farms” label, the contaminated eggs may also have been sold under the “Tony’s Fresh Market” label. All eggs, sizes and expiration dates on the labels are being recalled.
The CDC advises those with the recalled eggs to either throw them away or return them to the place of purchase, and to wash any surfaces the eggs may have touched with warm, soapy water.
Common Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, with symptoms starting anywhere from six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria.
Most infected people recover within four to seven days without treatment, although some people, especially children under five, adults 65 and older, and individuals with weakened immune systems may experience more severe illness.