Topline
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a salmonella outbreak caused by onions from Mexico has rapidly grown. More than 800 people have been hospitalized and more than 150 others have been infected. The outbreak was reported to have affected at least 37 states.
A salmonella outbreak linked with onions has claimed the lives of more than 800 people. getty
The Key Facts
808 people were hospitalized, an increase of 156 compared to last week. Hospitalizations increased by 28 to a total of just 157. According to the CDC, the contaminated onions were imported from Mexico by ProSource Produce LLC (from July 1 through August 31) and Keeler Family Farms (from the state of Chihuahua). Both companies issued recalls of the red, white, and yellow onions. These onions were then distributed to retailers across the country. Popular meal kit distributors HelloFresh, EveryPlate and others used the onions in their dishes. They advised customers to throw out any onions received between July 7th and September 8. Texas appears to be the epicenter of this outbreak, with 185 cases reported and Oklahoma reporting 107 cases. During the outbreak, there have been no deaths.
What we don't know
It is not known how many people have been affected. The 808 number is the minimum. The CDC stated that the true number of people who have been infected by an outbreak is likely to be much greater than reported. This could be because many people chose to stay at home and not seek medical attention. According to the CDC, only one out of every thirty salmonella cases is actually reported.
Important Quote
The CDC advised that you should not buy onions or eat them if you cannot identify where they came from.
Important Background
Salmonella, a type bacteria, is responsible for many cases. Most common symptoms include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. These symptoms can occur anywhere from six hours to six days after the infection. While most people recover within a week, severe cases can be fatal. According to the CDC, 1.35 million cases of salmonella infection occur in the United States each year. This causes 420 deaths.
Surprising Fact
Salmonella can be killed by cooking onions or other foods at least 165°F.
Continue reading
Salmonella outbreak linked to onions in 37 states, recalls for possible contamination (USA Today).
