E. coli and Salmonella outbreak linked to salad item hospitalises 4 people

In the latest food hygiene outbreak, 55 people have become sick and for have been hospitalised due to E.coli and salmonella.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now investigating in the wake of an outbreak of the two bacterial infections.

It has so far spread across 15 states, and the latest wave of sickness has been linked to alfalfa sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts.

Everything Sprouts’ alfalfa sprouts are sold under Calco and Everything Sprouts brands at various retailers and grocery stores.

The FDA shared an announcement on Friday, Aug 21, urging customers and businesses: "Do not eat, sell, or serve Calco and Everything Sprouts-brand alfalfa sprouts."

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is also investigating.

This outbreak comes just days after a major recall was issued for blueberries and mixed berries purchased from Publix stores in several states, and a warning in the UK over imported eggs causing salmonella.

Customers are being warned not to eat the alfalfa sprouts (Getty Stock)

For this new incident, the 55 people fell ill after it is believed they consumed the alfafa sprouts.

So far, multiple strains of E. coli, and one strain of Salmonella has been detected.

“Some people were infected with more than one outbreak strain," the FDA warned.

Of the 55 people, it has been reported that 46 people were infected with E. coli, while seven had Salmonella and two contracted both illnesses.

The cases were reported between May 31 and Aug 8.

A multi-state episode, cases have been reported far and wide across the US, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, North Carolina, Florida, Washington, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and New Hampshire.

The bulk of the cases were reported in Wisconsin, with the Department of Health Services there revealing there has been 17 cases of E. coli and Salmonella related to the outbreak.

One person in Wisconsin was hospitalised.

“In addition to the Wisconsin cases, Minnesota has identified 23 cases linked to the outbreak,” the department said.

The FDA has also advised customers to throw any of these products away, or return them to the place of purchase.

They have also strongly advised that anyone who has purchased these, should thoroughly clean any surfaces that the item has touched, such as their kitchen counter, their refrigerator and their hands.

Four patients have been hospitalised (Getty Stock)

The FDA believes the alfalfa sprouts 'may be contaminated with multiple pathogens'.

They confirmed that the 'FDA is working with Everything Sprouts and has recommended they conduct a recall."

The statement continues: "This investigation is ongoing to determine the source of contamination and whether additional products or firms are linked to illnesses."

It also warned of the possible symptoms to look out for, which can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea, fever, nausea and vomiting.

In rare and severe cases, it can also lead to haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

This can be a life-threatening condition which can cause kidney failure.

Patients who have suffered from E.coli can also later develop high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease.

Salmonella has similar symptoms, with upset stomach, fever and cramps, but those who have a weakened immune system, or young children and older adults are at higher risk of 'severe infections' the FDA warned.

Illness usually occurs within 12 to 72 hours after eating the food for salmonella, or for E.coli it can be anywhere up tp nine days later.

If you have eaten Calco or Everything Sprouts-branded alfalfa sprouts and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you are advised by the FDA to contact your doctor or seek urgent medical advice.