An onion salmonella outbreak has infected over 650 people across the United States, including more than three dozen in Illinois.
Onions Believed to Be from Mexico
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that at least 652 people in 37 states have been diagnosed with salmonella after consuming infected onions, including 37 known Illinois residents and 25 people in Wisconsin. Of these, at least 129 individuals have been hospitalized because of the onion salmonella outbreak.
The CDC has traced the source of the outbreak to fresh whole red, white, and yellow onions that were imported from Chihuahua, Mexico and distributed by ProSource, Incorporated. According to ProSource, the onions were last imported on Aug. 27 and sold to grocery stores and restaurants. However, because onions have a shelf life of up to three months in storage, they might still be found in businesses or residences.
No personal injury attorneys are known to have taken legal action yet in response to the onion salmonella outbreak.
Key Salmonella Infection Facts
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes more than one million infection-related illnesses per year. Contaminated food and water are the chief sources of salmonella infection, the symptoms of which may include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. These symptoms typically appear within 12 to 96 hours following initial exposure, though they can surface as long as one to two weeks later.
While most people recover within four to seven days without treatment, serious cases of salmonella infection, including those that result in meningitis or infections of the bloodstream, may require hospitalization. Infections can largely be treated with most commonly used antibiotics, though some strains of salmonella may be resistant.
What to Do During the Onion Salmonella Outbreak
In response to the onion salmonella outbreak, the CDC has issued safety recommendations for both consumers and businesses.
The CDC recommends that consumers:
- Throw away any whole red, white, or yellow onions that do not have packaging.
- Do not buy or eat onions if it is not clear where they originated.
- Wash surfaces and containers that these onions may have touched with hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
- Contact a healthcare provider right away if any of the following serious symptoms occur:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F.
- Diarrhea for more than three days that is not improving.
- Bloody diarrhea.
- So much vomiting that liquids cannot be kept down.
- Signs of dehydration, such as infrequent urination, dry mouth and throat, or dizziness when standing up.
The CDC advises that businesses:
- Not sell or serve fresh whole red, white, or yellow onions that were imported from the sources associated with the onion salmonella outbreak.
- Check storage units and coolers for these onions and discard them.
- Discard any onions whose source of origin is unclear.
- Wash and sanitize surfaces that may have come into contact with these onions.
Helping Those Sickened by Negligence
If you have developed a serious illness caused by another party’s negligence, reach out to the personal injury attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers LLC.
GWC is one of the leading Personal Injury and Workers’ compensation law firms in Illinois, with more than $2 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys have successfully represented clients who have been hurt in nearly every type of circumstance. We have the experience, the determination, the resources, and the record of success necessary to get you and your family the justice you deserve.
Contact GWC today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with a personal injury attorney. You may call our office at (312) 464-1234 or click here to chat with a representative at any time.
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