Alfalfa sprouts from certain sandwiches at Jimmy John’s restaurant locations in and around Chicago have been linked to a widespread outbreak in salmonella. The Illinois Department of Health announced on Friday that it had received 46 reports from individuals that had gotten sick from ingesting alfalfa sprouts from Jimmy John’s sandwiches. The outbreak has hit residents of Cook, McHenry, Will, Kankakee, Champaign, Peoria, Adams, McLean and Winnebago counties with the earliest reports dating back to November 1. The State has contacted Jimmy John’s regarding its findings but it is up to the restaurant to determine whether to discontinue use of the sprouts. Jimmy John’s carries four sandwiches that contain sprouts. The State of Illinois continues to look into the source of the sprouts including alfalfa producers and suppliers to the region.
Salmonella poisoning can be characterized by diarrhea, vomiting, fever and stomach cramps. The symptoms typically develop within six to seventy two hours after bacterial contact. There are an estimated 142,000 persons each year infected by salmonella, about 30 of those cases turn fatal. If you have any of the symptoms associated with salmonella or were otherwise exposed to a product that you believe might contain the bacteria, you should contact a doctor immediately.
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