SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 6, 2009
CONTACT: Lon Kightlinger, (605) 773-3737
South Dakota reports salmonella cases in multi-state outbreak
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota has identified 5 cases of Salmonella Saintpaul and more cases are pending in a multi-state outbreak. Approximately 50 cases of the rare strain of salmonella have been reported in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri and South Dakota. A possible link has been identified with sprouts from SunSprout Enterprises, Inc. of Omaha, Nebraska but laboratory testing has yet to confirm sprouts as the source. South Dakota's cases have been reported in Clay, Davison, Minnehaha, Moody and Yankton counties.
As a precautionary measure, the company has voluntarily recalled its alfalfa, onion and gourmet sprouts. The sprouts were distributed to food distributors located in Iowa and Nebraska who further sell the product to restaurants and retail stores.
People who have the recalled sprouts should throw them away. Anyone who is ill and may have eaten the sprouts should see their physician. Salmonella may cause diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Most people recover without treatment but severe infections may occur, particularly in infants, elderly persons, and those with impaired immune systems.
These cases are not connected to the recent peanut butter-related Salmonella cases.
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