The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning consumers about a multistate outbreak of E. coli and Salmonella infections linked to alfalfa sprouts, including products sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands.
As of Friday (Aug. 21), 55 people in 15 states have been sickened, the CDC says.
Recommended Videos
Two people were infected with both E. coli and Salmonella. Four people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
The illnesses have been linked to alfalfa sprouts grown by Everything Sprouts and sold at retailers and grocery stores under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands.
The CDC is urging consumers not to eat any affected alfalfa sprouts.
Consumers should throw the products away or return them.
They should also wash items and surfaces that may have come into contact with the sprouts with hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.
Businesses should not sell or serve the affected sprouts and should wash and sanitize any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with them, the CDC said.
What are the symptoms?
People infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can experience severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.
Some infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, a serious condition that can cause kidney problems and may require hospitalization.
Salmonella infections commonly cause diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
Young children, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe illness that may require medical treatment or hospitalization.
The CDC says people should contact a health care provider right away if they have diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, diarrhea lasting more than two days without improvement, bloody diarrhea, vomiting that prevents them from keeping liquids down, or signs of dehydration such as decreased urination, dry mouth, or dizziness when standing.