Wyoming and Montana Hit Hard by Salmonella Outbreak from Red Onions
Neighboring states Wyoming and Montana are currently suffering from the Salmonella outbreak caused by Thomson International Inc. contaminated red onions. The Wyoming Department of Health and the Montana Department of Health are currently working with federal food safety agencies to curtail the outbreak and trace all cases to the suspected source. Montana currently has 52 reported cases, with 12 hospitalizations, while Wyoming has at least 16 reported cases. Over half of the Wyoming cases have emerged from Campbell County, with other cases reported in Carbon, Crook, Goshen, Natrona, Sheridan and Teton county. The outbreak in Montana has spread more thoroughly throughout the state, with cases reported in Beaverhead, Big Horn, Carbon, Cascade, Deer Lodge, Fergus, Flathead, Gallatin, Hill, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Missoula, Park, Ravalli, and Yellowstone county. Tiffany Greenlee, a surveillance epidemiologist at the Wyoming Department of Health, encourages all residents to not consume any onion product from Thomson International, as some cases have reported ingesting onions in freshly made food, such as dips, sandwiches, and salsas. Thomson International recalled all varieties of onions, including red, yellow, white, and sweet onions, on August 1, though they believe the contaminated onions have been distributed since May 1, 2020. The onions were sold under brand names Thomson Premium, TLC Thomson International, Tender Loving Care, El Competitor, Hartley’s Best, Onions 52, Majestic, Imperial Fresh, Kroger, Utah Onions and Food Lion in cartons and mesh bags. The onions should be disposed of immediately and surfaces that have come in contact with the produce should be sanitized properly.
According to the CDC, symptoms of a Salmonella infection typically begin 1 to 3 days after ingesting the bacteria, though some report symptoms as early as 6 hours and as late as 6 days after ingestion. Symptoms of salmonellosis, the infection caused by Salmonella bacteria, include typical food poisoning symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and cramping, though some have also reported nausea, vomiting, and a headache. The majority of people recover from the infection without treatment, though those with a severe infection may need a treatment of antibiotics. People with weakened immune system, the elderly, pregnant women, and children, are more at risk for a severe infection. Some patients may need to be hospitalized due to dehydration from excessive diarrhea or due to the severity of their gastroenteritis. If you believe you are suffering from Salmonella poisoning, contact your doctor for the best course of treatment.
Victims of the red onion Salmonella outbreak are encouraged to seek legal assistance with Ron Simon and Associates, and can also discuss their personal case at 1-888-335-4901, a Salmonella Help-Line developed by Ron Simon and Associates. Ron Simon and Associates recently filed the first red onion Salmonella lawsuit in the nation in Riverside California against Thomson International.
https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/cdepi/diseases/foodborne
