Atlanta, GA–CDC, several states, and FDA continue to investigate a rapidly growing outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections. Red onions have been identified as the likely source.
A total of 396 ill people have been reported from 34 states. 59 people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
CDC is advising consumers, restaurants, and retailers not to eat, serve, or sell any onions from Thomson International, Inc., or food made with these onions. This advice applies to red, white, yellow, and sweet onions.
Although red onions have been identified as the likely source, other types of onions may be contaminated due to the way onions are grown and harvested.
Most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria.
The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. In some people, the illness may be so severe that the patient is hospitalized.
Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other parts of the body.
Children younger than 5, adults 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have severe illness.
