Public health officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak linked to broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts of Idaho that have, so far, sickened 16 people in three states, including three in Whatcom County.
A total of 13 people in the state have become ill as of the latest information on Sept. 2, along with two in Montana, and one in Idaho, according to public health officials in Washington.
Two people in Washington state were hospitalized.
People reported becoming ill from July 7 to Aug. 18. Of the 12 people who were interviewed, eight said they ate sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, with seven reporting that they ate broccoli sprouts. It was unknown what kind of sprouts the eighth person ate.
The sprouts were sold at grocery stores in Whatcom County and served in restaurants here, although public health officials said they didn’t have a confirmed list of those locations.
County public health officials are warning people who have the sprouts to throw them away, as they continue to work with public health officials in investigating an outbreak of a strain of the bacteria called salmonella bovismorbificans.
People should wash items and surfaces that may have touched the sprouts; use hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Salmonella symptoms that should prompt a call to health care providers include:
Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
Diarrhea that persists for more than three days and isn’t improving.
Bloody diarrhea.
Vomiting that prevents someone from keeping down liquids.
Signs of dehydration such as not peeing much, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness when standing up.
People who believe they’ve been sickened by the sprouts should call 360-778-6000 or use the Foodborne Illness Notification System online form, Whatcom County public health officials said.
People who have tested positive for salmonella infection are being asked to call the nurse on duty at 360-778-6089 to report their case.
The Washington State Public Health Laboratory is testing sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts and other suppliers as part of its investigation into this foodborne illness.
