Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, and Mississippi residents have been contending with the current Salmonella enteritidis outbreak just like the remainder of the country. Residents of the Gulf South Region have been on the lookout for recalled eggs. These same consumers have followed the Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms recalls and wondered why this would happen.
The departments of agriculture and public health in each of these states has monitored egg shipments and watched for spikes in Salmonellosis food poisoning cases. Thanks to their efforts, we are able to report how the on-going Salmonella outbreak has affected the southern regions. Here is an update of information concerning the Salmonella enteritidis outbreak and egg recall as it pertains to Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
Remember, outbreak investigations can uncover new information quickly, just because no activity has been reported in your area, that does not mean your state hasn’t been affected, especially since the recalled eggs have had the potential to be repackaged and distributed throughout the country. Check with your local public health officials, and if you or a loved one believes they have experience Salmonella or other foodborne illness symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Arkansas: Although the state has had some Salmonella reported cases, at this point, none have been linked to the egg recall. Some Salmonella cases are still under investigation.
Louisiana: Nine Salmonella illnesses; however, no recall connection at this time.
Mississippi: Current Mississippi Salmonella cases are not, so far, associated with the recalled eggs.
Texas: Texas reported over 150 Salmonella illnesses from May through August of 2010. At this time, none of the illnesses have been deemed related to the current Salmonella enteritis outbreak recall.
Salmonella is a dangerous bacterial infection which can cause fever, diarrhea, and stomach pain. The elderly, children, and immune-compromised individuals can suffer additional medical complications including blood infections, arthritis, and in rare cases, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
