Wyoming Affected by Onion-Linked Salmonella Outbreak

The Wyoming Department of Health is encouraging caution among state consumers regarding a growing outbreak of Salmonella Newport infections linked to eating onions from Thomson International, Inc. The Department of Health has confirmed that there have been at least 16 cases identified among Wyoming residents so far, and approximately 400 cases reported nationally. In Wyoming, cases have been reported in Sheridan, Campbell, Carbon, Crook, Goshen, Natrona, and Teton counties. The majority of the cases in Wyoming are associated with Campbell County.

Wyoming Department of Health Surveillance Epidemiologist Tiffany Greenlee said that people ill in connection to the outbreak described eating raw onions in freshly prepared foods, including salads, sandwiches, wraps, salsas and dips.  Greenlee said that residents shouldn’t eat, serve, or sell any onions from Thomson International Inc. or products made with these onions. Any onions from Thomson, which include red, white, yellow, and sweet yellow varieties, should be thrown away, and any food made with these onions should be discarded as well.

Most people develop symptoms from Salmonella anywhere from 6 hours to 6 days after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness typically lasts 4 to 7 days, and most people recover without treatment. Children younger than 5 years of age and adults 65 years of age and older and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness. More information on the salmonella outbreak can be found https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/newport-07-20/index.html