A recent salmonella outbreak has infected 127 people across 25 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating an outbreak of the strain Salmonella Oranienburg, but health officials have not yet determined what’s causing these infections.

The outbreak began Aug. 3, 2021, and the most reported cases have been in Texas and Minnesota. Those who have become sick range in age from less than 1 year to 82 years old. So far, 18 people have been hospitalized, but there are no deaths reported as of this publication.

However, health officials believe that the number of people who are infected is likely much higher since some people recover from illness without medical care and therefore aren’t tested for salmonella.

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella are bacteria that cause intestinal illness. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. An infection is likely to be caused by salmonella if symptoms begin six hours to six days after suspected ingestion and if those symptoms last four to seven days.

Most people recover without treatment, but the infection may be severe for some and spread from the intestines to the bloodstream. Regardless, it’s important to seek medical attention for possible salmonella infection.

What’s Next?

Recent illnesses may not yet be reported, as it usually takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.

A specific food item has not been identified yet as the source of this fast-growing outbreak. If you exhibit symptoms of a salmonella infection, talk to your doctor. It is also important to report your illness to the health department to help investigators solve the cause of this outbreak.