11 Sickened by Salmonella Outbreak Linked to California Pistachios

At least 11 people in nine states have been sickened in a salmonella outbreak linked to pistachios grown in California. According to a KTLA news report, the pistachios that were recalled were sold under the brand names of Paramount Farms, Trader Joe’s and Wonderful. The nuts were sold nationwide and in Canada in a number of flavors and sizes of in-shell and shelled varieties. All the recalled products have a 13-digit lot code.

Illnesses in Nine States

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that people began getting ill on December 12. The ages of those sickened by the contaminated pistachios ranged from 9 to 69. The illnesses were reported in Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Virginia and Washington. Two of the individuals who were sickened required hospitalization.

State, local and federal health officials collaborated in the investigation into the illnesses and established a link between the pistachios and the salmonella outbreak. Consumers affected by the recall can return the lot code portion of the packaging by mail or to the store where they purchased the products to secure a complete refund.

Salmonella Symptoms and Dangers

Salmonella sickens about a million people each year in the United States and is responsible for 380 deaths and 19,000 hospitalizations annually. Symptoms of salmonella could include severe abdominal pain, diarrhea that is sometimes bloody and fever. These symptoms could begin between 12 and 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria and last between four and seven days. Some strains of salmonella can be treated with antibiotics, but others have no treatment. The effects of such illnesses could last for several months. In some, it could result in long-term health effects.

If You Have Been Affected

If you have been sickened by a contaminated food product, it is important that you get the right diagnosis, medical attention, treatment and care. If you have any of the product left, do not discard it. Instead, isolate the food and preserve it so it can be examined independently in a lab for the presence of pathogens. Report your illness to the local healthcare agency, which monitors trends relating to such illnesses. If you have sustained losses as a result of your illness, contact an experienced Orange County personal injury lawyer who will help protect your rights and help you secure compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, pain and suffering and emotional distress.