Salmonella That Sickened Coloradan Linked To Onions: CDC

COLORADO — A salmonella outbreak that infected more than 600 people across the nation — including one Coloradan — has been linked to onions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

People shouldn't eat red, white and yellow onions imported from Chihuahua, Mexico and distributed by ProSource Inc., federal officials said. Businesses that have the onions in stock are asked not to sell them and throw onions away if they can't tell where they are from.

If the onions have touched any surfaces or containers, people should wash them with hot, soapy water, federal health officials said.

The age and residence of the infected Coloradan were not released, but officials said they believe there were many more cases than reported.

"If you can't tell where the onions are from, don't buy or eat them," the agency said.

ProSource Inc. told federal officials that onions were last imported on August 27. But imported onions can last up to three months in storage and may still be in homes and businesses.

Health officials found a strain of salmonella in a takeout condiment cup containing cilantro and lime in late September. The agency said they couldn't find which food item was contaminated since there were multiple items in one container.

The CDC says to call your doctor if you experience salmonella symptoms, including the following.

• A fever higher than 102 degrees.
• Diarrhea, including bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that has continued for more than three days.
• Vomiting.
• Signs of dehydration, such as not urinating, dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up.

Most people infected with salmonella experience diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps within six hours to six days of eating contaminated food.