Three Mainers fall ill from salmonella traced to bean sprouts

Nov. 25--Three Maine residents are among more than 60 people nationally sickened by salmonella traced to contaminated bean sprouts, according to the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

None of the three is believed to have eaten contaminated bean sprouts while in Maine.

Maine's cases were linked to an outbreak that sickened at least 63 people in 10 states, according to the U.S. CDC. Health officials identified mung bean sprouts supplied by Wonton Foods, Inc. of Brooklyn, New York, as the likely source of the outbreak. Most of the cases originated in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont, and involved sprouts served at restaurants.

No deaths were reported. The illnesses were reported from Sept. 30 to Nov. 8.

Wonton Foods agreed to stop production and sale of its bean sprouts as of Nov. 21.

Salmonella causes diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal cramps. The illness typically lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. In some individuals, diarrhea can become severe enough to require hospitalization. Infants, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.

None of the three individuals affected in Maine were hospitalized, according to Maine CDC.

Unlike other fresh produce, sprouts are grown in warm and humid conditions ideal for bacteria growth, according to the CDC. Washing sprouts may reduce the risk, but does not eliminate it.

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