Health officials are currently investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to eggs distributed by August Egg Company.
As of June 5, 2025, a total of 79 individuals across seven states have reported infections from the outbreak strain of Salmonella.
Of the sick people, six had traveled to California or Nevada shortly before exhibiting symptoms.
The illnesses began on various dates, ranging from February 24, 2025, to May 17, 2025.
Among the 61 affected people for whom information is available, 21 have required hospitalization, although fortunately, no deaths have been reported.
Public health authorities believe that the actual number of infections is likely significantly higher than reported, as many individuals recover without seeking medical care, and many illnesses may take several weeks to be recognized as part of an outbreak.
State and local health officials are gathering extensive data from people who fell ill.
This information includes age, race, ethnicity, other demographics, and dietary habits during the week preceding their illness.
Through these interviews, clues emerge that assist investigators in pinpointing the source of the outbreak.
In a recent assessment, it was found that among the 30 interviewed individuals, 27—an impressive 90%—reported consuming eggs before becoming ill.
Moreover, two clusters of illnesses were identified at separate restaurant locations, where eggs were part of the menu.
Sub-clusters represent groups of unrelated sick individuals who all consumed food from the same venue or event; such investigations are crucial for determining the food item responsible for the outbreak.
From a laboratory perspective, the CDC is employing the PulseNet system to identify illnesses associated with this outbreak.
PulseNet maintains a national database of DNA fingerprints for bacteria linked to foodborne illnesses, which undergo testing through whole genome sequencing (WGS).
Recent WGS analyses found that the Salmonella pathogen from the sick individuals displays a high level of genetic similarity, indicating a common source of infection.
On-site inspections conducted by the FDA at August Egg Company’s processing facility yielded positive results for Salmonella in collected samples.
WGS confirmed that the strains from these samples closely correlate with those from infected individuals.
Arising concerns include antibiotic resistance, with WGS analyses predicting that bacteria from 79 patients show resistance to nalidixic acid and nonsusceptibility to ciprofloxacin.
One sample suggested additional resistance to both ampicillin and streptomycin.
Although most Salmonella infections resolve without antibiotic intervention, the presence of resistant strains complicates treatment options, potentially requiring alternative antibiotic strategies.
For further details on antibiotic resistance related to this outbreak, the CDC advises visiting the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) website.
Consumers have reported purchasing numerous egg brands from various retail outlets, prompting the FDA to launch a traceback investigation.
This effort has identified August Egg Company as a common supplier among those who reported illness.
There are accounts of individuals from Kentucky, New Jersey, and Washington traveling to California and Nevada prior to falling ill.
In response to the outbreak, August Egg Company announced an egg recall on June 6, 2025.
The CDC strongly urges individuals to refrain from consuming, selling, or serving any recalled eggs.
Public health officials are continuing their investigation to ensure consumer safety and to mitigate any further outbreaks associated with contaminated food products.
image source from：https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/outbreaks/eggs-06-25/investigation.html
