As of July 5, 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that a total of 25 persons have now been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis linked to sprouts grown in Idaho. Those 25 individuals are from 5 states including: Idaho (3), Montana (10), New Jersey (1), North Dakota (1) and Washington (10).

The CDC said that as on July 5 there were three new cases of Salmonella infection reported in Montana, for a total of 10 case patients, and one more in Washington state, where there also are 10 confirmed cases, in addition to three illnesses in Idaho and one each in New Jersey and North Dakota.

Among persons for whom information is available, illnesses began between April 12 and June 15, 2011. Ill persons range in age from 12 years to 77 years old, with a median age of 35 years old. Seventy-six percent are female. Among the 10 ill persons with available information, 3 (30%) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

According to a report this morning by Mary Rothschild of Food Safety News:

The trace back investigation led to Evergreen Produce of Moyie Springs, Idaho, which recalled its alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts on July 1 after first denying its sprouts could have had anything to do with the outbreak.

In its investigation update, the CDC said the suspect sprouts were distributed in Washington and Idaho by direct delivery to four distributors and three retail stores and could have ended up in restaurants and supermarkets in those areas and neighboring states.

The CDC is urging consumers to return or dispose of the recalled Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC Alfalfa Sprouts or Spicy Sprouts. Most importantly, if a person thinks they might have become ill from eating potentially contaminated sprouts, they should consult their health care providers immediately.