48 Cases of Salmonellosis Now Associated with Outbreak Linked to Subway Restaurants in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported 48 cases of Salmonella ser. Hvittingfoss associated with the ongoing investigation of illnesses among customers who ate at certain Subway restaurants in Illinois. All cases are recovering, of which 17 had been hospitalized.

To date, Salmonella cases identified in this outbreak reported eating at Subway locations in 18 counties, including Bureau, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Coles, Fulton, LaSalle, Macon, Marshall, Moultrie, Ogle, Peoria, Sangamon, Schuyler, Shelby, Tazewell, Warren, and Will. At this point in the investigation, no cases have reported eating at Subway restaurants in the southernmost portion of Illinois. Illnesses are reported to have started between May 11 and May 25 and cases range in age from three-years to 88-years-old.

At this time, a specific food source has not been identified in association with this outbreak. The Illinois Department of Public health is working closely with the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Subway restaurant chain and local health departments throughout the state to identify the source of illness.

The specific type of Salmonella involved in this outbreak is an uncommon serotype called Hvittingfoss. Typically, only one to two cases of this type of Salmonella are seen in Illinois per year.

Symptoms of Salmonellosis (illness caused by Salmonella bacteria) include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and/or stomach cramps. Illness usually develops within six to 72 hours after being exposed to Salmonella bacteria and generally lasts three to seven days. Some individuals who are infected may have no symptoms at all but may still transmit the Salmonella bacteria to others. The spread of Salmonella from person to person may be avoided by careful hand washing with soap and water, particularly after using the restroom.

The department encourages anyone experiencing gastrointestinal illness after eating at Subway restaurants in Illinois on or after May 10, 2010 to contact their healthcare provider or local health department.