The CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and public health and regulatory officials in several states, including Iowa, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Sandiego infections linked to Spring Pasta Salad purchased at Hy-Vee grocery stores. As of July 18, 21 people, including eight Iowans, have been infected with this strain of Salmonella, according to the CDC report.

Iowa-based Hy-Vee recalled its Spring Pasta Salad on July 17 because of its possible contamination with Salmonella. The potential for contamination was brought to Hy-Vee’s attention on July 16 when approximately 20 illnesses in Iowa, Minn., Neb. and S.D. were linked to customers who had consumed the salad. Five people have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

The recall includes Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salads in both 16-ounce and 48-ounce containers produced between June 1 and July 13, 2018, and also available from its deli service case.

Consumers are asked to return the recalled Spring Pasta Salad to the store for a refund or throw it away. Even if some of it was eaten and no one got sick, do not eat it.

If you stored recalled pasta salad in another container, throw the pasta salad away. Thoroughly wash the container with warm, soapy water before using it again, to remove harmful germs that could contaminate other food. Restaurants and retailers should not serve or sell recalled Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad.

The CDC advises that consumers contact a health care provider if they think they have gotten sick from eating recalled Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad.

Salmonellosis, the illness caused by Salmonella, primarily results in a mild to severe diarrheal illness, known as acute gastroenteritis. Symptoms include:

• Sudden onset of diarrhea (which may be bloody)
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever (almost always present)
• Nausea, vomiting and headache may occur, though less frequent

Diarrhea may last for several days and lead to potentially severe dehydration, especially in infants and children under 2 years old and in adults over 65 years old. Even after clinical symptoms are no longer obvious, Salmonella bacteria may be found in the stool for several weeks.

Most people with diarrhea due to a Salmonella infection recover completely, although it may be several months before their bowel habits are entirely normal.