(CNN) A multistate salmonella outbreak linked to pasta salad sold by Midwestern grocery store chain Hy-Vee has sickened 79 individuals, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Wednesday.
Symptoms of a salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, and typically occur within 12 to 72 hours.
Hy-Vee, based in Iowa, voluntarily recalled its Spring Pasta Salad on July 17 after reports of illness caused by possible contamination with the bacteria. The product, which contains pasta shells, carrots, celery, cucumbers, green pepper, onion and mayonnaise, is sold in 1-pound and 3-pound plastic containers and is also available in smaller sizes from the deli service case.
The recalled salad, which was produced between June 1 and July 13, has expiration dates ranging between June 22 and August 3.
Hy-Vee, a chain of 244 grocery stores, sold the product in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Those made ill by the salad hail from nine separate states -- North Dakota, Tennessee and all of the states where the product is sold except for Wisconsin, according to the CDC.
Though no deaths have been reported, 18 people have been hospitalized.
Salmonella symptoms usually last four to seven days, and most people improve without treatment. In some cases where the illness becomes severe, hospitalization may be required and death is a possibility. Young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to become critically ill.
Do not eat the recalled Spring Pasta Salad, even if some has been eaten and no one got sick, the CDC advises. Customers should either return the product to Hy-Vee for a refund or throw it away. Those who have stored the recalled pasta salad in another container should throw salad away immediately and then wash the container with warm, soapy water before using it again.
Anyone who believes they may have been made sick by eating recalled Hy-Vee Spring Pasta Salad should contact a healthcare provider.
CDC estimates Salmonella causes about 1.2 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths in the US every year. Food is the source for a majority of these infections.