People are adbised to avoid eating raw alfalfa sprouts, especially young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, until health officials have further information about an outbreak of salmonella infections among people who consumed the sprouts in Michigan.

The Michigan Department of Community Health and Michigan Department of Agriculture are issuing a public health alert after Michigan has reported 12 confirmed Salmonella Typhimurium cases from seven counties in downstate Michigan: Bay, Genesee, Kent, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne.

The illness onset dates range from August 17 to September 18, 2009. There have been two known hospitalizations. The agencies are working closely with local health departments, the Centers for Disease Control, and the Food and Drug Administration to determine the source of the outbreak.

Most persons infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. The elderly, infants, and those with weak immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness. Anyone who has recently eaten raw alfalfa sprouts and is experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider and their local health department.