Salmonella Outbreaks Hit Close to Home for Iowans: Eggs, Jalapenos, and Backyard Flocks Pose Risks

Multiple salmonella outbreaks this summer are putting Iowans at risk, with contaminated eggs, jalapeno peppers, and even backyard poultry and pet chameleons linked to hundreds of illnesses across the country. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports at least one death and dozens of hospitalizations, and Iowa is among the states with confirmed cases tied to exotic pets.

As families fire up grills and enjoy fresh produce, the CDC is urging caution. The outbreaks highlight the need for vigilance in food handling and pet care, especially for young children and older adults.

What is causing the salmonella outbreaks?

Three major outbreak sources have been identified: eggs from a Texas producer, jalapeno peppers from Mexico, and contact with backyard chickens and ducks. A smaller outbreak involved veiled chameleons, with cases reported in Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Eggs linked to Texas producer

Midwest Poultry Services has recalled over 1.5 million dozen shell eggs after salmonella was detected. The eggs were sold under brand names including Simple Truth, Brookshire's, Country Morning, Kroger, and Cal-Maine. They were distributed to Kroger and Brookshire Grocery stores in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and smaller retailers in New Mexico and Mississippi. The FDA says the producer does not account for all illnesses and is investigating other possible sources.

So far, 98 cases and 26 hospitalizations have been reported across 17 states.

Jalapeno peppers from Mexico

As of August 5, 345 cases in 27 states have been tied to jalapeno peppers grown in Sinaloa, Mexico, and distributed by Coast Citrus Distributors. Most sick people reported eating at Mexican-style restaurants like Chipotle or Qdoba between June 14 and July 14. Both chains say they have stopped using those products.

Taylor Farms recalled products made with the contaminated jalapenos, including salsas, cheese dips, and sandwiches sold at Hannaford, Kroger, Target, Trader Joe's, Walmart, and Whole Foods in dozens of states. The company said it is not aware of any illnesses linked to its products.

Backyard poultry and chameleons

Eight multistate outbreaks linked to backyard chickens and ducks have sickened 814 people in 44 states. Only South Carolina, New Mexico, Arizona, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Hawaii are unaffected. A quarter of cases are children under five. One person has died, and 201 have been hospitalized.

In a separate outbreak, veiled chameleons sickened two children in Nebraska and single cases in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. All cases were in children under three. Two were hospitalized.

How does salmonella affect Iowans?

Iowa's strong agricultural economy and widespread backyard poultry raising make these outbreaks particularly relevant. The CDC warns that children under five should not handle chameleons, and that anyone handling poultry or reptiles should wash hands thoroughly.

“Clean, separate, cook and chill” is the CDC’s mantra for prevention. This means washing hands for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food or pets, keeping raw meat away from ready-to-eat foods, and cooking poultry to 165°F and egg dishes to 160°F.

What are the symptoms of salmonella?

Symptoms usually appear six hours to six days after exposure and include stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Some people also experience painful joints, back pain, or frequent urination. Symptoms typically last four to seven days.

Most people recover without treatment, but severe cases can require hospitalization, especially in the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and those with weakened immune systems.

How can I prevent salmonella?

The CDC recommends these steps:

• Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after handling food or pets.
• Clean counters, cutting boards, and utensils after touching raw meat or eggs.
• Wash vegetables like lettuce and jalapenos before use.
• Keep raw poultry, eggs, seafood, and meat away from ready-to-eat foods.
• Cook poultry to 165°F and egg dishes to 160°F.
• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and keep the fridge at 40°F or colder.
• Do not let children under five handle chameleons or backyard poultry.
• Do not kiss or snuggle chickens or chameleons.

Why are there so many foodborne illnesses?

Salmonella cases have remained stable over the past decade, according to USDA data. The bacteria are naturally present in many animals and can contaminate food through fecal matter. Warmer weather also helps the bacteria grow in water and on produce.

“The unfortunate reality of so many our foodborne disease outbreaks is fecal contamination of our food,” said Dr. Haley Oliver-Jischke, a food safety expert at Purdue University. “We see a number of foodborne illnesses that actually track with warmer weather.”

Iowans should stay informed and take simple precautions to protect their families this summer.