The germ could be coming from a single source, such as a factory or brand of food, or from multiple sources. The story says that investigators work like detectives, asking people detailed questions about what they ate before they got sick and where they ate it. Investigators also question family members and others who didn't get sick. Salmonella is among the main sources of foodborne illnesses. There are an estimated 4 million cases in the United States each year, most unreported.
Farm animals pick up salmonella from soil or contaminated feed.
Fruits and vegetables are contaminated by polluted irrigation water and other sources. Symptoms occur six to 72 hours after ingestion and can include headache, muscle aches, diarrhea, vomiting, chills, fever, nausea and dehydration. Symptoms last one to 12 days. Those most vulnerable include infants, the elderly, people who take antacids and people with weakened immune systems. Illinois' worst salmonella outbreak occurred in 1985, when as many as 200,000 people got sick from contaminated milk distributed by Jewel Food Stores.