2 Nebraskans sickened as part of salmonella outbreak linked to eggs

Nebraska is one of seven states where people have been sickened by salmonella linked to eggs.

As of Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had identified 79 illnesses nationwide linked to organic and cage-free brown eggs that were distributed at Walmarts and a number of smaller stores. Most of the illnesses are in California, but a few others, including two in Nebraska, are spread out over six other states. Twenty-one people so far have been hospitalized, but no one has died.

The CDC said the eggs were distributed to Walmart stores in nine states including Nebraska. They also were distributed to smaller supermarket chains in California and Nevada. The eggs came from California-based August Egg Company, which has voluntarily recalled about 1.7 million eggs.

The recalled eggs were sold under several brand names, including Clover Organic, First Street Cage Free, O Organics and Sun Harvest. The Plant code numbers are P-6562 or CA5330

The eggs sold at Walmarts in Nebraska and other states have sell-by dates from March 4 to June 19.

The CDC said anyone who has the recalled eggs should not eat them and should either throw them away or return them to the location where they bought them.

Salmonella is caused by a bacteria. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, and while most people recover within a few days, the disease can cause serious complications and even death in children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.