26 confirmed instances of Salmonella infections linked to ground beef have been found by the Illinois Department of Health. The dates of illness beginning span from April 25 to May 18, but more cases are anticipated to be found because confirmatory testing and reporting can take up to four weeks to complete.

There are patients in other states in addition to Illinois, but the Illinois government did not disclose which states are implicated. Some of the sick persons have reportedly admitted to eating uncooked ground beef before becoming ill.

Patients have been recorded in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Health is warning people to thoroughly boil ground beef until a meat thermometer registers 160°F.

Salmonellosis is a foodborne ailment that can be brought on by the bacteria salmonella. Salmonellosis signs and symptoms often show up 12 to 72 hours after consuming tainted food or water. Some of the typical signs of salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. However, in severe cases or for individuals with weakened immune systems, salmonella infection can lead to complications requiring medical attention.