A salmonella outbreak linked to a large egg recall has sickened dozens of people across seven U.S. states in the West and Midwest, federal health officials confirmed on Saturday.Egg Recall Affects Over a Million EggsThe August Egg Company has recalled approximately 1.7 million brown organic and brown cage-free eggs distributed to grocery stores between February and May. The recall was issued due to potential salmonella contamination, as stated in an announcement posted on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) website on Friday.States Impacted and Reported CasesAccording to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 79 people across seven states have been infected with a strain of salmonella traced back to the recalled eggs. Of these, 21 individuals have been hospitalized. The recall affects the following states: Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming.Consumers are advised to check the FDA and CDC websites for a full list of affected brands, plant codes, and Julian dates to identify whether the eggs they have purchased are part of the recall.Recognizing Salmonella SymptomsSalmonella infection can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, severe vomiting, and dehydration. While most healthy individuals recover within a week without medical intervention, the illness can become more serious in certain groups.High-Risk Groups Urged to Take PrecautionYoung children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of severe illness and may require hospitalization. Health officials urge anyone experiencing symptoms after consuming eggs to seek medical attention promptly.Ongoing investigations are being conducted to determine the full scope of the outbreak and ensure contaminated products are removed from shelves.Previous OutbreaksThe Health and Me has previously also reported on various Salmonella outbreaks happening in the US, including the outbreak caused by tomatoes, which has led to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issue a Class I recall, also considered the highest warning label. Class I recall means that there is a reasonable change that using the product could lead to "serious adverse health consequences or death".Another outbreak was linked to Florida-grown cucumbers about which the CDC has also warned the population. Very similar to what is happening now, another Salmonella outbreak was linked with backyard poultry and products like eggs, noted the CDC. What Is Salmonella?As per the US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), Salmonella are a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever called salmonellosis. It can be spread by food handlers who do not wash their hands and/or the surfaces and tools they use between food preparation steps. It can also happen when people consume uncooked and raw food. Salmonella can also spread from animal to people.FDA notes that people who have direct contact with certain animals, including poultry and reptiles can spread the bacteria from the animal to food if hand washing hygiene is not practiced.Pets too could spread the bacteria within the home environment if they eat food contaminated with Salmonella.