Nine more people are sick in a Salmonella outbreak of unknown origin, according to an updat from the Food and Drug Administration.

The case count for the Salmonella Javiana outbreak linked to an unknown source has increased to 28 cases, up from the 19 reported on Nov. 24. The FDA has not reported wher the patients infected with the Salmonella Javiana live. 

The FDA reports a product traceback investigation has been initiated but has not disclosed what food or foods are involved. It has also not revealed what companies are involved.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not yet posted a specific outbreak notice on the infections from the Salmonella Javiana outbreak strain.

It is usual for outbreak numbers to continue to increase because of the amount of time it takes for patients’ test results to be confirmed and sent to federal authorities, according to the CDC’s outbreak general information.

about Salmonella infections
Food that is contaminated with Salmonella bacteria usually does not look, smell or taste spoiled. Anyone can become sick with a Salmonella infection, but infants, children, seniors and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness because their immune systems are fragile, according to the CDC.

Anyone who has developed symptoms of Salmonella infection should seek medical attention. Sick people should tell their doctors about the possible exposure to Salmonella bacteria because special tests are necessary to diagnose salmonellosis. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis.

Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Otherwise healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients need to be hospitalized. 

Older adults, children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

It is possible for some people to be infected with the bacteria and to not get sick or show any symptoms, but to still be able to spread the infection to others.