At least two Wyoming residents are among the 57 people stricken with salmonella in an outbreak that prompted a massive beef recall. More than 6.5 million pounds of ground beef, beef patties, and other products from the Arizona Company JBS Tolleson, Inc. have been recalled, according to an announcement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the investigation has identified 57 people in 16 states who have become ill, including two in Wyoming and 13 others in the neighboring states of Utah, Montana, and South Dakota. At last report, fourteen of the patients had been hospitalized.

Federal officials say the raw beef, which may be contaminated by Salmonella Newport, was packaged between July 26th and Sept. 7th and shipped to retailers nationwide, including Walmart and others. The beef was sold under the names Cedar River Farms, ComNor Perfect Choice, Gourmet Burger, Grass Run Farms, Showcase at Walmart and in generic packaging. Products are labeled with the establishment number “EST. 267” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The CDC says most people infected with Salmonella develop diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps 12 to 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. The illness usually lasts four to seven days and although most people recover without treatment, sometimes the diarrhea is so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized.
Children younger than 5 years, adults older than 65 years, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.

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