Montana Among States Linked To New Jalapeño Outbreak

Montana Reports Cases In Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak

If you were hoping for a break from all the foodborne illness headlines after the Taco Bell "explosive diarrhea" stories, I've got some bad news.

Another food safety warning has made its way to Montana.

Jalapeño Peppers Linked to Salmonella Cases Across the Country

While the lettuce outbreak didn't end up affecting the Treasure State, the CDC is now investigating a nationwide salmonella outbreak that's been linked to jalapeño peppers.

According to NBC Montana, five cases have already been reported here under the Big Sky.

The Montana cases are part of a much larger outbreak that's sickened hundreds of people across America, with dozens ending up in the hospital as investigators work to track down the source.

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What Montana Residents Should Know About The Outbreak

Right now, officials believe the outbreak is linked to jalapeño peppers imported from Mexico. Many of the reported illnesses have been linked to Mexican-style restaurants, including Chipotle and Qdoba, but investigators are also looking into whether any of the contaminated peppers made it to grocery stores.

With only five reported cases in Montana, it's not time to panic. But it is another reminder that food recalls and outbreak investigations can affect us here, even when the problem starts hundreds or even thousands of miles away.

If you've recently bought fresh jalapeños or eaten at a restaurant and start experiencing symptoms like diarrhea, fever, or stomach cramps, health officials recommend contacting your healthcare provider.

Hopefully this outbreak gets sorted out quickly because between lettuce and now jalapeños, Taco Tuesday has been having a pretty rough year.