The Oregon Department of Human Services said Thursday that Sprouters Northwest brand voluntarily recalled one of its products responsible for at least 13 salmonellosis cases. The latest outbreak of salmonella bacteria contamination from alfalfa sprouts sickened nine people in Washington and four in Oregon.

Sprouters Northwest has taken responsibility for the consequences, and the ones who purchased the label, which is sold in a variety of package sizes or in mixed varieties, should discard or return to the store any such products.

Salmonella is a bacterium which causes intestinal illnesses and it is the most common cause for such disorders in the U.S.A. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea often followed by vomiting. The risk is particularly higher for the elderly, the very young and people with weakened immune systems. However most of the people cure on their own.

The first cases were reported in early August. People have been sickened in Clark, Island, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Thurston and Whatcom counties in Washington, and at least two have required hospitalization.

The contamination usually takes place because of animals grazing in alfalfa fields that can contaminate the harvest spread afterwards due to the machinery used on more than one field. Once seeds from different fields are mixed, contamination can spread to other batches. Moreover, the warm, humid environment required to grow sprouts is ideal for bacteria growth.

Apart from retailers, The Department of Health also urges restaurants and pubs to stop using the recalled products.