Posted: December 17th, 2010 - 9:26pm by Doug Powell

The Chicago Tribune reports Illinois health officials are investigating a salmonella outbreak that's sickened nearly 50 people in nine counties.



The Illinois Department of Public Health says many of the people who have become ill have reported eating alfalfa sprouts at Jimmy John's restaurants.



IDPH officials say alfalfa sprout producers and suppliers are being investigated, and produce testing is ongoing. 



The health department has received reports of 46 people falling ill since Nov. 1.