Health officials investigating Salmonella outbreak possibly linked to sprouts

OMAHA, Neb. -- Health officials in Nebraska are investigating a salmonella outbreak that they say may be linked to alfalfa sprouts.

Officials with three different health departments in eastern Nebraska said they've been seeing a cluster of salmonella illnesses this month. 

Health officials said 12 different people have reported getting ill eating alfalfa sprouts either at restaurants or in their homes after buying them from local stores. 

The Department of Health and Human Services is telling the public to avoid eating alfalfa sprouts while the investigation continues.

Anyone who has been sick with diarrhea after eating alfalfa should contact their local health department immediately.