Health officials announced on Wednesday that a salmonella outbreak connected to cucumbers has now spread to 25 states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia. At least 162 people have become sick and 54 have been hospitalized as a result of the outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stated that federal and state agencies are currently investigating the situation. It has been discovered that cucumbers may be contaminated with salmonella, leading to the outbreak. A recent test found salmonella in a sample of Fresh Start Produce, which prompted the recall of cucumbers shipped to 14 states. However, it is possible that these cucumbers were also shipped to additional states or repackaged for other stores.
The agency is currently conducting tests to determine a definitive connection. Salmonella can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections in young, frail, or elderly individuals. Those who are healthy but infected with salmonella may experience symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and lead to more severe infections.
According to the CDC, illnesses associated with the outbreak began on March 11 and continued until mid-May. The affected individuals reside in the District of Columbia and the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
The CDC and FDA are currently investigating a separate outbreak of salmonella infections in 23 states, which has resulted in 158 illnesses. The CDC stated that investigators are trying to determine if these two outbreaks are linked to the same food.
Salmonella bacteria are responsible for approximately 1.3 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths each year in the U.S. Most of these illnesses are caused by contaminated food, according to the CDC. Individuals experiencing severe salmonella symptoms are advised to contact their healthcare provider. In general, most people recover from salmonella without needing specific treatment and should avoid taking antibiotics, as recommended by the agency.
The CDC has advised consumers to avoid consuming the recalled cucumbers and to thoroughly wash any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the affected cucumbers using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
According to the CDC, if you have recently bought cucumbers and have them at home, it is advisable to contact the store where you purchased them to determine if they are included in the recall. If you are unable to ascertain this information, it is recommended that you refrain from consuming them.