A salmonella outbreak caused by cucumbers that were recalled has affected 449 individuals across 31 states and the District of Columbia, according to the latest update from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC, along with other federal and state agencies, is currently investigating an outbreak. It has been found that individuals fell ill after consuming cucumbers contaminated with salmonella. According to a recent update by the agency, as of July 2, a total of 449 individuals have been infected by either of the two outbreak strains, resulting in 125 hospitalizations.
The CDC has identified two Florida growers, Bedner Growers of Boynton Beach and Thomas Produce of Boca Raton, as potential sources of some of the illnesses. The outbreak involved several strains of salmonella, one of which was found in untreated canal water used by Thomas Produce. The agency also discovered other strains in soil and water samples taken from the farms. Cucumbers are currently unavailable as they are out of season and not stocked in stores.
A notice published on June 1, 2024 by the Food and Drug Administration states that Fresh Start Produce Sales of Delray, Florida has issued a recall for whole cucumbers. These cucumbers were shipped to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in 14 states.
According to Fresh Start, the recall was initiated following a notification from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture regarding a positive salmonella test result on a product sample.
The organism has the potential to cause severe and, in some cases, life-threatening infections in individuals who are young, frail, or elderly.
Individuals who are in good health and contract salmonella may experience a range of symptoms, such as fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In certain cases, the bacteria may enter the bloodstream and lead to more serious infections.
Every year in the United States, millions of people are affected by Salmonella bacteria, resulting in numerous infections, hospitalizations, and sadly, deaths. The primary cause of these illnesses is food, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC emphasized that most individuals can recover without the need for specific treatment and should avoid taking antibiotics.