The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a new update on a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers. As of Aug. 14, 449 illnesses have been recorded across 31 states and the District of Columbia.
No deaths have been reported, but 125 people have been hospitalized. The FDA and CDC, along with state and local officials, investigated a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup this summer, initially reported as two separate outbreaks. However, due to the similarity of the outbreaks, the investigations were combined.
According to the CDC, reports of illness tied to the outbreak began between March 11 and June 4. “Epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory data show that cucumbers were contaminated with Salmonella and made people sick. Testing identified the Salmonella Braenderup strain in untreated canal water used by a grower in Florida,” the agency stated.
“An additional grower has been identified as a likely source of illnesses in this outbreak; however, there aren’t any products on the market and likely no ongoing risk to the public.” Symptoms of salmonella include bloody diarrhea or diarrhea that lasts more than three days, a fever over 102 degrees, excessive vomiting, signs of dehydration, and stomach cramps..
