Cucumbers contaminated with salmonella bacteria may have sickened and hospitalized dozens of people in at least 25 states, U.S. health officials said Wednesday.
Testing detected salmonella in a cucumber distributed by Fresh Start Produce, of Delray Beach, Florida, which last week recalled whole cucumbers shipped to certain states from May 17 to May 21, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Further testing is underway to see if that strain of salmonella is causing the outbreak. The produce should no longer be available in stores.
The CDC received reports of 162 people sickened with salmonella potentially tied to the cucumbers in 25 states and Washington, D.C., between March 11 and May 16. At least 54 people were hospitalized, the agency said. No deaths were reported.
Consumers should not eat recalled cucumbers. People who bought cucumbers recently should check with the store where they purchased them to see if they’re part of the recall. Wash items and surfaces that may have been in contact with the produce using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
The CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also are investigating an outbreak of a second type of salmonella that has sickened at least 158 people in nearly two dozen states to see whether it’s connected to the same food. The outbreaks share several similarities, the agencies said.
Salmonella can cause symptoms that begin six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria and include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. Most people recover without treatment within a week, but young children, people older than 65 and those with weakened immune systems can become seriously ill.
___
The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued a warning about a possible link between recalled cucumbers and a Salmonella outbreak that has affected people across multiple states. The outbreak, which has sickened over 500 people and resulted in several hospitalizations, has been linked to cucumbers distributed by a California-based company.
The CDC is advising consumers to avoid eating cucumbers that have been recalled by the company, as they may be contaminated with Salmonella. The cucumbers in question were sold under various brand names and were distributed to retailers in multiple states.
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that can cause food poisoning when ingested. Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, the infection can lead to dehydration and even death. People with weakened immune systems, young children, and the elderly are particularly at risk for serious complications from Salmonella infection.
If you believe you may have consumed contaminated cucumbers and are experiencing symptoms of Salmonella infection, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Your healthcare provider can perform tests to confirm the presence of the bacteria and provide appropriate treatment.
To prevent further cases of Salmonella infection, the CDC is urging consumers to discard any recalled cucumbers they may have purchased and to thoroughly wash and sanitize any surfaces or utensils that may have come into contact with the cucumbers. Additionally, retailers are advised to remove any recalled cucumbers from their shelves and to inform customers of the potential risk.
It is crucial for consumers to stay informed about food recalls and outbreaks in order to protect themselves and their families from foodborne illnesses. By following the guidance of public health officials and practicing safe food handling practices, we can all work together to prevent the spread of Salmonella and other harmful bacteria in our food supply.
