Over 160 people have become ill in an alleged salmonella outbreak that might be associated with recalled cucumbers.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local partners, are currently investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Africana that has resulted in 162 reported cases across 25 states and the District of Columbia. Out of these cases, 54 individuals have been hospitalized, but there have been no reported fatalities.
Recently, authorities interviewed 65 people affected by the outbreak and discovered that 47 of them had recently consumed cucumbers. Subsequent tests by state partners revealed traces of Salmonella in a cucumber sample, with further examinations being carried out.
In addition, investigators are looking into another outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup to determine if it is related to the Salmonella Africana outbreak. This outbreak has led to 158 illnesses in 23 separate states.
The agencies pointed out that "the two outbreaks share several similarities, such as when and where cases occurred, as well as the characteristic traits of the affected individuals."
In late July, the Florida-based Fresh Start Produce initiated a recall of fresh cucumbers that had been sent to distribution centers, wholesalers, and foodservice distributors in several states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. While mini-cucumbers and English cucumbers were not included in the recall, it was possible that they were sold in other states or repackaged for retail stores.
Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that may appear within a few hours or days of exposure to the bacteria. The majority of patients will recover without medication; however, they should seek medical attention if their symptoms don't improve after a few days, or if they experience dehydration. Risk factors include children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
The CDC suggests that individuals should not eat any recalled cucumbers, and they should carefully wash any items or surfaces that could have come into contact with them.
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The investigation revealed that many of the affected individuals had consumed cucumbers recently, and subsequent tests detected Salmonella in a cucumber sample. The authorities issued a recall for fresh cucumbers from Fresh Start Produce, which had distributed them to several states.