Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers Spreads to 25 States, 162 Cases Reported

A salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has escalated to affecting 25 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, with at least 162 people fallen ill and 54 hospitalized, health officials revealed on Wednesday.

Investigation in Process

Federal and state agencies are conducting a thorough investigation into the outbreak after evidence suggested that cucumbers could be contaminated with salmonella, as disclosed in a public post by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Testing is ongoing to conclusively establish a link to the outbreak. The CDC indicated that the illnesses associated with the outbreak began on March 11 and continued through mid-May.

Geographical Impact

The individuals affected 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.

Additional Investigations

The CDC and FDA are also examining a separate salmonella outbreak linked to 158 illnesses in 23 states. The CDC stated that investigators are working to determine whether the two outbreaks could be connected to the same food source.

Health Concerns

Salmonella can lead to severe and sometimes fatal infections in vulnerable individuals such as young children, frail individuals, and the elderly. Healthy individuals who contract salmonella may experience symptoms including fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

In severe cases, the bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause more critical infections.

Warning and Recall

Following the outbreak, the CDC urged consumers not to consume any of the recalled cucumbers. Additionally, individuals were advised to thoroughly wash any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with a recalled cucumber using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.

The agency also recommended that individuals who purchased cucumbers recently and are uncertain about their origin should verify with the store. If there is any uncertainty, consumers were advised not to consume them.