CDC Reports Alarming Surge Linked to Recalled Cucumbers
In a startling update from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a widespread salmonella outbreak has infected at least 449 individuals across 31 states and the District of Columbia. The outbreak, traced back to contaminated cucumbers, has led to 125 hospitalizations since its detection early this year.
Federal and state health agencies, including the CDC, have been rigorously investigating the multi-state outbreak since early June. The primary concern revolves around cucumbers suspected of being contaminated with salmonella.
Impact of the outbreak
The CDC confirmed that 449 individuals have fallen ill, with 125 requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported. The affected states span a wide geographic area, including:
- Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wyoming, and Wisconsin.
Source of the contamination
The outbreak’s likely origins have been traced to two farm growers in Florida: Bedner Growers Inc. from Boynton Beach and Thomas Produce Company from Boca Raton. However, these farms do not account for all the illnesses reported.
Strains of salmonella detected
The CDC identified two primary strains involved in the outbreak: Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup. Untreated canal water used by Thomas Produce Company was found to contain Salmonella Africana, while additional bacteria types were detected in soil and water samples from both farms.
Recall and distribution
The investigation led Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc., a produce shipping and sales company based in Delray, Florida, to recall whole cucumbers on June 1. These cucumbers were distributed to retail centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors across 14 states from May 17 to May 21. The recall followed a positive salmonella test on a product sample by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
The recalled cucumbers, now out of season, have been removed from shelves nationwide. They are described as dark green, measuring 1.5 to 2.0 inches in diameter and 5 to 9 inches long.
The CDC warns that the true number of infected individuals is “likely much higher” than the reported 449 cases. Of those confirmed, at least 215 were infected with the Salmonella Braenderup strain.
What is salmonella?
Salmonella is a bacteria causing severe and potentially fatal infections, particularly in children under five, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems. According to the CDC, food is the primary source of most salmonella infections.
Symptoms and recovery
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dehydration. These symptoms typically manifest within six hours to six days after consuming contaminated food, with most healthy individuals recovering within four to seven days without specific treatment. However, vulnerable groups may experience more severe illnesses requiring medical intervention.
Salmonella affects over 1.35 million Americans annually, leading to more than 26,500 hospitalizations and over 420 deaths, as reported by the CDC.
As health agencies continue to address this alarming outbreak, the public is urged to stay informed and exercise caution regarding food safety. For more updates, follow our ongoing coverage.