Health care officials have issued a warning after 68 people were hospitalized with salmonella infections following a suspected outbreak in contaminated cucumbers.
The U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have launched an investigation to determine the source of the infections and which states have been affected so far.
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On May 31, Florida-based produce supplier Fresh Start Produce Sales initiated a voluntary recall of their cucumbers after sampling by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture found that a sample of their product had tested positive for salmonella. However, following further genomic analysis by the FDA it was found that the strain of the bacteria on the affected cucumbers was not the same as the one responsible for the current outbreak.
There are more than 2,000 different strains of salmonella bacteria which cause differing severities of illness. In general, salmonella results in diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps and lasts for four to seven days. While most people recover without treatment, some—especially young children, those with weakened immune systems, and the over-65s—may experience more severe illness that requires medical treatment or hospitalization.
The current multistate outbreak under investigation is caused by a strain called salmonella Africana which, as of June 12, has infected 196 individuals across 28 states and the District of Columbia, according to the CDC. Of these reports, 68 have been hospitalized.
"The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses," the CDC wrote in a statement. "This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for salmonella.
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"In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes three to four weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak."
Alongside this outbreak of salmonella Africana, the CDC and FDA are also investigating an outbreak of salmonella Braenderup infections, with 185 illnesses reported so far across 24 states.
"The two outbreaks share several similarities, including where and when illnesses occurred and the demographics of ill people," the CDC wrote. "Investigators are working to determine whether the two outbreaks could be linked to the same food. Information will be provided on the source of the salmonella Braenderup outbreak as it becomes available."
Neither of these strains were present on the Fresh Start Produce Sales cucumber samples; instead, analysis by the FDA revealed the presence of salmonella Bareilly, which the CDC is "not currently investigating."
In an additional statement, Fresh Start Produce Sales said: "We take food safety seriously and source from growers who share that commitment. We are pleased that the Fresh Start cucumber samples are not linked to the current salmonella outbreaks. However, we are continuing our internal investigation into why a non-outbreak strain of salmonella was found in product from one supplier and how to prevent it in the future."
Advice to Consumers
Federal investigations into the salmonella Africana outbreak are still ongoing, and the FDA said that it will provide more information as it becomes available. But how can you stay safe in the meantime?
According to the CDC:
- "Do not eat any recalled cucumbers. If you recently purchased cucumbers and have them at home, you can check with the store where you purchased them to see if they were part of the recall. If you can't tell, do not eat them."
- "Wash items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled cucumbers using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
- "Call your health care provider if you have any...severe salmonella symptoms."
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