Deadly Salmonella Outbreak Leads to Cucumber Recall in 30 States
UPDATE: January 28, 2016 at 9:42 a.m.
Remember that salmonella outbreak from September that was linked to cucumbers? Well apparently the vegetable is still sickening hundreds of people four months later.
In its first update since November, the CDC reports that the outbreak has now spread to 39 states including Tennessee, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. In total, 888 cases have been confirmed, with 191 people reporting illness. Six people have died from the outbreak. However that number could soon rise, as illnesses reported after December 21 may not have been included in this latest report. And so the recall still remains in full effect. Check your cukes!
UPDATE: September 10, 7:47 a.m.
More cases of salmonella linked to contaminated cucumbers have been reported. In Texas, a second person has died due to the outbreak, and even more people have fallen ill-with at least 70 hospitalized-pushing the total case numbers to 341 affected in 30 states.
The Seattle Times reports that most of the cases have occurred in California, where there are 72 people ill, and Arizona, where 66 have become sick. However the most chilling statistic comes from the CDC, which notes that more than half of the cases are children under the age of 18.
To prevent future illnesses and keep consumers safe, the CDC has sent out a firm, all-encompassing warning: "If you aren't sure if your cucumbers were recalled, ask the place of purchase, restaurant, or your supplier. When in doubt, don't eat, sell, or serve them and throw them out."
ORIGINAL POST: September 8, 10:18 a.m.
According to the FDA and the CDC, one woman in San Diego, CA, has died, more than 300 have gotten sick, and more than 53 people have been hospitalized after a massive salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers.
The affected cucumbers were grown in Mexico and were sold and distributed by California-based company Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce. The company has since recalled their "Limited Edition" pole cucumbers, sold between August 1 and September 3.
"This variety is often referred to as a "Slicer" or "American" cucumber. It has a dark green color. It typically has a length of 7 to 10 inches and a diameter of 1.75 to 2.5 inches. In retail, it is typically is sold in a bulk display without any individual packaging or plastic wrapping. In food service it is typically served as part of a salad," says the FDA.
The names of the stores and retailers that sold the produce have yet to be released, but the tainted cucumbers were distributed to the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas and Utah.
So far illnesses have been reported in 27 states, including New York. The symptoms of salmonella include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you think you've been infected with the bacteria, notify your doctor immediately.
[via NBCSanDiego]
