The salmonella scare isn't over yet. In a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a salmonella outbreak linked to ingestion of imported cucumbers sickened a total of 838 people across 38 states. Around 71 more cases were added to the number of people affected by the outbreak since the last update on Oct. 14.
Among all patients, 165 were hospitalized while four unfortunately died. The outbreak was linked to imported cucumbers from Mexico. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, CDC and federal governments of the affected states are investigating the multi-state Salmonella poona infections. The probe will focus on why there were additional cases even after companies have recalled tainted cucumbers.
Salmonella is one of the most frequently reported causes of foodborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis around the world. However, the Salmonella poona strain is rare to cause outbreaks, but in this case, it caused potentially-fatal complications, especially to vulnerable groups like infants, children, pregnant women, older adults and those who are frail or sick.
"The number of reported illnesses has declined substantially since the peak of illnesses in August and September; however, it has not returned to the number of reported illnesses that we would expect to see (about five every month)," stated in the CDC's outbreak update issued on Nov. 19.
The garden variety cucumbers from Mexico were distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce and Custom Produce Sales that distributes the Fat Boy branded cucumbers. The companies issued recalls of products following investigations linking the outbreak to cucumbers tainted with salmonella since August.
The first case was reported in July while the newest outbreak started in Nov. 1. The CDC explains that the cases could continue to rise because some cases of illnesses that occurred after Oct. 21 'might not be reported yet'.
It will take around two to four weeks before health officials can determine if the case is part of the outbreak. Hence, since the latest outbreak is yet to be determined, CDC advises consumers, retailers, and restaurants to wash, sanitize and clean areas were recalled cucumbers were stored.
Though it is unlikely that tainted cucumbers are still in homes and shops for they were recalled, CDC recommends that if ever these cucumbers are still out, these should not be eaten, sold or served.
Typical symptoms of salmonella include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain that emerges around 12 to 72 hours since infection. Most people recover in four to seven days, but in severe cases some complications might arise.
Photo: Simon Cocks | Flickr
