Salmonella-contaminated cucumbers may be responsible for sickening and hospitalizing dozens of people across at least 25 states, according to a recent announcement from U.S. health officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that testing revealed the presence of salmonella in cucumbers distributed by Fresh Start Produce, a company based in Delray Beach, Florida.
The company issued a recall last week for whole cucumbers shipped to certain states between May 17 and May 21. Further testing is being conducted to determine if the salmonella strain found in the cucumbers is the cause of the current outbreak. The affected produce should no longer be available for purchase in stores.
Between March 11 and May 16, the CDC received reports of 162 people falling ill with salmonella potentially linked to the contaminated cucumbers across 25 states and Washington, D.C. At least 54 individuals required hospitalization due to their illness, but no deaths have been reported.
Consumers are advised not to consume any recalled cucumbers. Those who have recently purchased cucumbers should verify with the store where they bought them to determine if they are part of the recall. To minimize the risk of contamination, it is important to wash any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the affected produce using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.
In addition to this outbreak, the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a second salmonella outbreak involving a different strain. This second outbreak has sickened at least 158 people in nearly two dozen states. Health officials are working to determine if there is a connection between the two outbreaks, as they share several similarities.
Salmonella infections can cause symptoms that begin anywhere from six hours to six days after ingesting the bacteria. These symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps.
While most people recover within a week without requiring treatment, young children, elderly individuals, and those with compromised immune systems are at a higher risk of developing serious illnesses from salmonella infection.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.