At least 449 people have been sickened by salmonella outbreaks linked to cucumbers.
On Wednesday, August 14, the CDC reported that people in 31 states and Washington, DC, have become ill after eating cucumbers. They said the “probable sources” of the disease are two Florida growers: Bedner Growers, Inc., of Boynton Beach, and Thomas Produce Company, of Boca Raton. But “these breeders do not explain all the illnesses in this outbreak,” the CDC added in details of the investigation.
There were 125 known outbreak-related hospitalizations, but no reported deaths.
The actual number of people who became ill is likely higher, as the CDC noted that not all would seek medical attention.
“Bedner Growers, Inc. and Thomas Produce Company in Florida no longer grow or harvest cucumbers during the season,” the CDC reported. “There is no product from these farms on the market and probably no ongoing risk to the public.”
Bedner Growers confirmed to PEOPLE that there are no cucumbers for sale at the market. PEOPLE reached out to Thomas Produce Company for comment, but did not immediately hear back.
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On June 1, the US Food and Drug Administration announced a recall of cucumbers due to possible salmonella contamination. Then the product sample tested positive for bacteria.
States that have received potentially contaminated products include Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New York, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Ohio.
The CDC and FDA combined their investigations “because they shared several similarities,” the CDC said on August 14.
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According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, which usually develop between six hours and six days after exposure. Most people with a healthy immune system recover within a week. However, salmonella infections can be dangerous for infants, adults over the age of 65, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education