CDC Reports Multiple Salmonella Cases in Widespread Outbreak Associated with Cucumbers

December 2, 2024 TruthUSA

The CDC reported that 68 individuals were affected by the outbreak across 19 states, with 18 requiring hospitalization.

Last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that a number of individuals throughout the United States were affected by a salmonella outbreak associated with cucumbers.

A notice released on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) site indicated that SunFed Produce voluntarily recalled “fresh American/slicer cucumbers” from a grower based in Sonora, Mexico, sold between October 12 and November 26 of this year. The CDC noted that the bacterial contamination is potentially linked to cucumbers from SunFed.

In a recent update on November 29, the CDC confirmed that 68 people were affected by the outbreak across 19 states, with 18 hospitalized.

The CDC’s map illustrated that 16 cases were reported in Montana, while Colorado had eight cases, and Oregon recorded seven. Texas, Washington state, and Massachusetts each had five cases.

Additionally, cases were documented in South Dakota, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Utah, Wyoming, and California.

“This outbreak may extend beyond the states with reported illnesses, and the actual number of affected individuals is likely much greater than what has been reported,” the agency cautioned. “This is because many individuals recover without seeking medical attention and do not undergo testing for salmonella.”

The CDC advises that anyone who purchased whole fresh American cucumbers between October 12 and November 26 and cannot confirm their origin should “dispose of them” to avoid potential salmonella risk. They also recommend cleaning any items or surfaces that may have come into contact with the recalled cucumbers using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher.

According to the health agency, individuals with “SunFed Mexico” branded cucumbers in their refrigerators should not consume them and are encouraged to discard them or return them to the retailer.

Salmonella Symptoms

Health officials note that salmonella infections may result in fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In some cases, salmonella can enter the bloodstream, leading to more severe conditions such as endocarditis, arthritis, and infections in the arteries.

In rare instances, these bacterial infections can be deadly, particularly for young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Health officials advise that anyone experiencing symptoms of salmonella should contact their healthcare provider immediately, especially if they exhibit severe symptoms such as a fever exceeding 102 degrees F combined with diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, or persistent diarrhea for more than three days without improvement.

Other serious symptoms may include severe vomiting or signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, dry throat, infrequent urination, and dizziness or lightheadedness when standing. Treatments for severe salmonella infections often include antibiotics, while individuals suffering from diarrhea are encouraged to increase fluid intake.

The CDC estimates that salmonella causes approximately 1.35 million infections each year, primarily through food, resulting in roughly 420 deaths annually. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates around 125,000 infections from chicken and 43,000 from turkey occur each year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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