The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has warned Americans of a salmonella outbreak that has already sickened 162 people.
According to the CDC, it appears that this virus outbreak may be because of previously recalled cucumbers that have been sold in at least 25 states in the U.S.
Recalled Cucumbers
Just last week, many cucumbers were recalled after testing detected salmonella in one of the vegetables. These cucumbers were distributed by Fresh Start Produce, located in Delray Beach, Florida.
These whole cucumbers were shipped to at least 25 different states from May 17 to May 21.
The CDC’s Update
Now, the CDC is updating this situation, as they have more information to share. Though the center admits that more testing needs to be conducted to ensure their claims are 100% accurate, the CDC now believes that these recalled cucumbers may be behind a recent salmonella outbreak.
As salmonella bacteria has been found in these recalled cucumbers, the CDC has been able to find that these cucumbers were sold in the same area where people have become sick.
Removing Cucumbers From Stores
According to this recall last week, people who have bought these cucumbers should not eat them at all. They should throw them away.
Stores around the country have also been directed to ensure that this produce is no longer available to purchase on their shelves.
Dealing With Recalled Produce
The CDC has also explained that those who have bought these recalled cucumbers should ensure they make proper moves after throwing the potentially contaminated produce away.
People should wash all items and surfaces that have been in contact with the cucumbers. To accurately ensure all bacteria is killed, experts recommend using hot, soapy water. Using a dishwasher can also help.
Salmonella Outbreak Impacts
CDC’s most recent update has also revealed that people have become ill after being sickened with salmonella. So far, at least 162 Americans have become sick in 25 states and Washington, D.C.
Many of these sicknesses occurred earlier this year, between March 11 and May 16. Now that these cucumbers have been recalled, there is hope that these infections will no longer happen.
Dozens of People Have Been Hospitalized
Unfortunately, at least 54 people have also been hospitalized after becoming infected with this salmonella bacteria.
However, the CDC has stated that though some severe illnesses have occurred which have led to these hospitalizations, nobody has died from this specific outbreak.
Salmonella Symptoms
Becoming infected with salmonella can impact people differently. Every case is different. Some people may only have slight symptoms after ingesting food contaminated with this bacteria, while others could become incredibly sick.
The most common symptoms include fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
How Salmonella Impacts Different People
Most people can expect to recover from a salmonella infection in just a week — even without treatment.
However, certain vulnerable groups of the population may have to receive treatment to fully recover from more severe symptoms. People of these potentially vulnerable groups include young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
Two Different Salmonella Outbreaks
This latest CDC update about cucumbers possibly being the source of this recent salmonella outbreak comes as health officials are fighting another salmonella outbreak.
Therefore, U.S. health experts are currently trying to stop two different strains of salmonella from further sickening the population.
A Second Outbreak
This second salmonella outbreak has already sickened at least 158 people in about two dozen states in the country.
So far, officials haven’t determined whether this outbreak could come from the same cucumbers, or if another contaminated food item is responsible. However, the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have claimed that both of these outbreaks have a lot of similarities to each other. Further testing done by both agencies may help officials learn if they may come from the same source.
The CDC’s Next Steps
Now, the CDC will take a few steps to better understand the next moves they should take. The center announced that they would conduct more testing on those who are sick and the bacteria found in the recalled cucumbers.
The CDC will then look at this testing to find if the salmonella strain in both Americans and cucumbers are the same — and, therefore, if these cucumbers are truly causing this recent outbreak.
