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FDA, CDC probe salmonella outbreaks, cucumbers suspected.

The CDC and FDA are investigating a cucumber-related salmonella outbreak that has infected an increasing number of people.

Published June 14, 2024 at 3:48pm by Mike Snider

The U.S. is currently grappling with not one, but two #Salmonella outbreaks, likely linked to cucumbers. The CDC and FDA are investigating as the illness toll rises to over 380 people in at least 28 states. The FDA reported on Wednesday that the number of sick people in both outbreaks has increased:

Salmonella Africana outbreak: 196 cases in 28 states and Washington, D.C. [(CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/africana-06-24/index.html), including 68 hospitalizations and no deaths. Cases were reported between March 30 and May 23, with 74% of interviewed patients linking their illness to cucumber consumption.
Salmonella Braenderup outbreak: 185 cases in 24 states ([FDA)](#).

On May 31, Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. recalled cucumbers grown in Florida and shipped to 14 states between May 17 and 21 after some tested positive for Salmonella. However, the strain detected (Salmonella Bareilly) doesn't match either outbreak.

"[The recall] is likely warranted," food safety lawyer Bill Marler said, citing the high number of people with salmonella infections who reported eating cucumbers.

The CDC says Salmonella is usually spread via contaminated water and raw/undercooked foods. It can cause severe symptoms like diarrhea, fever, aches, headaches, and even lead to death. Vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and those with compromised immunity are at higher risk.

States reporting Salmonella Africana infections:

Alabama
Arkansas
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Iowa
Indiana
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
North Carolina
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Washington

Food safety expert Barbara Kowalcyk advises vulnerable individuals to avoid eating cucumbers for now. She also recommends thorough washing and caution against daily consumption until the outbreak sources are identified. With salmonella cases likely underreported by a factor of 30, staying vigilant about food safety is crucial.