Federal officials report that 381 individuals are now confirmed as patients in two Salmonella outbreaks linked to fresh cucumbers.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that 75% of the interviewed patients reported consuming fresh cucumbers before falling ill. According to the CDC’s outbreak update, “Epidemiologic data show that cucumbers may be contaminated with Salmonella and could make people sick.”

In the outbreak of Salmonella Africana infection, the number of patients has increased to 196, up from 162 a week ago. In the Salmonella Braenderup outbreak, 185 patients have been confirmed, an increase from 158 a week ago.

Patients are spread across 28 states and the District of Columbia. Out of 164 patients with available information, at least 68 have required hospitalization in the Salmonella Africana outbreak, according to the CDC. No deaths have been reported. Details about patients in the Salmonella Braenderup outbreak will be shared as they become available.

“The two outbreaks share several similarities, including where and when illnesses occurred and the demographics of ill people,” according to the CDC.

In response to the outbreak, Fresh Start Produce Sales of Delray, FL, initiated a recall. The company that supplied cucumbers to Fresh Start is no longer growing and harvesting, and the recalled cucumbers should no longer be on the market, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

As part of the Salmonella Africana investigation, officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture collected cucumber samples from several retail locations in the state. Testing identified Salmonella Bareilly, a different strain of Salmonella than the one causing the current outbreak. The CDC is not currently investigating an outbreak related to this strain.

In the Salmonella Africana outbreak, illnesses began on March 11, with the most recently confirmed patient falling ill on May 23.

“The true number of sick people in this outbreak is likely much higher than the number reported, and the outbreak may not be limited to the states with known illnesses,” the CDC stated.

The CDC estimates that for every confirmed case of Salmonella outbreaks, there are likely 29 more unreported cases. This discrepancy exists because some individuals do not seek medical treatment, and others who do may not be specifically tested for Salmonella infection. Additionally, there can be a delay of up to four weeks or more for confirmed patients to be added to the federal tally because of the time it takes between diagnosis and reporting to public health officials.

Source: FSN

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