A salmonella outbreak that has been linked to cucumbers has left at least 449 people ill - with a recall notice now in place.
Two growers have been identified as the ‘likely sources’ of the illnesses, although their cucumbers to not account for the total number of incidents.
What is salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes food poisoning, which can be caused from eating infected raw meat or seafood to fruit and vegetables.
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According to the US' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of a salmonella infection include diarrhoea, fever and stomach cramps, while some people may also have nausea, vomiting or a headache.
These usually develop between six hours and six days after exposure and typically last four to seven days, however, it may also take several months before your stomach returns to normal.
While most healthy people may not need any treatment and are able to recover within a week, antibiotics are recommended for infants, adults of 65 and people with severe illness or weakened immune system.
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"Patients should drink extra fluids as long as diarrhea lasts," the CDC advised.
"In some cases, the illness can be so severe that the person needs to be hospitalized.
"In rare cases, infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream, or to other parts of the body. These patients should be treated promptly with antibiotics."
Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers
At least 449 people have become unwell after a salmonella outbreak that’s been linked to cucumbers in the US.
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The CDC said that people in 31 states and Washington DC fell ill after consuming cucumbers, explaining that the ‘likely sources of illnesses’ are two growers in Florida – Bedner Growers Inc. in Boynton Beach and Thomas Produce Company in Boca Raton.
However, the CDC added: “These growers do not account for all the illnesses in this outbreak.”
Have there been any deaths?
In a notice on its website, it said 125 had been hospitalised, and that no deaths had been reported.
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“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,” it continued to say.
“This is because many people recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. In addition, recent illnesses may not yet be reported as it usually takes 3 to 4 weeks to determine if a sick person is part of an outbreak.”
The CDC also said Bedner Growers, Inc. and Thomas Produce Company ‘are no longer growing and harvesting cucumbers for the season’, meaning ‘there is no product from these farms on the market and likely no ongoing risk to the public’.
LADbible Group has reached out to Bedner Growers, Inc. and Thomas Produce Company for comment.
Topics: Health, Food and Drink
Jess Hardiman