More than 340 sickened in salmonella outbreak tied to cucumbers

SEATTLE The case count of people sickened in a deadly salmonella outbreak tied to imported cucumbers from Mexico has jumped to 341 in 30 states, including deaths of two people in California and Texas, with at least 70 hospitalized, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

Most of the cases have occurred in California, with 72 ill, and Arizona, with 66 ill.

Traceback investigations and laboratory tests have identified imported cucumbers grown in Mexico and distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce of San Diego as the likely source of the infections. Sixty-eight percent of ill people interviewed reported eating cucumbers in the week before they fell sick, typically between July 3 and Aug. 30. Ill people ranged in age from less than 1 year to 99, with a median age of 15.

Andrew & Williamson has recalled all cucumbers sold under its Limited Edition brand label between Aug. 1 and Sept. 3 because of potential contamination.

If consumers aren’t sure if they have recalled cucumbers, they should ask the local retailer to identify the source.

Most people infected with salmonella develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps between 12 and 72 hours after being exposed to the bacteria. Illness typically lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment.

However, in some people particularly young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems illness may be so severe that the patient must be hospitalized. In rare cases, salmonella can cause deadly bloodstream infections.

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