More than 400 sickened by salmonella-tainted cucumbers

SEATTLE Salmonella-tainted cucumbers from Mexico now have sickened at least 418 people in 31 states, health officials said Tuesday.

The ongoing outbreak of foodborne illness has sent 91 people to hospitals and caused two deaths, in California and Texas. More than half the people sickened are children younger than 18, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Investigators have identified cucumbers imported from Mexico and distributed by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce as a likely source of the outbreak.

Several recalls of affected cucumbers have been announced. Most of the cases have been reported in California, with 89, and Arizona, with 72.

Illnesses have been reported with onset dates from July 3 through Sept. 3. Illnesses that occurred after Aug. 22 might not be reported yet, health officials said.

Salmonella infections can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps within 12 hours to three days after exposure to the bacteria. Most people recover without treatment, but the illness can be serious for young children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

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