Federal officials say 381 people are now confirmed as patients in two Salmonella outbreaks linked to fresh cucumbers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 75 percent of patients interviewed reported eating fresh cucumbers in the days before becoming ill. “Epidemiologic data show that cucumbers may be contaminated with Salmonella and may be making people sick,” according to an outbreak update from the CDC.
In an outbreak of Salmonella Africana infection, the patient count stands at 196, up from 162 a week ago. In an outbreak of Salmonella Braenderup, 185 patients have been confirmed, up from 158 a week ago. Patients are stretched from coast to coast, living in 28 states and the District of Columbia.
Of 164 patients with information available, at least 68 have required hospitalization in the Salmonella Africana outbreak, according to the CDC. No one has died. Details about the patients in the Salmonella Braenderup outbreak will be reported 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. Fresh Start Produce Sales of Delray, FL, initiated a recall because of the outbreak. 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.
“As part of the Salmonella Africana investigation, offic.
