The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with public health and regulatory officials in several states and the U.S. FDA, are investigating a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Africana infections potentially linked to cucumbers.

Epidemiologic data indicate that cucumbers may be the source of contamination, causing illness among consumers. As of June 4 162 cases of Salmonella Africana infection have been reported across 25 states and the District of Columbia. The onset of illnesses ranges from March 11 to May 16.

Among the 127 individuals with available information, 54 have required hospitalization. As of the posting of this update, no deaths have been reported. The actual number of infected individuals is likely higher than reported, as many people recover without seeking medical care or being tested for Salmonella.

Additionally, recent cases might not yet be documented due to the time required to determine if a patient is part of the outbreak. Public health officials have gathered various demographic details from the infected individuals to aid in pinpointing the outbreak’s source. The data reveal: Of 65 patients interviewed, 47 reported consuming cucumbers in the week before becoming ill.

The CDC’s PulseNet system, which manages a national database of DNA fingerprints for bacteria causing foodborne illnesses, has been instrumental in this investigation. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the bacteria from infected individuals shows they are genetically related.