162 sickened in Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers: CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Wednesday A salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers has sickened 162 people.

“Epidemiological data indicates that the cucumbers are contaminated with Salmonella bacteria and may be causing illness in people,” the agency said in an investigation notice on Wednesday.

“Testing has confirmed the presence of Salmonella in cucumbers taken as part of this investigation, leading to the recall,” the notice continued. “Further testing is ongoing to determine if it is the same strain of bacteria that is making people sick. Investigators are also working to gather more information to determine if other cucumbers are affected.”

The outbreak has also led to 54 hospitalizations and affected 25 states and Washington, D.C., the department said in an investigation notice Wednesday.

Last week, Fresh Start Produce Sales announced it was recalling “whole cucumbers shipped to certain states between May 17 and May 21, 2024 due to possible Salmonella contamination.” In the announcement.

“The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons between May 17 and May 21, 2024, directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers and foodservice businesses in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia,” the announcement reads.

The CDC said people should “avoid eating any of the recalled cucumbers” and “contact your health care provider” if they experience symptoms such as “bloody stool or vomiting that prevents them from drinking fluids.”