A California produce company was forced to recall cucumbers imported from Mexico amid growing concerns that they might be the source of a new salmonella outbreak. According to authorities, the infectious disease has already killed one person and infected at least 285 people in 27 American states. In the state of Arizona alone have been reported at least 66 cases spread across at least six counties. According to reports, since the outbreak was first reported in early July, another 53 individuals have been hospitalized.
Since July 3, after becoming infected with a strain of Salmonella Poona, one person in California died and 53 people have been hospitalized since July 3, according to a statement made on Friday, Sept. 4, by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDA). The statement added that more than half of the people affected by the outbreak are younger than the age of 18.
The company called Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce, declared that it is recalling all cucumbers sold from Aug 1 through Thursday under the Limited Edition brand label. The cucumbers were imported from Baja California, Mexico. According to company's statement, they were distributed in at least 22 U.S. states. The company added that no other vegetables or fruits were included in the recall.
The victim was a 99-year-old woman from San Diego. More than half of those who have been infected by the disease so far have been children under the age of 18. According to experts, Salmonella posses a bigger risk to elderly, children and other groups with compromised immune systems.
Salmonella poisoning posses one of the biggest food-related risks in the United States and around the world. There are some 2,000 different strains of the Salmonella bacteria, but only a dozen or so of the strains are believed to actually get people sick.
The Center for Disease Control reports explains that according to statistics, Salmonella poisoning results in approximately 19,000 hospitalizations per year, along with 380 deaths. However, for most people it is possible to recover without treatment within three to four days.
Common signs of Salmonella poisoning include cramps, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, muscle pain, fever and vomiting. It is recommended to seek medical attention immediately if you believe you are suffering from Salmonella poisoning, as the disease is very serious. Besides food poisoning infection with Salmonella can result for people with weakened immune systems in diseases such as such as paratyphoid fever and typhoid fever.
