Latest Fast Facts
- Illnesses: 449 (38 new Africana, 215 Braenderup new)
- Hospitalizations: 125 (11 new Africana, 50 Braenderup new)
- Deaths: 0
- States: 31 states and the District of Columbia)
- Recall: Yes
- Investigation status: Active
Salmonella Outbreak Cases Associated With Cucumbers Nearly Triple in a Month
As of July 2nd, 2024, 449 people have been sickened and 124 people hospitalized.
Persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Africana and Braenderuo, by state of residence, as of July 1, 2024.
Image credits: FDA
As of July 2, 2024, there have been 449 reported cases of infection from the Salmonella Africana and Salmonella Braenderup outbreak strains across 31 states and the District of Columbia. Among these cases, 215 were attributed to the newly identified Salmonella Braenderup strain. Out of the 188 individuals interviewed, 129, 69%, stated that they had consumed cucumbers. Numbers have nearly tripled since the initial alert.1
Cucumbers from Bedner Growers, Inc, based in Boynton Beach, Florida, have emerged as a probable source of the outbreak, although not all cases can be definitively linked to this supplier. During an FDA onsite inspection, Salmonella Braenderup was detected in samples of untreated canal water used by the grower, with Whole Genome Sequencing confirming a genetic match to the strain responsible for some illnesses. Additionally, other types of Salmonella were found in soil and water samples taken from the same location.
Recalled product. The public is advised to check for recalled cucumbers and discard them if they are unsure of their status.
Image Credit: FDA
According to the initial release from the FDA on June 4th, just 162 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Africana have been reported from 25 states and the District of Columbia. There have been 54 people hospitalized, and no deaths associated with the outbreak Of the 65 people interviewed, 47 (72%) reported eating cucumbers.2
Fresh Start Produce Sales recalled cucumbers grown in Florida and distributed to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in AL, FL, GA, IL, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA, and WV from May 17 through May 21, 2024.2 Federal official do caution that the affected cucumbers may have been distributed to other states.
The recalled cucumbers are dark green and approximately 1.5 -2.0 inches in diameter and 5-9 inches long. Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall.2
What the Public Should Do
CDC notes that recalled cucumbers should no longer be in stores but to exercise caution at this point.
Specifically, they want consumers to be aware of the recalled cucumbers. If anyone has recently purchased cucumbers and has them at home, consumers can check with the store where they purchased them to see if they were part of the recall. If consumers can’t tell, they are recommended to discard them.
In addition, the federal agency recommends washing items and surfaces that may have touched the recalled cucumbers using hot soapy water or a dishwasher.
Lastly, people should call their health care providers if they have any of these severe Salmonella symptoms:
- Diarrhea and a fever higher than 102°F
- Diarrhea for more than 3 days that is not improving
- Bloody diarrhea
- So much vomiting that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of dehydration, such as:
- Not peeing much
- Dry mouth and throat
- Feeling dizzy when standing up1
Ongoing Investigation
Bedner Growers, Inc's cucumber growing and harvesting season has concluded, so their products are no longer available on the market, suggesting there is likely no current risk to the public from this source. Although, it is important to note that this particular grower does not explain all the illnesses associated with the outbreak. The FDA's investigation into the outbreak remains active, and updates to this advisory will be provided as more information is gathered and analyzed.1
References
Salmonella Outbreak Associated With Cucumbers. CDC. June 5, 2024. Accessed July 9, 2024.
https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/africana-06-24/index.htmlOutbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Cucumbers (June 2024).FDA June 5, 2024. Accessed July 9, 2024.
https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-salmonella-cucumbers-june-2024
Recent Videos
Related Content
